drink Summary and Overview

The drinks of the Hebrews were water, wine, "strong drink," and vinegar. Their drinking vessels were the cup, goblet or "basin," the "cruse" or pitcher, and the saucer. To drink water by measure (Ezek. 4:11), and to buy water to drink (Lam. 5:4), denote great scarcity. To drink blood means to be satiated with slaughter. The Jews carefully strained their drinks through a sieve, through fear of violating the law of Lev. 11:20, 23, 41, 42. (See Matt. 23:24. "Strain at" should be "strain out.")

DRINK or STRONG DRINK The use of strong drink, even to excess, was not uncommon among the Israelites. This is inferred from the striking figures by which the use and effects of it are described, Ps 107:27; Isa 24:20; Isa 49:26; Isa 51:17-22, and also from various express prohibitions and penalties. Prov 20:1; Isa 5:11. A variety of intoxicating drinks are comprised under the term. Isa 28:7. Although the Bible sheds little light upon the nature of the mixtures described, it doubtless alludes to drink brewed from grain or made of honeycombs, dates, or boiled fruits, and the beer of Egypt. Date-wine was in great request among the Parthians, Indians, and other Orientals, and is said by Xenophon to have produced severe headaches. The Jews carefully strained their wine and other beverages, from fear of violating Lev 11:20, Heb 12:23, Lev 11:41-42, as do now the Buddhists in Ceylon and Hindostan. This fact explains our Lord's remark to the Pharisees in Matt 23:24: "Ye blind guides, who strain out " (not at)" a gnat and swallow a camel." See Wine, Vinegar.