What’s the Difference Between Wine and Strong Drink?
In 1 Samuel 1:15, we find a moving moment where Hannah, who had been praying fervently before the Lord, is mistaken by Eli the priest for being drunk:
“Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied. “I am a woman deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or strong drink; I was pouring out my soul before the Lord.”
Her response not only clears up the misunderstanding, but also teaches us something deeper: that wine and strong drink were distinct in biblical times, both culturally and spiritually.
Let’s explore what that difference is — and what it means for us today as followers of Christ.
1. Wine (Hebrew: yayin) – A Symbol of Celebration, Worship, and Blessing
In ancient Israel, wine was made by fermenting grape juice — nothing else. It held a significant cultural and religious role. It wasn’t just for drinking — it was symbolic of joy, covenant, and even the Messianic hope.
➤ Wine in Social Life
Wine was a normal part of everyday Jewish life, especially during weddings and feasts. At the wedding in Cana (John 2), when the wine ran out, Jesus performed His first miracle by turning water into wine. This wasn’t random — it pointed to the abundance and joy of the Kingdom of God.
➤ Wine in Worship
Wine was used in religious festivals like Passover. Jesus, during the Last Supper, used wine to represent His blood — sealing the New Covenant (Matthew 26:27–29). He was tying His mission to the traditions of Israel, but fulfilling them in a deeper spiritual way.
➤ Wine as a Blessing
Scripture also connects wine to God’s provision and joy:
Psalm 104:15 – “…wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart.”
However, wine could also become a stumbling block when misused — leading to spiritual dullness or mockery.
Proverbs 20:1 – “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”
2. Strong Drink (Hebrew: shekar) – Associated with Drunkenness and Lack of Discipline
Unlike wine, strong drink was fermented from grains (like barley or wheat) or other fruits like dates and pomegranates. It had a higher alcohol content, and it was not typically part of religious life.
➤ Use in Excess and Ungodliness
Strong drink was associated with drunkenness, loss of self-control, and often, pagan practices. It was seen as something that clouded judgment, which is why priests were forbidden to drink it during service:
Leviticus 10:9 – “You and your sons are not to drink wine or strong drink whenever you enter the tent of meeting, or you will die. This is a lasting ordinance…”
Its use was linked to revelry, not reverence. In other words, strong drink was more about indulgence than worship.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
While the physical beverages may differ slightly today, the spiritual principles remain the same. The Bible warns against drunkenness, not because God is against enjoyment — but because drunkenness leads us away from His presence and blurs our spiritual senses.
Ephesians 5:18 – “Do not get drunk with wine, which leads to debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
Paul contrasts physical intoxication with spiritual fullness. Where wine dulls, the Holy Spirit awakens. Where strong drink leads to chaos, the Spirit leads to peace, joy, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).
➤ Hannah’s Example
Hannah reminds us that true worship requires clarity, sincerity, and focus. She wasn’t drunk — she was pouring out her heart to the Lord. Her prayer was so intense, it looked like drunkenness from the outside — but it was actually Spirit-filled surrender.
A Call to Modern Believers
Today, instead of chasing worldly highs, we’re called to seek the infilling of the Holy Spirit, who is our comfort, counselor, and strength.
We don’t need wine or strong drink to find peace, boldness, or joy — we have Christ. He is our “new wine” (Luke 5:37–38), and He fills us in a way no drink ever could.
So What Should We Do?
-
Pray deeply and often, like Hannah.
-
Read and meditate on the Word.
-
Worship with sincerity, not just ritual.
-
Avoid anything — wine or otherwise — that dulls your spiritual edge.
-
Be filled with the Spirit, daily.
Final Thought:
God’s desire is not just to cleanse our habits, but to transform our hearts. Whether it’s wine, strong drink, or anything else, if it pulls us away from Him, it’s not worth it. But what He offers — life in the Spirit — is better than anything this world can offer.
