Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
(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.