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, Isa 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, Jer 48:11 Zep 1:12. To drink the dregs of the cup of God’s wrath, Ps 75:8 Isa 51:17, is to drink it to exhaustion; that is, to suffer God’s wrath without mitigation or end.

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Lees. Lees
(Heb. shemarim), from a word meaning to keep or preserve. It was applied to “lees” from the custom of allowing wine to stand on the lees that it might thereby be better preserved (Isa. 25:6). “Men settled on their lees” (Zeph. 1:12) are men “hardened or crusted.” The image is derived from the crust formed at the bottom of wines long left undisturbed (Jer. 48:11). The effect of wealthy undisturbed ease on the ungodly is hardening. They become stupidly secure (comp. Ps. 55:19; Amos 6:1). To drink the lees (Ps. 75:8) denotes severe suffering.

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LEES. → Settlings of wine Ps 75:8; Isa 25:6; Jer 48:11; Zep 1:12

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(dregs) of wine Ps 75:8; Isa 25:6; Jer 48:11; Zep 1:12

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lees. Lees, n. dregs, sediment, a snare, loss, falsehood

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Lees (lēz), n. pl. Dregs. See 2d Lee.