Topical Encyclopedia The phrase "wine of violence and rapine" is a metaphorical expression found within the biblical text, illustrating the destructive and intoxicating nature of sin, particularly those sins associated with violence and plunder. This imagery is used to convey the idea that engaging in such acts can be as intoxicating and consuming as wine, leading individuals to further moral decay and spiritual blindness.Biblical Context and Usage The concept of "wine" in the Bible often symbolizes joy, celebration, and blessing, as seen in passages like Psalm 104:15, which speaks of wine that "gladdens the heart of man." However, wine also serves as a metaphor for judgment and wrath, as in Jeremiah 25:15, where the prophet is instructed to take the "cup of the wine of wrath" to the nations. The dual nature of wine as both a blessing and a curse is pivotal in understanding its metaphorical use in relation to violence and rapine. The term "violence" in the Bible is frequently associated with injustice, oppression, and the shedding of innocent blood. Proverbs 4:17 states, "For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence." Here, the "wine of violence" is depicted as something consumed by the wicked, suggesting that their actions are as habitual and sustaining to them as food and drink. This consumption leads to a cycle of further wickedness and moral corruption. "Rapine," or plunder, is closely linked with violence in biblical texts. It refers to the act of seizing and carrying off by force, often associated with warfare and the oppression of the weak. The Bible condemns such acts, as seen in Habakkuk 2:8 : "Because you have plundered many nations, the remnant of the peoples will plunder you—because of your bloodshed against man and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers." Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the "wine of violence and rapine" serves as a warning against the seductive nature of sin. Just as wine can impair judgment and lead to reckless behavior, so too can the pursuit of violence and plunder lead individuals away from righteousness and into spiritual ruin. The Bible consistently calls for justice, mercy, and humility before God, as seen in Micah 6:8 : "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" The metaphor also highlights the consequences of such sinful behavior. Those who indulge in the "wine of violence and rapine" are warned of divine retribution and the eventual downfall that accompanies a life of wickedness. This is evident in passages like Isaiah 5:22-23 , which admonishes those who "acquit the guilty for a bribe, and deprive the innocent of justice." Moral and Ethical Considerations The imagery of the "wine of violence and rapine" challenges believers to examine their own lives and the societal structures around them. It calls for a rejection of violence and exploitation in all forms, urging a commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of the vulnerable. The Bible's teachings encourage believers to be agents of change, promoting a culture that values life and upholds the dignity of every individual. In summary, the "wine of violence and rapine" serves as a powerful biblical metaphor that warns against the allure and consequences of sin, particularly those sins that involve harm to others. It underscores the importance of living a life that reflects God's justice and righteousness, steering clear of the intoxicating effects of violence and plunder. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 4:17For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Matt. xiii. 53 Letter Xlv (Circa AD 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards ... 1 Timothy iv. 3-Jan Of the Religion of Mahomet. Treatise v. An Address to Demetrianus. Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... Letter cviii. To Eustochium. The First Book The Sibylline Oracles. Matt. v. 1, 2 Resources What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol / wine? Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is consubstantiation? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus choose the wedding at Cana for His first miracle? | 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 |
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