The drink offering was wine poured out on top of the sacrifice that was being given to God.
“ (Phil. 2:17; 2 Tim. 4:6) Though often understood as a reference to his impending death, it is more likely that Paul understood the struggles and toils of his apostolic ministry as a libation upon the sacrificial service of the churches among which he ministered.2 In the OT, the libation was offered as a portion of the fruits of the worshiper’s labor, so it is fitting for Paul to speak of his labor as a libation. His labor was offered up as drink for God, as wine to make His heart glad.” Peter Leithart
I think I put a dark, sad, spin on things sometimes that is not there. Paul being poured out as a drink offering is wine, which is typically a symbol of joy in the Bible. It is a joy for Paul to be giving his life for others. It reminds me of the "oil and wine" that are not to be harmed even in the midst of huge tribulation in the book of Revelation. (Rev. 6:6) The oil of the presence of the Spirit of God always with us and the wine of the joy of God that is "set before us" to encourage us that what we are going through is worth it and will be redeemed.
Thank you God for these words tucked away in a joyful letter to the Philippians written from a prison cell.
