Commentaries:
Barnes' Notes
Wo unto them that are mighty ... - This is the sixth specification of crime. He had already denounced the intemperate in Isaiah 5:11. But probably this was a prevailing sin. Perhaps there was no evidence of reform; and it was needful to "repeat" the admonition, in order that people might be brought to regard it. The prophet repeats a similar denunciation in Isaiah 56:12.
Mighty - Perhaps those who prided themselves on their ability to drink "much" without becoming intoxicated; who had been so accustomed to it, that they defied its effects, and boasted of their power to resist its usual influence. A similar idea is expressed in Isaiah 56:12.
Men of strength - The Chaldee understands this of "rich" men; but, probably, the reference is to those who boasted that they were able to bear "much" strong drink.
To mingle - To mix wine with spices, dates, drugs, etc., to make it more intoxicating; Proverbs 9:2, Proverbs 9:5. They boasted that they were able to drink, without injury, liquor of extraordinary intoxicating qualities.
Strong drink - Note, Isaiah 5:11. On the subject of the strong drink used in the East, "see Harmer' s Observations," vol. ii. pp. 140-148. Ed. Lond. 1808.
Other Barnes' Notes entries containing Isaiah 5:22:
Proverbs 23:15-35
Isaiah 19:14
Isaiah 28:1
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