May you be filled — not with the things of this world, but with the fullness of Christ.
God bless you richly. Please feel free to share this message.
Why Are There So Many Bible Translations, and Which One Is Correct?
The Bible, originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, has been translated into hundreds of languages across the world—including Swahili. But with so many versions available, people often ask: Why are there so many Bible translations? And which one is the most accurate?
Why Do So Many Bible Translations Exist?
There are several key reasons:
-
Languages Evolve Over Time
Just like how modern Swahili has changed from how it was spoken 100 years ago, other languages change too. This means older Bible translations might become harder for modern readers to understand. New translations help communicate the same message in language that fits today’s context. -
Different Translation Approaches
Some translators aim for a very literal, word-for-word translation (which can be harder to read but closer to the original text), while others focus more on capturing the overall meaning in a way that’s easy to understand (called thought-for-thought translation). This leads to different versions, each with its strengths. -
Theological Perspectives
Sometimes, translations are influenced by the beliefs of the people producing them. For example, a translation done by a particular denomination might lean toward their doctrinal views. That’s why it’s wise to be aware of who made a translation and what they believe. -
Access to Better Manuscripts
Over time, scholars have discovered older and more reliable manuscripts of the Bible (like the Dead Sea Scrolls). These discoveries have helped improve accuracy in newer translations.
So, Which Bible Translation is the Most Accurate?
The “most accurate” Bible is one that remains faithful to the original languages and clearly communicates the meaning to today’s readers. It should be based on trustworthy manuscripts and translated by a group of scholars—not just one individual—to avoid personal bias.
For Swahili speakers, the Swahili Union Version (SUV) is considered a foundational and trustworthy translation. It has stood the test of time and is widely used across denominations. However, newer Swahili translations can still be helpful, especially when used alongside SUV for comparison and deeper understanding.
Final Encouragement
No single translation is perfect, but God’s message remains clear and unchanged. It’s wise to read from more than one version, compare them, and study the original meanings when possible. Most importantly, let the Holy Spirit guide you as you read and seek to understand God’s Word.
How Did the Lord Jesus Eat Butter and Milk?
(Based on Isaiah 7:14-15, ESV)
Question:
The prophecy in Isaiah says the Lord Jesus would eat butter and milk. How was this prophecy fulfilled?
Answer:
To understand this, we need to explore the meaning of this prophecy and how it relates to Jesus’ life and ministry.
Isaiah 7:14-15 (ESV) says:
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.”
Here, “curds” (translated also as “butter” or “rich milk products”) and “honey” symbolize nourishment and abundance. Butter comes from milk, and Proverbs 30:33 (ESV) states,
“The stirring of milk produces curds, and stirring violence produces strife.”
This shows that butter (curds) comes directly from milk. Therefore, the phrase “butter and honey” poetically represents “milk and honey,” a biblical symbol of blessing and prosperity.
The Theological Meaning of “Milk and Honey” in Scripture
The phrase “a land flowing with milk and honey” is repeatedly used in the Old Testament to describe the Promised Land — a place of God’s provision, blessing, and abundance.
For example, Numbers 14:8 (ESV) says,
“If the Lord delights in us, then he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey.”
This land was not just materially rich but spiritually significant: it was God’s promise of rest, provision, and blessing for His people. Milk and honey symbolize God’s abundant provision and the sweetness of His covenant blessings.
Jesus’ Journey from Egypt and the Fulfillment of Prophecy
The children of Israel were delivered from Egypt and led into the Promised Land, symbolizing God’s faithfulness to His promises.
Hosea 11:1 (ESV) prophetically refers to Israel as God’s son called out of Egypt:
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”
Matthew 2:14-15 (ESV) shows this prophecy fulfilled in Jesus’ early life:
“So he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.’”
Just as Israel was called out of Egypt into a land flowing with milk and honey, Jesus was called out of Egypt and later lived in the land of promise.
