Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists

Press, n.d.), pp. 54-64.
The expression "strong drink" (shekar in
Hebrew) signifies a sweet drink, usually
fermented, and generally made from sources
other than grapes. It includes products like beer
(from barley, millet, or wheat), and date or
palm wine. The expression does not refer to
distilled liquors because distillation was
unknown to the Israelites (Patton, pp. 57, 58,
62).
Fermented wine. Scripture condemns alcoholic
wine because it brings violence, misery, and
destruction (Prov. 4:17; 23:29, 35). It causes
religious leaders to be oppressive (Isa. 56:10-
12) and was associated with the perversion of
judgment of Israel's leaders (Isa. 28:7) and of
King Belshazzar (Dan 5:1-30).
Unfermented wine. The Bible speaks favorably
of unfermented wine or juice and recommends
it as a great blessing. It is to be presented as an
offering to God (Num. 18:12, 13; Neh. 10:37-
39; 13:12, 13). It is one of God's blessings
(Gen. 27:28, NIV "'new wine'"; Deut. 7:13;
11:14; Prov. 3:10; Isa. 65:8; Joel 3:18), "'cheers
793