Topical Encyclopedia Wine, a significant element in the cultural and religious life of ancient Israel, is often mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of joy, celebration, and divine blessing. However, it also appears as an instrument of divine judgment and a symbol of deprivation when the Israelites turned away from God. The withholding of wine, along with other necessities, served as a punishment for disobedience and a call to repentance.Biblical Instances of Deprivation of Wine 1. Deuteronomy 28:39 · In the context of the blessings and curses pronounced upon Israel, God warns of the consequences of disobedience. The Israelites are told, "You will plant and cultivate vineyards, but will neither drink the wine nor gather the grapes, because worms will eat them." This curse highlights the futility of their labor and the loss of expected joy and sustenance due to their unfaithfulness. 2. Isaiah 24:7-11 · The prophet Isaiah describes a time of desolation and mourning, where "The new wine dries up, the vine withers; all the merrymakers groan." The absence of wine signifies a broader judgment upon the land, affecting both the physical and spiritual well-being of the people. The joy and celebration associated with wine are replaced by lamentation and despair. 3. Jeremiah 48:33 · In a prophecy against Moab, Jeremiah declares, "Joy and gladness are taken away from the fruitful field and from the land of Moab. I have stopped the flow of wine from the presses; no one treads them with shouts of joy." Although directed at Moab, this imagery reflects a common theme in prophetic literature where the cessation of wine production symbolizes divine judgment. 4. Hosea 2:8-9 · The prophet Hosea speaks of Israel's unfaithfulness and God's response: "She did not know that it was I who gave her the grain, the new wine, and the oil... Therefore, I will take back My grain in its time and My new wine in its season." Here, the removal of wine is part of a broader withdrawal of divine provision, intended to awaken Israel to their dependence on God. 5. Amos 5:11 · The prophet Amos addresses the social injustices of Israel, stating, "You have planted pleasant vineyards, but you will not drink their wine." This pronouncement serves as a direct consequence of their exploitation and neglect of justice, emphasizing that their ill-gotten gains will not bring them the satisfaction they seek. Theological Implications The deprivation of wine in these contexts serves as a tangible expression of God's judgment. It underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where blessings are contingent upon obedience. Wine, as a symbol of joy and divine favor, becomes a poignant reminder of what is lost when the people turn away from God. The absence of wine is not merely a physical deprivation but a spiritual one, calling the Israelites to repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness. Throughout the Scriptures, the theme of wine deprivation highlights the seriousness of sin and the consequences of straying from God's commandments. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for obedience and the blessings that flow from a right relationship with God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 24:7,11The new wine mourns, the vine languishes, all the merry hearted do sigh. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hosea 2:9 Joel 1:10 Haggai 1:11 Haggai 2:16 Library The Martyrdom of James, who was Called the Brother of the Lord. Acts iii. 1 Paul in Jerusalem. The Arguments Usually Alleged in Support of Free Will Refuted. Concerning Masada and those Sicarii who Kept It; and How Silva ... This HomilyWas Delivered in the Old Church of Antioch Treatise vii. On the Mortality. Letters to Olympias. The Persecutions of the Church. John v. 23, 24 Resources Did Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? | GotQuestions.orgDid Jesus drink wine/alcohol? | GotQuestions.org Should wine or grape juice be used for communion? | GotQuestions.org Wine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wine in Excess: Impairs the Health Wine in Excess: Impairs the Judgment and Memory Wine in Excess: Inflames the Passions Wine in Excess: Infuriates the Temper Wine in Excess: Leads to Remorse Wine in Excess: Leads to Sorrow and Contention Wine in Times of Scarcity, Was Mixed With Water Wine of the Abominations of the Apostasy Wine of the Blessing of the Gospel Wine of the Joys of Spiritual Matters Wine of the Wrath and Judgments of God Wine Press of the Judgments of God Wine Press: General Scriptures Concerning Wine Press: Treading The, of the Sufferings of Christ Wine Press: Trodden With Joy and Shouting Wine was Made of The Juice of the Grape Wine was Made of The Juice of the Pomegranate Wine was Used for Drink offerings in Idolatrous Worship Wine was Used for Drink offerings in the Worship of God Wine was Used: As a Beverage from the Earliest Age Wine was Used: At all Feasts and Entertainments Wine with Corn and Oil, Denoted all Temporal Blessings Wine: Abstinence from of Daniel Wine: Abstinence from of the Courtiers of Ahasuerus Wine: Abstinence from of Timothy Wine: Admonitions Against the Use of Wine: An Article of Extensive Commerce Wine: Cheap Wine (Like Vinegar) Given to Jesus at the Crucifixion Wine: Consequence of Putting (When New), Into Old Bottles Wine: Custom of Giving to Persons in Pain or Suffering, Mixed With Wine: Custom of Presenting to Travellers Wine: First Fruits of, to be offered to God Wine: First Mode of Making, Notice Wine: Forbidden to Nazarites During Their Separation Wine: Forbidden to Priests While on Duty Wine: Forbidden to the Priests While Engaged in the Tabernacle Wine: Generally Made by Treading the Grapes in a Press Wine: Given by Melchizedek to Abraham Wine: Given in Abundance to the Jews when Obedient Wine: Intoxication from the Use of Wine: Intoxication From: Ahasuerus Wine: Intoxication From: Amnon Wine: Intoxication From: Falsely Charged Against the Disciples Wine: Intoxication From: Joseph and his Brothers Wine: Intoxication From: Kings of Israel Wine: Intoxication From: Nabal Wine: Made by Jesus at the Marriage Feast in Cana Wine: Often Spiced to Increase Its Strength Wine: Places Celebrated For: Assyria Wine: Places Celebrated For: Canaan in General Wine: Places Celebrated For: Helbon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Lebanon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Moab Wine: Places Celebrated For: Possessions of Judah Wine: Recommended by Paul to Timothy Wine: Samson's Mother Forbidden to Drink Wine: Sometimes Mixed With Milk As a Beverage Wine: Sweet, Esteemed for Flavour and Strength Wine: Symbolical of the Blood of Jesus Wine: The Jews Frequently Deprived of, As a Punishment Wine: The Jews Frequently Drank, to Excess Wine: The Love of Christ to be Preferred To Wine: The Rechabites Never Drank Wine: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Wine: Water Miraculously Turned Into Related Terms |