Joel 1:5

Wake up, you drunkards, and weep; wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the sweet wine, for it has been cut off from your mouth.

Study Bible

Wake up
The Hebrew word used here is "עורו" (ʿūrû), which means to awaken or to rouse oneself. This call to awaken is not just a physical stirring from sleep but a spiritual and moral awakening. In the context of Joel, it is a call to recognize the impending judgment and devastation that is coming upon the land. The urgency of this call reflects the need for immediate repentance and awareness of one's spiritual state. Historically, prophets often used such language to jolt the people from complacency and spiritual slumber.

you drunkards
The term "שִׁכּוֹרִים" (shikkorim) refers to those who are intoxicated. In the biblical context, drunkenness is often symbolic of moral and spiritual decay. It represents a state of indulgence and neglect of one's duties to God and community. The drunkards here symbolize a broader societal neglect of spiritual responsibilities, and their need to awaken is a metaphor for the nation's need to return to God.

and weep
The Hebrew word "וּבְכ֑וּ" (ubekhu) means to cry or lament. Weeping is a natural response to loss and devastation, and in this context, it is a call to recognize the gravity of the situation. The act of weeping signifies genuine sorrow and repentance, a necessary step towards reconciliation with God. In the prophetic tradition, weeping is often associated with mourning over sin and the consequences it brings.

wail
The word "הֵילִ֔ילוּ" (heililu) is an expression of loud lamentation. This is a more intense form of mourning than weeping, indicating the severity of the situation. The call to wail underscores the depth of the crisis facing the people. In ancient Israel, wailing was a communal activity, often done in public as a sign of collective grief and repentance.

all you wine drinkers
This phrase extends the call to repentance beyond the drunkards to all who partake in wine. Wine, in biblical times, was a common part of daily life and celebration, but here it represents the pleasures and comforts that have distracted the people from their spiritual duties. The inclusion of all wine drinkers emphasizes that the call to repentance is universal, affecting every level of society.

because of the sweet wine
The "sweet wine" or "עָסִיס" (asis) refers to the fresh, unfermented juice of the grape, a symbol of abundance and blessing. Its removal signifies the loss of God's favor and the impending judgment. In the agricultural society of ancient Israel, wine was a sign of prosperity, and its absence would be a severe blow to the economy and daily life.

for it has been cut off
The phrase "כִּ֥י נִכְרַ֖ת" (ki nikhrat) indicates a decisive and complete removal. This cutting off is an act of divine judgment, a consequence of the people's unfaithfulness. The imagery of being cut off is often used in the Bible to describe separation from God's blessings and protection.

from your mouth
The mouth, in this context, represents consumption and enjoyment. The removal of wine from the mouth signifies the end of indulgence and the beginning of hardship. It is a vivid image of deprivation, meant to awaken the people to the seriousness of their situation and their need to return to God. The mouth, often used for praise and thanksgiving, is now left empty, highlighting the spiritual barrenness that results from turning away from God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Drunkards
This term refers to those who indulge excessively in wine, symbolizing a state of spiritual complacency and moral decay.

2. Wine Drinkers
These individuals represent those who partake in the pleasures of life without regard for spiritual matters.

3. Sweet Wine
Symbolizes the abundance and blessings that have been taken away due to the people's disobedience.

4. Prophet Joel
The author of the book, who delivers God's message of warning and calls for repentance.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which is the primary audience of Joel's prophecy.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Awakening
Joel's call to "wake up" is a reminder for believers to be vigilant and aware of their spiritual state. Complacency can lead to moral and spiritual decay.

Consequences of Sin
The removal of "sweet wine" signifies the loss of blessings due to disobedience. Sin has tangible consequences that affect our lives and relationship with God.

Call to Repentance
The weeping and wailing are expressions of genuine repentance. Believers are encouraged to turn back to God with sincere hearts.

Sobriety and Self-Control
The admonition against drunkenness serves as a broader call for self-control and living a life that honors God.

Dependence on God
The loss of wine symbolizes the need to rely on God rather than earthly pleasures for fulfillment and joy.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the call to "wake up" mean for us today in terms of our spiritual lives and awareness?

2. How can we identify areas of complacency in our own lives that may lead to spiritual decline?

3. In what ways do the consequences of sin manifest in our personal lives and communities, and how can we address them?

4. How can we practice self-control and sobriety in a culture that often promotes excess and indulgence?

5. What steps can we take to ensure our dependence on God rather than on temporary pleasures for our joy and fulfillment?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 5:11-12
This passage also addresses the issue of drunkenness and the neglect of God's deeds, highlighting the moral and spiritual decline.

Proverbs 23:29-35
Offers wisdom on the dangers of excessive drinking and its consequences, paralleling the call to sobriety in Joel.

Ephesians 5:18
Encourages believers to be filled with the Spirit rather than indulging in wine, aligning with Joel's call to awaken from spiritual slumber.

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
Urges believers to be alert and sober, drawing a parallel to Joel's admonition to wake up and weep.