Bible Dictionaries

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Lees

Or dregs, the refuse and sediment of wine. Wines that have been allowed to stand a long time on the lees, thereby acquire a superior color and flavor. Hence such wines are used as a symbol of gospel blessings, Isaiah 25:6; also of a nation or community that, from long quiet and prosperity, has become rich and luxurious, and has settled down in carnal security, Jeremiah 48:11 Zephaniah 1:12 . To drink the dregs of the cup of God's wrath, Psalm 75:8 Isaiah 51:17 , is to drink it to exhaustion; that is, to suffer God's wrath without mitigation or end.