Therefore now hear this, you afflicted one, drunken, but not with wine. Therefore now hear thisThis phrase serves as a divine call to attention, urging the listener to focus on the message that follows. In Hebrew, the word "hear" (שְׁמַע, shema) is not merely about auditory perception but implies understanding and obedience. It is reminiscent of the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4, a central declaration of faith in Judaism. This call to "hear" signifies the importance and urgency of the message, indicating that God is about to reveal something crucial to His people. you afflicted one drunken, but not with wine Persons / Places / Events 1. The Afflicted OneThis refers to the people of Israel who are experiencing suffering and hardship. They are described as being in a state of distress and turmoil. 2. Jerusalem The city represents the heart of the Jewish nation, often personified in the prophetic books as a woman who experiences both the judgment and the mercy of God. 3. The Prophet Isaiah The author of the book, Isaiah is delivering God's message to the people of Israel, calling them to listen and understand their current state and the hope that lies ahead. 4. The Babylonian Captivity This historical context is significant as the Israelites were exiled and faced great suffering, which is metaphorically described as being "drunken, but not with wine." 5. God's Promise of Redemption The overarching event in this passage is the promise of deliverance and restoration for God's people, despite their current afflictions. Teaching Points Understanding Spiritual IntoxicationThe phrase "drunken, but not with wine" symbolizes spiritual confusion and disorientation. Believers should be aware of the influences that lead them away from God's truth and seek clarity through His Word. God's Compassion for the Afflicted Despite the afflictions faced, God hears and responds to the cries of His people. This teaches us about God's compassion and the importance of turning to Him in times of distress. The Promise of Redemption God's message through Isaiah is one of hope and restoration. Believers can find assurance in God's promises, knowing that He will ultimately deliver and restore His people. Listening to God's Voice The call to "hear this" emphasizes the importance of being attentive to God's Word. In our spiritual journey, we must prioritize listening to God's guidance and instruction. The Role of Prophetic Messages Isaiah's role as a prophet highlights the importance of prophetic messages in guiding and correcting God's people. We should value and heed the teachings of Scripture as they reveal God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the imagery of being "drunken, but not with wine" reveal about the spiritual state of the Israelites, and how can this apply to our own spiritual lives today?2. How does the context of the Babylonian Captivity enhance our understanding of the afflictions mentioned in Isaiah 51:21? 3. In what ways does God's promise of redemption in Isaiah 51:21 provide hope and encouragement for believers facing trials today? 4. How can we ensure that we are truly listening to God's voice in our lives, as emphasized in this passage? 5. What parallels can we draw between the prophetic messages in Isaiah and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament regarding deliverance and restoration? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 51:17This verse speaks of Jerusalem drinking from the cup of God's wrath, which connects to the imagery of being "drunken, but not with wine" in verse 21. Isaiah 40:1-2 These verses offer comfort to God's people, promising that their hard service has been completed and their sin has been paid for, which aligns with the theme of redemption in Isaiah 51:21. Revelation 18:6 This passage speaks of Babylon's judgment and the cup of wrath, drawing a parallel to the imagery used in Isaiah regarding divine judgment and deliverance.
People Isaiah, Rahab, SarahPlaces Jerusalem, Rahab, Tigris-Euphrates Region, ZionTopics Afflicted, Drunk, Drunken, Ear, O, Overcome, Please, Troubled, WineDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 51:20 5157 head Library August 25 MorningLook unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.--ISA 51:1. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity.--None eye pitied thee but thou wast cast out in the open field, to the loathing of thy person, in the day that thou wast born. And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee, Live. He brought me up . . . out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song … Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path January 26. "I Called Him Alone and Blessed Him" (Isa. Li. 2). The Awakening of Zion Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers A Prospect of Revival "Sing, O Heavens; and be Joyful, O Earth; for the Lord Hath Comforted his People. " -- Isaiah 49:13. Of Inward Silence Of Rest in the Presence of God --Its Fruits --Inward Silence --God Commands it --Outward Silence. Lii. Manna. Exodus xvi. 4. Early Battles Stedfastness in the Old Paths. An Appendix to the Beatitudes Ci. Foretelling his Passion. Rebuking Ambition. The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate, Thirdly, for Thy Actions. Death Swallowed up in victory Isaiah Links Isaiah 51:21 NIVIsaiah 51:21 NLT Isaiah 51:21 ESV Isaiah 51:21 NASB Isaiah 51:21 KJV Isaiah 51:21 Commentaries Bible Hub |