Isaiah 22:13

But look, there is joy and gladness, butchering of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!"

Study Bible

But look
This phrase serves as a call to attention, urging the reader to observe the actions and attitudes of the people. In the Hebrew text, the word "look" is often used to draw focus to something significant or alarming. Here, it highlights the stark contrast between what is expected of the people in a time of crisis and their actual behavior.

joy and gladness
These words describe a state of celebration and revelry. In the context of Isaiah 22, this joy is misplaced, as it occurs during a time when the people should be mourning and repenting. The Hebrew words for joy and gladness often denote a festive atmosphere, which is inappropriate given the impending judgment. This reflects a deeper spiritual blindness and disregard for God's warnings.

butchering of cattle, and slaughtering of sheep
These actions are indicative of a feast or celebration. In ancient Israel, the butchering of cattle and sheep was associated with sacrificial offerings or communal meals. However, in this context, it underscores the people's indulgence and self-centeredness. Instead of turning to God in repentance, they are consumed with satisfying their own desires.

eating of meat, and drinking of wine
This phrase further emphasizes the indulgent and hedonistic behavior of the people. Meat and wine were considered luxuries in ancient times, often reserved for special occasions. The people's focus on consumption rather than contrition reveals their misplaced priorities and spiritual apathy. It serves as a metaphor for their disregard for the spiritual nourishment that comes from God.

'Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!'
This statement encapsulates a fatalistic and hedonistic worldview. It reflects a philosophy of living for the moment without regard for future consequences or divine judgment. The phrase is reminiscent of the Epicurean motto, which prioritizes pleasure in the face of life's uncertainties. In the biblical context, it highlights the people's lack of faith and hope in God's promises, choosing instead to indulge in temporary pleasures. This attitude is condemned as it reveals a heart hardened against God's call to repentance and trust in His salvation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaiah
The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, warning them of impending judgment due to their disobedience and lack of faith.

2. Jerusalem
The city under siege, representing the people of Judah who were being warned by Isaiah about their impending doom due to their sinful behavior and lack of repentance.

3. The Siege
The context of this passage is a time of crisis for Jerusalem, likely during the Assyrian threat, where the people were called to repentance but instead chose revelry.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Complacency
In times of crisis, the people of Jerusalem chose to indulge in pleasure rather than seek God. This serves as a warning against complacency and ignoring spiritual realities.

The Illusion of Security
The people believed they could find security in their own pleasures and plans. True security comes from trusting in God, not in temporary indulgences.

Call to Repentance
Isaiah's message was a call to repentance. In our lives, we must heed warnings and turn back to God rather than continue in sinful patterns.

Eternal Perspective
The phrase "for tomorrow we die" reflects a lack of eternal perspective. As Christians, we are called to live with an awareness of eternity and the hope of resurrection.

The Role of Prophetic Warning
Prophets like Isaiah were sent to guide and correct. We should be open to correction and guidance from Scripture and spiritual leaders.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the attitude of "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die" reflect a misunderstanding of God's call to His people?

2. In what ways can we be tempted to seek comfort in temporary pleasures rather than in God, especially during difficult times?

3. How does the context of Isaiah 22:13 challenge us to examine our own responses to God's warnings and calls for repentance?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to maintain an eternal perspective in our daily lives?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Isaiah 22:13 to ensure we are not spiritually complacent in our current cultural context?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ecclesiastes 8:15
This verse also speaks of eating, drinking, and being merry, but it is set in the context of the futility of life without God, similar to the attitude criticized in Isaiah 22:13.

1 Corinthians 15:32
Paul references the phrase "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die" to highlight the futility of life without the hope of resurrection, drawing a parallel to the attitude in Isaiah 22:13.

Luke 12:19
The parable of the rich fool who says to himself, "Take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry," which Jesus uses to illustrate the folly of living without regard to God’s eternal perspective.