Bible Dictionaries
Lees

Holman Bible Dictionary

Solid matter that settles out of wine during the fermentation process. In ancient Palestine, wine was allowed to remain on the lees to increase its strength and flavor. Such wine “on the lees” was much preferred to the newly fermented product. At Isaiah 25:6 , a banquet of wine on the well-refined lees symbolizes God's people enjoying the best God can offer. Zephaniah 1:12 pictures the inhabitants of Jerusalem who did not believe God would act as wine resting on the lees. Compare Jeremiah 48:11 . Since wine was normally strained before being drunk, the prophetic images point to a temporary respite. To drink dregs or less is to endure the bitterness of judgment or punishment (Psalm 75:8 ).