“Come,” they say, “let me get wine; let us fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow will be like this day, great beyond measure.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just about revelry; it reveals a dangerous assumption that tomorrow will always be like today, and even better. This deep-seated denial of consequence shows their utter contempt for God's warnings and their complete abandonment of responsibility for their souls and the souls of others.
“Come,” they say, “let me get wine; let us fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow will be like this day, great beyond measure.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this section of Isaiah, the prophet has just spoken of God's inclusive grace, welcoming all who join themselves to Him, including foreigners and eunuchs, into His house of prayer. However, immediately following these promises of inclusion and acceptance, the prophet reveals the moral and spiritual decay within Israel's leadership, specifically targeting the "watchmen" or spiritual guides who are blind, ignorant, and greedy. This verse dramatically shifts to depict these leaders indulging in a drunken revelry, completely ignoring God's warnings and prophecies of judgment, and instead planning for more of the same.
Imagine a party that never ends, a constant stream of good times. This verse paints a picture of such a desire, but it's not a celebration of joy.
These leaders are inviting each other to indulge in wine and strong drink, not just for a night, but with the expectation of it continuing and even increasing.
There's a dangerous blindness that comes from ignoring God's warnings. This verse reveals a spiritual stupor that mistakes recklessness for prosperity.
The greatest danger in this scene isn't just the drinking itself, but the attitude it represents: a profound indifference to God and His judgment.
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Understand the original words
yayin · Hebrew Noun
The fermented juice of grapes, often used in scripture as a symbol of joy and celebration, but here associated with the gluttony and spiritual insensibility of corrupt leaders.
shekar · Hebrew Noun
Refers to intoxicating alcoholic beverages. Scripture frequently warns against being controlled by strong drink, associating it with moral laxity, poor judgment, and spiritual dissipation.
This verse vividly portrays the spiritual decay and complacent revelry of some leaders during the post-exilic period, even as the nation was called to faithfulness and rebuilding after the return from exile.
Late 8th century BC
Prophecies of Judgment
Isaiah delivers prophecies of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem, warning of impending exile due to the people's sin, including the corruption of leadership and religious hypocrisy.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
The Assyrian king Sennacherib invades Judah, conquering many cities and besieging Jerusalem. This event highlights the precariousness of Judah's political situation and the failure of its leadership.
Mid-7th century BC
Reign of Manasseh
King Manasseh's reign is marked by widespread idolatry, syncretism, and religious corruption, leading to further divine judgment being pronounced against Judah.
Late 7th century BC
Josiah's Reforms
King Josiah institutes sweeping religious reforms after the discovery of the Book of the Law, attempting to purify worship and restore obedience to God's commands.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Judah, and begins deporting elites, including Daniel, to Babylon, signaling the start of the Babylonian exile.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, completing the exile of the Jewish people and marking a devastating climax to the prophecies of judgment.
Post-Exilic Period (after 538 BC)— this verse
Return and Rebuilding
Following the Persian conquest of Babylon, exiled Jews are allowed to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple and city, facing challenges and spiritual complacency.
This passage directly contrasts the revelry described in Isaiah 56:12 with those who are 'drunk with wine' and indulge in excessive drinking, highlighting it as a sign of spiritual decay.
Isaiah 22:12-13Similar to Isaiah 56:12, this passage depicts leaders calling for feasting and drinking in the face of impending disaster, revealing a dangerous complacency and disregard for God's judgment.
Proverbs 20:1This proverb explicitly states that 'Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise,' directly challenging the destructive mindset of those indulging in excess as depicted in Isaiah 56:12.
Romans 13:11-14This passage calls believers to 'wake up from slumber' and 'put on the Lord Jesus Christ,' contrasting with the spiritual slumber and self-indulgence described in Isaiah 56:12, urging a focus on godly living rather than carnal pursuits.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10This text lists 'drunkards' among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, serving as a stark warning against the lifestyle of excess and revelry described in Isaiah 56:12, emphasizing the serious spiritual consequences of such behavior.
bensonIsaiah 56:12: "Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant."
Isaiah 56:12 . Come ye, say they — Unto their brethren, fellow-priests, or other jolly companions. We will fill ourselves — We will drink, not only to delight, but even to drunkenness, as the word signifies. And tomorrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant — Which shows their dreadful security and contempt of God, and of his jud…
wesleyIsaiah 56:12: "Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant."
56:12 Say they - Unto their brethren, fellow - priests, or other jolly companions. Fill ourselves - We will drink not only to delight, but even to drunkenness, as the word signifies, which shews their dreadful security and contempt of God, and their abandoning of all care of their own or peoples souls.
The verse isn't just about revelry; it reveals a dangerous assumption that tomorrow will always be like today, and even better. This deep-seated denial of consequence shows their utter contempt for God's warnings and their complete abandonment of responsibility for their souls and the souls of others.
In this section of Isaiah, the prophet has just spoken of God's inclusive grace, welcoming all who join themselves to Him, including foreigners and eunuchs, into His house of prayer. However, immediately following these promises of inclusion and acceptance, the prophet reveals the moral and spiritual decay within Israel's leadership, specifically targeting the "watchmen" or spiritual guides who are blind, ignorant, and greedy. This verse dramatically shifts to depict these leaders indulging in a drunken revelry, completely ignoring God's warnings and prophecies of judgment, and instead planning for more of the same.
In this section of Isaiah, the prophet has just spoken of God's inclusive grace, welcoming all who join themselves to Him, including foreigners and eunuchs, into His house of prayer. However, immediately following these promises of inclusion and acceptance, the prophet reveals the moral and spiritual decay within Israel's leadership, specifically targeting the "watchmen" or spiritual guides who are blind, ignorant, and greedy. This verse dramatically shifts to depict these leaders indulging in a drunken revelry, completely ignoring God's warnings and prophecies of judgment, and instead planning for more of the same.
"“Come,” they say, “let me get wine; let us fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow will be like this day, great beyond measure.”" — The verse isn't just about revelry; it reveals a dangerous assumption that tomorrow will always be like today, and even better. This deep-seated denial of consequence shows their utter contempt for G…
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Last reviewed October 2026