It was customary for the Hebrews to eat but twice a day, their heartiest meal coming not far from the middle of the day. But the luxurious habits of the heathen had been engrafted into the nation, and the king and his princes were accustomed to extend their festivities far into the night. On the other hand, if the earlier part of the day was devoted to feasting and wine-drinking, the officers and rulers of the kingdom were totally unfitted for their grave duties.{3BC 1165.6}

Det var sædvane for hebræerne at kun spise to gange om dagen, deres største måltid kom om ikke langt fra midten af dagen. Men hedenskabets luksseriøse vaner var blevet indpodet i nationen, og kongen og hans fyrster havde vænnet sig til at strække deres fester til langt ud på natten. På den anden side, hvis den første del af dagen var helliget til at feste og drikke vin, var embedsmændene og herskerne i riget helt ude af stand til at udføre deres pligter.