1. Leviticus 10:9 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Is the law about wine and strong drink an absolute for all the people?

Leviticus 10:9 (ESV)

9 “Drink no wine or strong drink, you or your sons with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations.

Scripture consistently presents wine as the fruit of the ground. Wine is said to cheer the heart of God and humans (Judges 9:13; Psalm 104:15). It was enjoyed at harvest festivals (Psalm 104:15), Passover (Matthew 26:27–29), and weddings and similar festivities (John 2:10). Wine is even used as the symbol of bliss in the promised kingdom of Messiah (Genesis 49:11–12; Isaiah 25:6). But because intoxication was viewed as sin, the use of these drinks called for caution (Habakkuk 2:15; Lamentations 4:21; Proverbs 23:29–35).