Book of Isaiah - Chapter 29 - Verse 9

Often in the Bible, the metaphor of intoxication is used to depict people who are spiritually blind and unaware of their sinful behaviors. In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is urging the people to stop and take notice of their actions. He tells them to "stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry" in order to emphasize the seriousness of their situation. The image of being drunk, but not with wine, suggests that their moral confusion and spiritual emptiness are not caused by physical intoxication, but rather by their own sinful choices and rebellion against God. The phrase "they stagger, but not with strong drink" further emphasizes the idea that their spiritual condition is dire and in need of correction. Overall, this verse serves as a wake-up call for the people to recognize their spiritual blindness and turn back to God before it is too late.

In this verse, the Prophet Isaiah is calling upon the people to take heed and pay attention to the message he is about to deliver. The command to "stay yourselves, and wonder" is an invitation to pause and reflect on the astonishing revelation that is about to be shared. The urgency of the message is emphasized by the repetition of the word "cry", indicating that it should be proclaimed loudly and clearly. The description of the people as "drunken, but not with wine... stagger, but not with strong drink" is a metaphorical depiction of their spiritual condition. They are not physically intoxicated, but rather spiritually blinded and stumbling in their ways. This imagery serves to highlight the seriousness of their situation and the need for repentance and spiritual awakening. Through this verse, Isaiah warns the people of the consequences of their spiritual apathy and calls them to sober reflection and repentance.