Isaiah 56:12"Come," say they, "I will get wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow shall be as this day, a day great beyond measure."
The setting
Jerusalem, ~700 BC. Isaiah witnesses corrupt leaders mocking tomorrow's consequences while drowning in wine. Modern-day Jerusalem, Israel.
The emotion here: disgusted by leaders' callous denial
The original word
shakar (שָׁכַר) — to be intoxicated, but also to be deceived or led astray
Why it matters
Strong drink in Isaiah's time was often date wine mixed with spices, far more potent than grape wine
Read with care
What most readers miss in Isaiah 56:12
This is quoted speech - Isaiah is showing us exactly what the corrupt leaders said to each other
Common misconceptionPeople think this condemns all drinking, but it's about leaders who refuse to face coming judgment while getting drunk on their power and privilege.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Isaiah 56:12
Bible Genome reading
Isaiah 56:12 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Isaiah 56:12 comes from the book of Isaiah, written during the Divided Kingdom period. These words are attributed to God. The dominant emotion in this verse is angry, with a comfort power of 10% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the prophecy genre of biblical literature. Key themes include indulgence, false security. Notable phrases: Come, I will get wine; fill ourselves with strong drink. This verse contains prophecy.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same angry
“Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, 'I am strong.'”
— Joel 3:10
“You blind guides, who strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel!”
— Matthew 23:24
“Listen to this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who tell their husba…”
— Amos 4:1
“I hate, I despise your feasts, and I can't stand your solemn assemblies.”
— Amos 5:21
“Your eyes shall not pity; life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”
— Deuteronomy 19:21
Your reflection
What does Isaiah 56:12 mean to you, today?
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