Living According to God’s Will: Choosing Good and Rejecting Evil
Isaiah 7:15 highlights an important aspect of Jesus’ life:
“He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.”
This means Jesus, from childhood, distinguished between good and evil and chose to live righteously. His moral perfection qualified Him to fully partake in the blessings of God.
Deuteronomy 6:18 (ESV) commands God’s people:
“And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may go well with you…”
God’s promise of blessing (the land flowing with milk and honey) was conditional on obedience and righteousness.
Jesus perfectly fulfilled this requirement. Unlike many Israelites who failed to uphold God’s standards and thus lost blessings, Jesus always chose the good and rejected evil (Hebrews 4:15).
The Spiritual and Physical Blessings of Christ
Though Jesus lived a humble life without earthly wealth (Matthew 8:20), He was rich in spiritual blessings. The “butter and honey” He ate symbolize all the blessings He possessed—both physical sustenance and spiritual richness through the Holy Spirit.
Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV):
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”
Jesus voluntarily embraced poverty on earth, but He was spiritually wealthy—filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1) and empowered to perform miracles that demonstrate the abundance of God’s grace.
Application: Entering Into Christ’s Blessings
By faith in Jesus, we share in His blessings. First, we receive eternal life—the ultimate spiritual blessing (John 3:16). Second, we receive God’s provision and blessings in our earthly lives according to His will (Philippians 4:19).
Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise of a “land flowing with milk and honey” — not only physically but spiritually, through salvation and the Holy Spirit’s empowerment.
Conclusion and Encouragement
The prophecy that Jesus would eat butter and honey is a beautiful symbol of His perfect righteousness and participation in God’s promised blessings. He fully lived in obedience, rejecting evil and choosing good, thereby fulfilling God’s covenant.
Although He lived simply on earth, His spiritual riches are immeasurable. When we receive Jesus, we enter into this same stream of blessings—eternal life and spiritual abundance.
May the Lord richly bless you.
Share this good news with others!
If you want to receive Jesus into your life or get daily teachings via WhatsApp, please contact us:
WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBVhuA3WHTbKoz8jx10
Phone: +255693036618 or +255789001312
How old was Mary when she conceived the Lord Jesus?
The Bible does not explicitly state Mary’s age when the angel Gabriel visited her to announce that she would conceive Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Neither does it provide details about her tribe or family lineage. These details are not emphasized in Scripture because they are not essential for our faith or salvation.
What Scripture reveals is that Mary was betrothed to Joseph (see Luke 1:27), which in Jewish culture typically involved young women in their teenage years—often between 12 and 16 years old. Being betrothed meant she was considered legally pledged for marriage, so she was mature enough to understand the significance of Gabriel’s message. Mary is described as “a virgin” (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:27), highlighting her purity and the miraculous nature of Jesus’ conception.
Theologically, Mary’s virginity fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah:
Isaiah 7:14 (ESV):
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
This prophecy underscores the divine origin of Jesus, emphasizing that He would be born of a virgin by the power of the Holy Spirit, signifying His unique identity as both fully God and fully man.
It is important to understand that Scripture focuses on Mary’s faith and obedience rather than her age or tribal affiliation. These “secret things” belong to God, as stated in:
Deuteronomy 29:29 (NIV):
“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.”
Some traditions elevate Mary beyond what Scripture teaches, attributing to her special powers or intercessory roles. However, the Bible presents Mary as a faithful servant of God, chosen for a unique purpose but still fully human and dependent on God’s grace, just like all believers.
Throughout Scripture, many faithful servants of God are honored, but none except Jesus Christ is worthy of worship. For example, Elijah was a man with a nature like ours:
James 5:17 (NIV):
“Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.”
Even though Elijah was taken up to heaven, the Bible makes clear that he was human. Only Jesus is truly divine and the object of our worship because of His unique redemptive work.
Revelation 5:8-9 (ESV):
“And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,
‘Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.’”
This passage affirms Jesus’ worthiness of worship because He sacrificed Himself to redeem humanity.
