ChristianAnswers.Net WebBible Encyclopedia
(Hebrew: shemarim), from a word meaning to keep or preserve.
“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 (compare Ps. 55:19; Amos 6:1).
To drink the lees (Ps. 75:8) denotes severe suffering.