Why Solomon Warned Against Wine and the Rebellious Son

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Shmini 7:5

Solomon said, "Do not be among those who imbibe wine" (Proverbs 23:20). Do not cause yourself to drink "seventy" (yayin, "wine," spelled yod-yod-nun, equals 70), and so come to face seventy of the Sanhedrin, and bring death upon yourself. See what is written: "If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son..., his father and his mother shall seize him..." (Deuteronomy 21:18–19). And the judgment is carried out upon him, and they stone him [all the men of his city with stones, and he dies]. Why? Because he is a glutton and a drunkard. And Solomon said, "Do not be among those who imbibe wine, among those who gorge themselves on meat" (Proverbs 23:20), so that you do not bring upon yourself stoning, the most severe of the executions.

Themes

Biblical References