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been baptized in obedience to Him?
If not, today is the time to respond. Scripture warns us that these are the last days, and Jesus is near, ready to come into your life:
Revelation 3:20 (NIV):
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
May God richly bless you!
Please share this good news with others.
If you want free guidance on how to receive Jesus, please contact us at the numbers below.
To receive daily Bible teachings via WhatsApp, join our channel here:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBVhuA3WHTbKoz8jx10
Contact numbers: +255693036618 or +255789001312
Understanding Proverbs 27:19 – “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” (NIV)
This proverb uses a vivid and relatable image to teach a deep spiritual truth. Just as still water clearly reflects our physical appearance, the heart—or inner life—of a person reflects who they truly are and, by extension, influences those close to them.
Water doesn’t distort; it gives an honest reflection. In the same way, our character is revealed in how we live and in how we influence and are influenced by others. This insight forms the basis for understanding the nature of close relationships, especially in spiritual and moral terms.
The Principle of Reflection in Relationships
When two people walk closely together, whether in friendship, partnership, or marriage, they begin to reflect one another’s values and behaviors. The Bible reinforces this idea in
Amos 3:3 (NIV):
“Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?”
The implication is clear: true unity requires shared values. If two people are walking in different directions spiritually, one will inevitably influence the other. Scripture often warns believers about the risks of close ties with those who do not share their faith.
2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV) says:
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
This doesn’t mean we isolate ourselves from others, but it does mean we must be discerning about whom we deeply align our hearts and lives with.
A Theological Application: The Influence of the Heart
The heart, in biblical theology, represents the seat of our thoughts, desires, will, and spiritual life
. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) advises:
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
When we share our lives closely with others, especially in covenant relationships like marriage or lifelong friendships, we are allowing their hearts to influence ours—and vice versa.
We see a cautionary example in
1 Kings 11:4 (NIV),
“As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been.”
Even the wisest man in Israel was not immune to the power of influence in close relationships.
Conclusion: Choose Fellowship Wisely
Proverbs 27:19 reminds us that our companions are mirrors of our hearts. Over time, we begin to resemble the people we walk closely with. Their habits, beliefs, and attitudes can shape ours.
Therefore, we are called to walk with the wise, to build deep fellowship with those who will reflect Christ in our lives.
Proverbs 13:20 (NIV) affirms this:
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Shalom
WHO SHOULD WE SEE MOST WHEN WE READ THE BIBLE?
When you open your Bible, who captures your attention the most?
Is it Moses the lawgiver? Elijah the miracle-working prophet? David the warrior-king?
Or perhaps your preaching often focuses on Old Testament heroes and their inspiring deeds?
While these individuals play important roles in redemptive history, none of them are the main subject of the Bible. The Bible is not primarily about people—it is about a Person: Jesus Christ.
If human characters dominate your Bible reading and preaching, there’s a possibility your spiritual understanding is still limited (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:14–16). The Scriptures were written not to glorify men, but to reveal the glory of the Son of God.
Let us consider what the risen Christ Himself said:
Luke 24:25–27 (ESV)
25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”
27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
Notice: Jesus didn’t start with Moses or Elijah to honor them, but to explain how they were testifying about Him. The Law, the Prophets, and the Writings all point to Christ.
CHRIST: THE CENTRAL FIGURE OF SCRIPTURE
The unity of the Bible revolves around Jesus. From Genesis to Revelation, the storyline unfolds God’s plan of redemption in Christ. Let’s examine how various prophets testified of Him—not just indirectly, but prophetically and clearly.
✦ Moses (the Law) spoke of Christ:
Deuteronomy 18:15 (ESV)
“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen.”
This is a Messianic prophecy. The “prophet like Moses” is fulfilled in Jesus (cf. Acts 3:22–23). Moses was a type; Jesus is the ultimate Prophet, Deliverer, and Mediator of a new covenant (Hebrews 3:1–6).
