Topical Bible: Wine: Often Spiced to Increase Its Strength

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Topical Encyclopedia

Wine holds a significant place in biblical narratives and cultural practices, often symbolizing joy, celebration, and divine blessing. In ancient times, wine was not only consumed in its natural form but was also frequently spiced to enhance its flavor and potency. This practice is reflected in various biblical passages and historical accounts, illustrating the multifaceted role of wine in biblical society.

Biblical References and Context

The Bible contains numerous references to wine, highlighting its importance in both daily life and religious ceremonies. In the Old Testament, wine is often associated with abundance and blessing. For instance, in Psalm 104:14-15 , it is written, "He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart."

The practice of spicing wine is alluded to in several passages. In Proverbs 9:2, the personification of wisdom is described as having "prepared her meat, she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table." The mixing of wine here likely refers to the addition of spices or other ingredients to enhance its flavor and strength. Similarly, in Song of Solomon 8:2, the beloved speaks of giving spiced wine to her lover, indicating a special, enriched form of the beverage.

Cultural and Historical Practices

In the ancient Near East, spicing wine was a common practice to improve its taste and increase its intoxicating effects. Ingredients such as myrrh, cinnamon, and other aromatic spices were often added. This practice is supported by archaeological findings and historical texts from surrounding cultures, which describe the preparation of spiced wines.

The process of spicing wine served multiple purposes. It not only enhanced the flavor but also acted as a preservative, extending the wine's shelf life. Additionally, spiced wine was often reserved for special occasions and was considered a luxury, reflecting wealth and status.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

Wine, particularly when spiced, carries rich symbolic meanings in the Bible. It is frequently associated with covenantal blessings and divine favor. In the New Testament, wine takes on a profound theological significance in the context of the Last Supper, where Jesus uses it as a symbol of His blood, establishing the New Covenant (Matthew 26:27-28).

The spicing of wine can also be seen as a metaphor for the richness and depth of God's blessings. Just as spices enhance the wine, so too does God's grace enrich the lives of believers. This symbolism is woven throughout Scripture, underscoring the transformative power of divine intervention.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

While wine is often depicted positively in the Bible, it is also accompanied by warnings against excess and drunkenness. Proverbs 20:1 cautions, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." The spicing of wine, which could increase its strength, serves as a reminder of the need for moderation and self-control.

In summary, the practice of spicing wine in biblical times reflects both the cultural customs of the era and the deeper spiritual truths conveyed through Scripture. Wine, in its various forms, continues to be a powerful symbol of joy, blessing, and the richness of God's provision.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 9:2,5
She has killed her beasts; she has mingled her wine; she has also furnished her table.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 23:30
They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Songs 8:2
I would lead you, and bring you into my mother's house, who would instruct me: I would cause you to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Joy
... Paul a cup of blood to drink, he spiced it with ... Wine takes away the heart;' it is
fomentum libidinis, Augustine ... 4: As Satan entered in the sop, so often in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 joy.htm

The Lord's Supper
... has furnished his table, set bread and wine (representing his ... lamp, which if it be
not often fed with ... precious cup, which is perfumed and spiced with Christ's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 5 the lords supper.htm

Ebenezer!
... We can entertain our beloved with the spiced wine of our ... of God"we must not forget
that this increase came as ... there is little worlk done men often take the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/ebenezer.htm

Vocation of Therese
... did the thirst of my own poor soul increase, and I ... My aunt used often to open it,
and make me ... From the spark's contact, And the spiced wine, They give forth ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/chapter v vocation of therese.htm

Notes
... the sphere) Melted there, As we sugar melt in wine? ... st me wassail bowls to drink,
Spiced to the ... The earliest inscriptions are often roughly scratched on plaster ...
//christianbookshelf.org/prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/notes.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... [401] Had God willed it, might He not have sent His prophet spiced wines and dainty ...
Wine is given only to the old, who with the children often have a ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm

Man's Chief End
... the banqueting-house, and given him of the spiced wine of his ... As the sponge sucks
in the wine, so shall we ... not like the water of a conduit, often stopped, so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 mans chief end.htm

Concerning Persecution
... A bitter medicine often gives strength to the weary ... Jesus'; that is, as a man loves
sweet wine for itself ... I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Examination of the Treatise
... serious and solid discussion should be, as it were, spiced by a ... men for supernatural
purposes, as in the bread and wine used, in ... This I have already often said ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/examination of the treatise.htm