Topical Bible: Wine was Used: At all Feasts and Entertainments

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Wine holds a significant place in the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel, as evidenced by its frequent mention in the Bible. It was a staple at feasts and entertainments, symbolizing joy, celebration, and divine blessing. The use of wine in these contexts underscores its importance in the social and religious life of the people.

Biblical References:

1. Feasts and Celebrations:
Wine was an integral part of various feasts and celebrations. In the Old Testament, wine is often associated with joy and festivity. For instance, in the book of Esther, the king's banquet is described as a time of great merriment, where wine played a central role: "By the king’s command each guest was allowed to drink with no restrictions, for the king instructed all the wine stewards to serve each man what he desired" (Esther 1:8).

2. Religious Festivals:
During religious festivals, wine was used as a symbol of God's provision and blessing. In Deuteronomy 14:26, the Israelites are instructed to use their tithes to buy whatever they desire, including wine, to celebrate before the Lord: "Then you may spend the money on anything you desire—cattle, sheep, wine or strong drink, or anything you wish. You are to feast there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice with your household" (Deuteronomy 14:26).

3. Weddings:
Wine was also a key element in wedding celebrations. The wedding at Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle by turning water into wine, highlights the cultural expectation of wine at such events. The master of the banquet remarked on the quality of the wine provided by Jesus, saying, "Everyone serves the fine wine first, and then the cheap wine after the guests are drunk. But you have saved the fine wine until now!" (John 2:10).

4. Symbol of Joy and Blessing:
Wine is frequently used as a metaphor for joy and divine blessing. In Psalm 104:15, it is noted that God provides "wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart" (Psalm 104:15). This verse illustrates the role of wine as a gift from God, intended to bring happiness and sustenance.

5. Warnings Against Excess:
While wine was a common feature of feasts and entertainments, the Bible also provides warnings against excessive consumption. Proverbs 20:1 cautions, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise" (Proverbs 20:1). This highlights the need for moderation and the potential dangers of overindulgence.

Cultural Context:

In ancient Israel, wine was not only a beverage but also a symbol of prosperity and divine favor. Vineyards were a sign of wealth and stability, and the abundance of wine was often seen as a blessing from God. The production and consumption of wine were deeply embedded in the agricultural and social fabric of the time.

Wine's presence at feasts and entertainments reflects its role as a facilitator of community and fellowship. It was a means of enhancing the joy of gatherings and was often used to honor guests and celebrate significant events. The biblical portrayal of wine at feasts underscores its dual role as both a gift to be enjoyed and a substance to be respected.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Esther 1:7
And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.
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Esther 5:6
And the king said to Esther at the banquet of wine, What is your petition? and it shall be granted you: and what is your request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
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Isaiah 5:12
And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.
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Daniel 5:1-4
Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
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John 2:3
And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus said to him, They have no wine.
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Library

The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ...
... Presently they all lie down at table. ... Idumaea; beer from Media and Babylon; a
barley-wine (zythos) from ... such as mustard or pepper, were to be sparingly used. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii the morning-meal in.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Excess, produceth drunkenness, and not wine, [572]373; its harms ... miracles, [582]31;
objective, the same to all, [583]51 ... the end, [584]131, [585]132; used of that ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Hymns, Festival and Occasional.
... of the 6th of John, is still occasionally used at the ... love, is past and gone; The
bread and wine remove, but ... Yea, amen; let all adore Thee High on Thy eternal ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter xiii hymns festival and.htm

Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... 4:6, we learn that a day is often used to represent ... a consummation in one great image,
unto which all bow and ... of the earth becoming drunk on the wine of her ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... up, [1513]ib.; His gifts cannot be used unless He ... to give, [1591]330; to be preached
to all nations before ... to do so like mixing vinegar with wine, [1629]318. ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... and also under his sons the continuation of that centralization which had already
been carried far by Diocletian, the same court ceremonial and all that went ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm