Isaiah 5:11-12

Second woe on high-living and revelry, Isaiah 5:11-12.

In the train of the luxury of the times, drunkenness follows. The woe is deserved because (observe the particularity of the statement) appetite seeks gratification from early morn, through the day, and into night.

11, 12. Strong drink A drink of topers, ( שׁכר , shakar,) made from dates, grain, grapes, and whatever else will produce intoxication.

Till wine “Wine,” here, is from the word יינ , yayin, a term generic of this liquid, whether fermented or not; but here it is fermented and intoxicating, for the latter fact is specifically stated. “Strong drink” is also stated here to originate revelry, and music becomes in request.

The harp The same in kind that David used in chanting his odes. [For figure of the instrument and mode of handling see the next page.]

The viol This was of wood, made hollow, and overstrung. The original word, נבל , nebhel, is generic of the ancient guitar, four forms of which have been taken from the ruins of Egypt.

The tabret A kind of drum, perhaps with strings attached.

The pipe A flute or flageolet.

They regard not God is not in all their thoughts. They look not toward his work… the operation of his hands. These parallel words of course mean the same thing, namely, What God teaches men through nature, providence, and revelation; hence, these instructors being overlooked, God is compelled to teach them by a severer discipline by famine and captivity.