In biblical literature, wine is a significant symbol, often representing joy, celebration, and divine blessing. However, the imagery of wine on its dregs carries a more somber connotation, frequently associated with judgment and wrath. The dregs, or lees, are the sediment that settles at the bottom of a wine vessel, and drinking wine with its dregs implies consuming the bitterest and most potent part of the wine.

Old Testament References

The concept of wine on its dregs is vividly illustrated in the Old Testament, particularly in the prophetic books. In Isaiah 51:17, the prophet calls upon Jerusalem to awaken from its stupor, having drunk from the cup of the Lord's wrath: "Awake, awake! Rise up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of His wrath, you who have drained to its dregs the goblet that makes men stagger." Here, the dregs symbolize the full measure of divine judgment that the people have experienced due to their disobedience and sin.

Similarly, in Psalm 75:8, the imagery of the cup of judgment is employed: "For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, full of foaming wine mixed with spices; He pours from it, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to the dregs." This passage underscores the certainty and completeness of God's judgment upon the wicked, who will be forced to drink the entirety of the cup, including its dregs.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The symbolism of wine on its dregs serves as a powerful metaphor for the inescapable and thorough nature of divine judgment. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wine was often mixed with spices to enhance its flavor, but the dregs were typically avoided due to their bitterness. Thus, the act of drinking the dregs signifies enduring the most severe and unpalatable aspects of God's wrath.

From a theological perspective, this imagery reinforces the holiness and justice of God. It serves as a warning to the faithful about the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the inevitable judgment that follows persistent rebellion. The dregs, therefore, are not merely a physical remnant of the wine but a representation of the ultimate accountability that all individuals face before a righteous God.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention wine on its dregs, the concept of drinking from the cup of God's wrath is echoed in the book of Revelation. Revelation 14:10 speaks of those who worship the beast: "He too will drink the wine of God's anger, poured undiluted into the cup of His wrath." This passage aligns with the Old Testament imagery, emphasizing the complete and unmitigated nature of divine retribution.

Practical Implications

For believers, the imagery of wine on its dregs serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of repentance. It calls Christians to live in obedience to God's will, recognizing that while God is merciful and forgiving, He is also just and will not overlook unrepentant sin. The dregs of the wine, therefore, are a call to vigilance, urging the faithful to remain steadfast in their commitment to God and His commandments.