Isaiah 28:7

These also stagger from wine and stumble from strong drink: Priests and prophets reel from strong drink and are befuddled by wine. They stumble because of strong drink, muddled in their visions and stumbling in their judgments.

Study Bible

And these also
This phrase indicates a continuation or addition to a previous discussion. In the context of Isaiah 28, the prophet is addressing the leaders of Israel, particularly the priests and prophets. The use of "also" suggests that the issues being discussed are not isolated but part of a broader pattern of behavior among the people. Historically, this reflects a time when the spiritual leaders were expected to guide the nation but were failing in their duties.

stagger from wine
The Hebrew root for "stagger" is "תָּעָה" (ta'ah), which conveys the idea of wandering or going astray. Wine, in this context, symbolizes indulgence and excess, leading to a loss of direction. The imagery of staggering suggests a lack of stability and control, both physically and spiritually. This serves as a metaphor for the leaders' inability to lead the people rightly due to their own moral and spiritual failings.

and stumble from strong drink
The word "stumble" comes from the Hebrew "כָּשַׁל" (kashal), meaning to totter or fall. "Strong drink" refers to intoxicating beverages, which in ancient times were often more potent than regular wine. The repetition of the idea of falling or failing due to intoxication emphasizes the severity of the leaders' condition. It highlights the dangers of allowing personal indulgence to interfere with one's responsibilities, especially in positions of spiritual authority.

Priests and prophets
These were the spiritual leaders of Israel, responsible for teaching the law and conveying God's messages to the people. The priests were tasked with maintaining the temple rituals and guiding the people in worship, while the prophets were to speak God's truth and call the nation to repentance. Their failure due to intoxication is particularly grievous because it represents a breakdown in the spiritual leadership and guidance of the nation.

reel from strong drink
The word "reel" suggests a swaying or unsteady movement, again emphasizing the lack of control. The repetition of the effects of strong drink underscores the pervasive nature of the problem. It serves as a warning against the dangers of allowing personal vices to compromise one's ability to fulfill God-given duties.

and are befuddled by wine
To be "befuddled" means to be confused or unable to think clearly. The Hebrew word "בָּלַל" (balal) can mean to mix or confuse. This suggests that the leaders' judgment is clouded, preventing them from discerning right from wrong. In a spiritual sense, this confusion leads to a failure to understand and apply God's word correctly, resulting in poor leadership and guidance.

They stumble because of strong drink
The repetition of "stumble" reinforces the idea of failure and falling. The cause is again attributed to "strong drink," highlighting the destructive power of addiction and excess. This serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of allowing personal weaknesses to interfere with one's responsibilities.

muddled in their visions
The word "muddled" suggests a lack of clarity or focus. Visions, in the prophetic sense, are revelations from God meant to guide and instruct. When the leaders are muddled, they cannot receive or interpret these divine messages correctly. This results in a failure to provide the necessary spiritual direction to the people.

and stumbling in their judgments
Judgment refers to the ability to make wise and fair decisions. The leaders' inability to judge rightly due to their intoxication is a serious indictment of their failure to fulfill their roles. This phrase serves as a reminder of the importance of sobriety and clarity of mind in making decisions that affect the spiritual and moral direction of a community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priests
Religious leaders in Israel responsible for teaching the law and leading worship. Their role was crucial in maintaining the spiritual health of the nation.

2. Prophets
Individuals called by God to deliver His messages to the people. They were expected to provide clear guidance and warnings from God.

3. Wine and Strong Drink
Symbolic of indulgence and excess, leading to impaired judgment and spiritual blindness.

4. Staggering and Stumbling
Metaphors for the loss of spiritual and moral direction due to intoxication, both literal and figurative.

5. Judgment and Vision
Key responsibilities of priests and prophets, which are compromised by their intoxication.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Intoxication
Intoxication, whether literal or metaphorical, leads to impaired judgment and spiritual blindness. Believers are called to remain sober-minded and vigilant.

The Responsibility of Leadership
Spiritual leaders have a heightened responsibility to maintain clarity and integrity. Their actions and decisions impact the spiritual well-being of those they lead.

The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
Just as physical intoxication clouds judgment, spiritual intoxication through sin or false teachings can lead to poor decision-making. Believers must seek wisdom and discernment through prayer and study of the Word.

The Call to Holiness
God calls His people to a standard of holiness that requires self-control and a commitment to His ways. This includes avoiding anything that might lead to spiritual compromise.

The Role of Accountability
Believers should hold one another accountable, encouraging each other to live lives that reflect God's holiness and truth.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the behavior of the priests and prophets in Isaiah 28:7 serve as a warning for spiritual leaders today?

2. In what ways can "staggering" and "stumbling" manifest in a believer's life, and how can these be avoided?

3. How does the command in Leviticus 10:9-11 relate to the situation described in Isaiah 28:7, and what does it teach us about the importance of sobriety in spiritual matters?

4. Reflect on Ephesians 5:18. How can being filled with the Spirit help prevent the spiritual pitfalls described in Isaiah 28:7?

5. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your judgment and vision remain clear and aligned with God's will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 10:9-11
God commands priests not to drink wine or strong drink when entering the tent of meeting, emphasizing the need for clear judgment in their sacred duties.

Proverbs 20:1
Warns against the deceptive nature of wine and strong drink, highlighting the potential for leading one astray.

Ephesians 5:18
Encourages believers to be filled with the Spirit rather than being drunk with wine, drawing a contrast between spiritual clarity and physical intoxication.