✦ Samuel spoke of Christ as the eternal priest:
1 Samuel 2:35 (ESV)
“And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind.”
This looks forward to a greater priest than Eli’s sons—a priest who is eternal. Jesus is that High Priest (cf. Hebrews 7:23–28), who ministers in the true tabernacle.
✦ Isaiah prophesied the Incarnation and Deity of Christ:
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder… and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Jesus is not only the Son given, but also “Mighty God.” This is a clear assertion of Christ’s divinity and kingship.
✦ Micah foretold His birth in Bethlehem:
Micah 5:2 (ESV)
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah… from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”
This verse affirms both Christ’s human origin (born in Bethlehem) and His eternal preexistence.
✦ David (Psalms) prophesied Christ’s suffering:
Psalm 22:18 (ESV)
“They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.”
Fulfilled in: Matthew 27:35
“…they divided his garments among them by casting lots.”
Psalm 22 describes the crucifixion in astonishing detail—written 1,000 years before Christ.
✦ Hosea prophesied the calling of God’s Son:
Hosea 11:1 (ESV)
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”
Fulfilled in: Matthew 2:15
“…that what was spoken by the prophet Hosea might be fulfilled, ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.’”
This shows how Israel’s story typologically points to Jesus—the true Israel.
✦ Jeremiah described the mourning in Bethlehem:
Jeremiah 31:15 (ESV)
“A voice is heard in Ramah… Rachel is weeping for her children.”
Fulfilled in: Matthew 2:18, in the slaughter of infants under Herod.
✦ Zechariah predicted the Triumphal Entry:
Zechariah 9:9 (ESV)
“Behold, your king is coming to you… humble and mounted on a donkey.”
Fulfilled in: Matthew 21:5, as Jesus entered Jerusalem.
✦ Daniel saw Christ exalted as the “Son of Man”:
Daniel 7:13–14 (ESV)
“And behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man… his dominion is an everlasting dominion.”
Jesus referred to this passage about Himself repeatedly (cf. Matthew 26:64).
✦ Malachi foresaw the coming of the Lord to His temple:
Malachi 3:1 (ESV)
“The Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple.”
Fulfilled when Jesus cleansed the temple (John 2:13–17).
✦ Jonah prefigured Jesus’ death and resurrection:
Matthew 12:40 (ESV)
“For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
✦ Ezekiel promised the coming of the Spirit through Christ:
Ezekiel 36:26–27 speaks of a new heart and the Holy Spirit—fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2), made possible through Jesus.
✦ Amos foretold supernatural signs during the crucifixion:
Amos 8:9 (ESV)
“On that day… I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth.”
Fulfilled in: Matthew 27:45
“Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.”
✦ Joel prophesied the outpouring of the Spirit:
Joel 2:28–32, fulfilled in Acts 2:16–21, after Jesus’ resurrection.
✦ Job longed for the Redeemer:
Job 19:25 (ESV)
“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.”
This is one of the clearest Old Testament affirmations of resurrection hope in Christ.
THEOLOGICAL CONCLUSION:
All the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings testify of Jesus Christ. He is the second Adam, the true Israel, the greater Moses, the perfect High Priest, the Davidic King, the suffering Servant, the glorious Son of Man, and the resurrected Lord.
John 5:39 (ESV)
“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.”
Until we see Christ as the central message of Scripture, we are reading the Bible incompletely.
Luke 24:44–45 (ESV)
“Then he said to them… everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.”
Ephesians 4:13 (ESV)
“…until we all attain… the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
WHAT NEXT?
Let your eyes be opened to see Christ in every page of Scripture. Preach Him. Follow Him. Share Him.
If you would like to receive Jesus Christ into your life or receive daily teachings via WhatsApp, you are welcome to connect:
🔗 Join our WhatsApp Channel
📞 Contact: +255 693 036 618 | +255 789 001 312
Maranatha – The Lord is coming.
