dissolved. This is probably a reference to the ultimate purging (not annihilation) of the very elements of the earth at the last judgment (2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 20:11).

promotion cometh. If promotion (i.e., exaltation) comes to a nation or to a person, it cannot come from the east or west or south, so must come from the north. The next verse indicates that it must come from God alone, thus implying that the “north” is at least symbolic of where God sits as Judge of the earth. See footnotes on Job 26:7. Also note Psalm 48:2, referring to “mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.” The main part of Davidic Jerusalem (where God's temple on earth was located), was on the northern sides and slopes of Mount Zion, which was difficult to reach from other directions.

the wine is red. God's coming wrath on an unbelieving world will be poured out, and drunk like poisoned wine by all the ungodly in the coming period of His final judgments (note Jeremiah 25:15-16; Revelation 14:9-11; etc.).