Woe to those who rise early to pursue strong drink, staying late into the night until wine inflames them—the prophet catalogs the vice of drunkenness and its associated spiritual blindness and loss of judgment. The specific mention of rising early and staying late emphasizes that drunkenness has become a priority, displacing any concern for productive work or covenant obligation. The flame of wine suggests intoxication that inflames passion and judgment, leading to further degradation. This woe targets the lifestyle of the wealthy and powerful who pursue pleasure without restraint while others suffer want. The inclusion of drunkenness in the catalogue of vices suggests that loss of self-control and judgment leads to loss of capacity for justice and righteousness. This verse connects to wisdom literature where drunkenness is a sign of foolishness and spiritual danger.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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