Q. Does the Bible approve of drinking alcohol and wine (alcoholic beverages)? (Submitted by: Andy) A. Let's take a look at the Old Testament first: "And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread [food] and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God." (Genesis 14:18) The Hebrew word translated "wine" above is yayin, (Strong’s Concordance #3196), which is from an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication:--banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). Family Bible Notes says on Genesis 14:18 that Melchizedek is a name meaning 'King of Righteousness.' The word Salem in Hebrew means peace, (Hebrews 7:2), which is supposed to have been the name of the place afterwards called Jerusalem. This Melchizedek brought Abram wine [by implication, intoxication -- banqueting, wine, intoxication] to drink and being the Spiritual High Priest of God, He would never give any man that which is bad for them, or sin. "For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;" (Hebrews 7:1-2) "Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:" [Condition as harvested from the vine - before processing.] (Genesis 27:28, see below) |
