Isaiah 28:7
But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.
ISAIAH 28:7
This verse intensifies the critique by naming the very people supposed to be spiritual guides—priest and prophet—who have fallen into excess: wine and strong drink that dull perception and mislead judgment. In the context of Isaiah 28, leaders are intoxicated by pleasure and appetite rather than by God’s truth. The repetition emphasizes pervasive corruption: they go astray in vision (perceiving reality incorrectly) and stumble in judgment (making faulty decisions). The cultural setting is a society where wine, ritual, and prophetic authority were intertwined with power. The prophet’s indictment is not merely personal failure but a communal ailment that weakens the nation’s ability to discern God’s will. The seemingly spiritual vocation becomes compromised by indulgence, leading to a cascading failure in leadership, worship, and public policy. The call is for repentance and a reorientation of affections—from the intoxication of pleasure to the sober service of God.
Theologically, this verse warns that spiritual authority is jeopardized when leaders domesticate intoxication and allow it to shape interpretation of God’s will. Vision and judgment are gifts that require moral purity and reliance on God’s Spirit. When leaders stumble in judgment and err in vision, the people mislead themselves, underscoring the collective responsibility of both leaders and listeners. The passage points toward prophetic critique and the necessity of repentance—a turning away from self-gratification toward righteousness. It also foreshadows the Messiah’s ministry, where true understanding comes not from intoxication or human cleverness but from the Spirit of the Lord resting on Him to judge with righteousness.
Practical takeaway: beware the intoxicants—whether literal substances or addictive pursuits like overwork, power, or prestige—that dull spiritual perception. If you occupy a leadership role, examine whether you’re allowing personal pleasures to cloud judgment or to excuse poor decisions. For churches and faith communities, ensure that spiritual leadership is marked by humility, sober-mindedness, and accountability rather than sensationalism or popularity. If you’re a follower, cultivate discernment by testing messages against Scripture, seeking multiple reliable voices, and praying for clarity. Practical example: before endorsing a major initiative, require written criteria, a transparent decision process, and room for dissenting voices to be heard. The goal is not abstaining from joy but ensuring our joys don’t mislead us from God’s truth.
Cross-References: Leviticus 10:9; Jeremiah 23:15; Amos 6:6; 1 Corinthians 6:12; Titus 1:15