The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth, all the merryhearted do sigh.
The mourning of the new wine and the languishing of the vine picture the end of harvest and happiness under judgment, when crops fail, ordinary pleasures collapse, all mirth and celebration cease, and even the merryhearted sigh. It belongs to the great final scenes of the world's history, describing coming devastation when the earth is made empty and waste and its inhabitants scattered. It is the judgment and cleansing of a land defiled by sin, the desolation and sorrow of a people unprepared to meet the Lord. The approach of those events already casts its shadow beforehand, making the earth tremble with fear.
That desolation is the sure result of dishonoring God. Its inhabitants have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, and broken the everlasting covenant, so the curse devours the earth and those dwelling in it are left desolate. In that same setting the verse is also applied to those brought low by strong drink and indulgence in fleshly lusts. Among them are some who were once wealthy or highly educated. Despite their degradation they remain prisoners of hope who can hear the gospel call and are to be called and helped.
The mourning of the new wine and the languishing of the vine picture the end of harvest and happiness under judgment, when crops fail, ordinary pleasures collapse, all mirth and celebration cease, and even the merryhearted sigh. It belongs to the great final scenes of the world's history, describing coming devastation when the earth is made empty and waste and its inhabitants scattered. It is the judgment and cleansing of a land defiled by sin, the desolation and sorrow of a people unprepared to meet the Lord. The approach of those events already casts its shadow beforehand, making the earth tremble with fear.
That desolation is the sure result of dishonoring God. Its inhabitants have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, and broken the everlasting covenant, so the curse devours the earth and those dwelling in it are left desolate. In that same setting the verse is also applied to those brought low by strong drink and indulgence in fleshly lusts. Among them are some who were once wealthy or highly educated. Despite their degradation they remain prisoners of hope who can hear the gospel call and are to be called and helped.