The term "Wine of Abominations" is a symbolic expression found within the apocalyptic literature of the Bible, particularly in the Book of Revelation. It is closely associated with the imagery of Babylon the Great, a representation of a corrupt and idolatrous system opposed to God and His people.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to the "Wine of Abominations" is found in Revelation 17:4, which describes the harlot Babylon: "The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls. She held in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality" . This imagery is further expanded in Revelation 18:3: "For all the nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her immorality; the kings of the earth were immoral with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown wealthy from the extravagance of her luxury" .

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In the context of Revelation, the "Wine of Abominations" symbolizes the intoxicating influence of Babylon's idolatry and moral corruption. The "wine" represents the seductive power of sin and false religion, which leads nations and individuals away from the truth of God. The "abominations" refer to detestable practices, often associated with idolatry and immorality, that are abhorrent to God.

The imagery of a "golden cup" filled with such abominations suggests a deceptive allure; what appears valuable and desirable is, in reality, filled with corruption and spiritual poison. This reflects the deceptive nature of sin, which often presents itself as attractive and fulfilling but ultimately leads to destruction.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the "Wine of Abominations" serves as a warning against the dangers of compromising with worldly systems that are opposed to God's kingdom. It highlights the spiritual battle between the forces of good and evil, urging believers to remain faithful and discerning in the face of temptation and false teachings.

The call to "come out of her, My people" in Revelation 18:4 underscores the necessity for Christians to separate themselves from the corrupting influences of Babylon, both in terms of personal holiness and corporate allegiance. This separation is not merely physical but involves a rejection of the values and practices that are contrary to God's will.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Historically, Babylon was a city known for its wealth, power, and idolatry. In the biblical narrative, it often symbolizes human pride and rebellion against God. The use of Babylon as a metaphor in Revelation draws on this historical context to convey the pervasive and enduring nature of spiritual opposition throughout history.

In the cultural context of the early church, the Roman Empire, with its emphasis on emperor worship and moral decadence, was often seen as a manifestation of Babylon. The "Wine of Abominations" thus served as a critique of the empire's corrupting influence and a call to resist its demands for allegiance.

Practical Application:

For contemporary believers, the concept of the "Wine of Abominations" serves as a reminder to remain vigilant against the subtle and overt influences of a world that often stands in opposition to God's truth. It encourages a steadfast commitment to biblical principles and a reliance on the Holy Spirit for discernment and strength in the face of spiritual challenges.Revelation 14:8
And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 16:19
And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give to her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.
Nave's Topical Index

The First Great Deception.
... The theory of eternal torment is one of the false doctrines that constitute the
wine of the abominations of Babylon, of which she makes all nations drink.(939 ...
/.../33 the first great deception.htm

A Woman on a Scarlet-Colored Beast.
... A SECRET: BABYLON, THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE HARLOTS AND THE ABOMINATIONS OF
THE ... all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore are ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/a woman on a scarlet-colored.htm

Laodicea
... I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the ... 25-28 of
Israel; where Jehovah warns that, if they adopted the abominations of heathen ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/laodicea.htm

Letter xxix. (AD 395. )
... the divine precepts, and who are given up to the abominations of carnal ... attention
by bringing forward the subject of immoderate indulgence in wine, I myself ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxix a d 395.htm

In the Last Chapter we Confined Ourself to the Old Testament, in ...
... came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the ... In
Rev.17:5 Babylon is termed "the Mother of harlots and abominations of the earth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the last chapter we.htm

The Seventh Commandment
... he wrought was at a marriage, when he turned the water into wine.' Marriage is a ...
behold a door; and he said, Go in and behold the wicked abominations that they ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 7 the seventh commandment.htm

Augustin a Priest
... boiled rice, have tasted meat, or drunk only one cup of wine, there is ... He declared
that these abominations might have been tolerated in former times so as not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv augustin a priest.htm

Epistle i. To Donatus.
... It is inevitable, as it ever has been, that the love of wine should entice ... 8. Hence
turn your looks to the abominations, not less to be deplored, of another ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle i to donatus.htm

Sabbath Observance
... the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and ...
places, would make a wonderful difference on many of the abominations of our ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/sabbath observance.htm

Nehemiah, the Praying Builder
... life of the king in his charge, because he was responsible for the wine which he ...
the strong men in these days who can weep at the evils and abominations of the ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/viii nehemiah the praying builder.htm

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