In vv. 11-17 drunken revelry in general has been condemned as a cause of the downfall of the nation. Here a special wo is pronounced because of the indulgence of the administrators of the law in strong drink. Wo the drunkards who justify the wicked for reward, and condemn the righteous! Verse 24 may be paraphrased thus:
"As fire devoureth stubble
And the flame consumeth chaff,
So shall their roots rot
And their foliage blow away as dust,
Because they have despised the law of the Lord of Hosts,
And set aside the word of the Holy One of Israel."