A reminder that unchecked indulgence and complacency blind us to God’s call for righteous living.
"Come," they say, "let us get wine, and let us drink heavily of strong drink; And tomorrow will be like today, only more so." (v.12) speaks of a complacent and indulgent attitude among the people whom Isaiah, a prophet active in the kingdom of Judah around 740-700 BC, rebukes for their disregard of spiritual responsibilities before God. Instead of preparing themselves for potential future consequences and remaining vigilant for the well-being of the community, they have fallen into a cycle of self-gratification. By confidently assuming "tomorrow will be like today, only more so" (v.12), they reveal their flawed conviction that time will continue on without any repercussions, thereby ignoring the need for repentant hearts and righteous living.
In this broader context, Isaiah’s ministry was deeply intertwined with calling the nation of Judah to obedience. Throughout his writing, he persistently warns that actions have consequences and that genuine devotion, not complacency, is what the LORD desires (Isaiah 1:16-17). Here, the prophet exposes the unwise behavior of people who choose to celebrate in excess, saying, "let us drink heavily of strong drink" (v.12), a pursuit that can lead to moral erosion. This destructive pattern stands in stark contrast to the biblical teachings that caution believers to be sober and alert (1 Peter 5:8).
Isaiah likely penned these words while living in or near Jerusalem, the center of Judah’s worship and governance. Although the passage offers no direct geographical markers, its setting in the southern kingdom underscores that this was a real, historical context fraught with leaders and citizens who often dismissed the warnings of God’s prophets. The idea of living as though there is no accountability echoes through Scripture, finding its antidote in the call to live in anticipation of God’s redemption, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Romans 13:11-14).
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Isaiah 56:12 meaning
"Come," they say, "let us get wine, and let us drink heavily of strong drink; And tomorrow will be like today, only more so." (v.12) speaks of a complacent and indulgent attitude among the people whom Isaiah, a prophet active in the kingdom of Judah around 740-700 BC, rebukes for their disregard of spiritual responsibilities before God. Instead of preparing themselves for potential future consequences and remaining vigilant for the well-being of the community, they have fallen into a cycle of self-gratification. By confidently assuming "tomorrow will be like today, only more so" (v.12), they reveal their flawed conviction that time will continue on without any repercussions, thereby ignoring the need for repentant hearts and righteous living.
In this broader context, Isaiah’s ministry was deeply intertwined with calling the nation of Judah to obedience. Throughout his writing, he persistently warns that actions have consequences and that genuine devotion, not complacency, is what the LORD desires (Isaiah 1:16-17). Here, the prophet exposes the unwise behavior of people who choose to celebrate in excess, saying, "let us drink heavily of strong drink" (v.12), a pursuit that can lead to moral erosion. This destructive pattern stands in stark contrast to the biblical teachings that caution believers to be sober and alert (1 Peter 5:8).
Isaiah likely penned these words while living in or near Jerusalem, the center of Judah’s worship and governance. Although the passage offers no direct geographical markers, its setting in the southern kingdom underscores that this was a real, historical context fraught with leaders and citizens who often dismissed the warnings of God’s prophets. The idea of living as though there is no accountability echoes through Scripture, finding its antidote in the call to live in anticipation of God’s redemption, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Romans 13:11-14).