Verses 6-7
6, 7. Give strong drink That is, rather give it in suitable quantities to those who really need it, to support their fainting spirits under the influence of any trouble or calamity. The use prescribed here is a medicinal one.
Him… ready to perish Or the perishing one faint of body or of mind, or both. Such a one may need a stimulant.
Heavy hearts Bitter of soul or life; those who are bowed down under the weight of grievous troubles. From this passage is said to have arisen the custom of administering stupifying potions wine mingled with myrrh or gall to criminals when going to execution, for the purpose of rendering them less sensitive to pain. Such was offered to our Lord, (Matthew 27:34; Mark 15:23,) “but he received it not.” In accordance with this passage, it was a custom among the Jews to carry provisions to those who were mourning for the dead, especially alter the funeral. Jewish mournings were excessive and long continued. They sat on the ground, and sometimes refused to eat. They spoke not unless spoken to. Their friends, in due time, visited them to comfort them, and supply their wants with bread and wine. The bread was called the bread of bitterness, and the wine, the cup of consolation. Compare 2 Samuel 3:35; Psalms 104:15; Jeremiah 16:4; Jeremiah 16:7; Hosea 9:4; Ezekiel 24:16-17; John 11:19.
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