Topical Bible: The Dragon: (Poison of) Wine

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the imagery of the dragon is often associated with chaos, evil, and opposition to God. While the term "dragon" itself is not directly linked to wine in the Scriptures, the metaphorical use of "poison" in relation to wine can be explored through a conservative Christian lens, emphasizing the moral and spiritual dangers associated with excessive consumption and the potential for wine to lead one astray.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

The Bible frequently uses vivid imagery to convey spiritual truths, and the concept of "poison" is often employed to describe the corrupting influence of sin and temptation. In the context of wine, this metaphor underscores the potential for wine to act as a destructive force when misused. Proverbs 23:31-32 warns, "Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper." Here, the comparison to a snake or viper highlights the deceptive allure and eventual harm that can result from overindulgence.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The Bible acknowledges wine as a gift from God, intended for enjoyment and celebration (Psalm 104:14-15). However, it also cautions against the dangers of drunkenness and the moral decay it can bring. Ephesians 5:18 advises, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." This verse contrasts the fleeting pleasure of wine with the enduring fulfillment found in a life led by the Holy Spirit.

The "poison" of wine, therefore, can be understood as the spiritual and moral pitfalls that accompany its misuse. Drunkenness can lead to a loss of self-control, impaired judgment, and a departure from righteous living. In this sense, wine becomes a "dragon" that ensnares and devours those who fall prey to its seductive charm.

Historical and Cultural Considerations

In the ancient Near Eastern context, wine was a common part of daily life and religious rituals. Its production and consumption were integral to the culture, yet the biblical authors were keenly aware of its potential for abuse. The story of Noah's drunkenness (Genesis 9:20-21) serves as an early example of the shame and discord that can result from excessive drinking.

Throughout church history, Christian leaders have grappled with the appropriate use of wine. While some traditions advocate for total abstinence, others emphasize moderation and self-control as virtues that align with biblical teaching.

Conclusion

The metaphor of the "poison of wine" serves as a cautionary tale within the biblical narrative, urging believers to exercise wisdom and discernment in their relationship with alcohol. By recognizing the potential for wine to become a "dragon" that leads one away from God, Christians are called to pursue a life of sobriety and spiritual vigilance. In doing so, they honor the Creator and maintain the integrity of their witness in a world often entangled in the snares of excess and indulgence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 32:33
Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Crushed Snake
... Fill the vessel with wine, and there is no room for baser liquors or for poison. ...
in Italy a painting of an Archangel with his foot on the dragon's neck, and ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/a crushed snake.htm

Contrasted Services
... army. He has sown the dragon's teeth and they spring up armed men. ... it. Its poison
had passed into the wine and killed the drinkers. That ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/contrasted services.htm

Adoption
... commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine.' Jeremiah 35 ... When the dragon has poisoned
the water, the unicorn ... horn extracts and draws out the poison; so Jesus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 adoption.htm

Five Books in Reply to Marcion.
... Waters"sight memorable!"turn to wine; ... The guilty; so he says, bearing about. A gory
poison with sweet honey mixt. ... Or doomed prey, of the dragon, do ye hope,. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/5 five books in reply.htm

The Acts of Philip.
... [2160] Flee therefore from him, that his poison may not ... thy worthless disposition;
flee from the wicked dragon and his ... and we have not found the wine which had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the acts of philip/the acts of philip.htm

Christ Triumphant
... who was one day to bind the old dragon and cast ... the venom of asps, and infixing their
poison-fangs in ... garments from Bozrah, "I have trodden the wine-press alone ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ triumphant.htm

The Sixth Commandment
... (6) By putting poison into cups ... the emperor killed her husband by poisoning the wine
which he ... Evil magistrates, like the tail of the dragon, draw the third part ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

The Mystery
... The woman delivered of a child, when the dragon was overcome, from thenceforth dwelt
in the wilderness, by which is figured the state of the Church, liberated ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... and, though it be true He drank the poison in the ... first seasoned with affliction,
and then the wine of glory ... violence in tempting; and so he is the red dragon. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... a fierce spirit, therefore called the Red Dragon' (Revelation 12 ... we say to such
ministers as give poison to their ... apostles, who were filled with the wine of the ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm