In the Bible, the term “lees” refers to the coarser parts of a liquid, specifically the sediment or dregs. It is often used in the context of wine. Now, let me share with you my understanding of the meaning of lees in the Bible.
When we come across the phrase “wine on the lees” in the Bible, it signifies a wine that is rich and full-bodied. This suggests that the wine has been allowed to settle and age, resulting in a more concentrated and flavorful beverage. It is similar to how we might describe a fine vintage or a well-aged whiskey in modern terms.
In Isaiah 25:6, we find the phrase “wine on the lees.” This verse talks about a feast that the Lord will prepare for all people, a feast of rich food and well-aged wine on the lees. Here, the use of the term “well-aged wine on the lees” emphasizes the abundance and quality of the wine that will be served at this divine feast. It paints a picture of a luxurious and joyous occasion, where the finest and most refined wine is enjoyed by all.
To fully grasp the significance of this phrase, it is helpful to understand the process of winemaking in ancient times. In those days, after the grapes were pressed and their juice extracted, the liquid would be left to ferment in containers. During this fermentation process, the heavier particles and sediments, known as lees, would settle at the bottom. The wine would then need to be carefully poured or decanted, separating it from the lees.
In fact, the process of separating the wine from the lees was crucial in ensuring the quality of the final product. If the lees were not properly removed, they could impart unpleasant flavors and cloudiness to the wine. Therefore, well-refined wine was highly valued and considered superior.
So, when the term “well refined” is used in reference to wine in the Bible, it implies that the wine has been meticulously strained or filtered to remove any impurities or sediments, including the lees. This results in a clear, pure, and more palatable beverage.
In a broader sense, the concept of lees can be seen as a metaphor for the refining process that believers go through in their spiritual journey. Just as wine needs to be separated from the lees to reach its full potential, we too need to undergo a process of purification and refinement to grow and develop spiritually. This process often involves facing challenges, overcoming obstacles, and letting go of impurities or negative influences in our lives.
To summarize, the term “lees” in the Bible refers to the sediment or dregs found in liquids, especially wine. It represents the coarser parts that need to be separated to produce a refined and superior product. Symbolically, it can represent the process of purification and refinement that believers undergo in their spiritual journey. The phrase “wine on the lees” conveys the idea of a rich and full-bodied wine, while “well refined” signifies a beverage that has been meticulously strained or filtered to remove impurities.