Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
Terrible trouble is coming to those who get up early in the morning just to start drinking alcohol, and who keep drinking all day long until nighttime, when wine makes them completely drunk!
God is warning that serious consequences await those who live only for drinking and getting drunk from morning until night.
📚 Historical Context
Isaiah was prophesying during a time of great prosperity in Israel and Judah (8th century BC), when many people had become wealthy and self-indulgent. The upper classes often spent their days in luxurious feasting and heavy drinking instead of caring for justice and the needs of others. This verse is part of a series of 'woes' (warnings of judgment) that Isaiah pronounced against various sins of his society.
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