1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.
2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make [it] plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
3 For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
4 Behold, his soul [which] is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
5 Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, [he is] a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and [is] as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:
6 Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth [that which is] not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!
7 Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them?
8 Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men’s blood, and [for] the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.
9 Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!
10 Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people, and hast sinned [against] thy soul.
11 For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it.
12 Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity!
13 Behold, [is it] not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?
14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
15 Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to [him], and makest [him] drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!
16 Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD’S right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing [shall be] on thy glory.
17 For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts, [which] made them afraid, because of men’s blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.
18 What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?
19 Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it [is] laid over with gold and silver, and [there is] no breath at all in the midst of it.
20 But the LORD [is] in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.
Overview of Habakkuk Chapter 2
Habakkuk Chapter 2 is a pivotal part of the book, where the prophet Habakkuk receives a response from God regarding his previous complaints about injustice and the prosperity of the wicked. This chapter emphasizes themes of faith, divine justice, and the ultimate triumph of righteousness.
Key Themes
- Divine Revelation: The chapter opens with Habakkuk positioning himself to receive God’s answer, indicating the importance of waiting for divine revelation.
- Faith and Righteousness: The famous verse “the just shall live by his faith” underscores the necessity of faith in God amidst adversity.
- Judgment on the Wicked: God outlines the fate of the wicked, emphasizing that their arrogance and greed will lead to their downfall.
- Vision and Prophecy: The chapter stresses the importance of writing down the vision, making it plain so that it can be understood and awaited.
Verse-by-Verse Analysis
- Verse 1: Habakkuk stands watch and sets himself on the rampart, symbolizing readiness to receive God’s message. This reflects a posture of expectation and alertness.
- Verse 2: God instructs Habakkuk to write the vision clearly. This emphasizes the importance of clarity in prophetic messages and the need for future generations to understand God’s plans.
- Verse 3: The vision is described as awaiting its appointed time, suggesting that God’s timing is perfect, and believers must be patient and faithful while waiting for its fulfillment.
- Verse 4: The righteous live by faith, contrasting the proud, who will not stand. This verse becomes a cornerstone of faith teaching in both Jewish and Christian traditions.
- Verses 5-8: God describes the characteristics of the wicked, including their greed and arrogance. The consequences of their actions are outlined, indicating that their ill-gotten gains will ultimately lead to their ruin.
- Verses 9-11: Woe to those who exploit others for wealth. This section emphasizes social justice and the moral implications of greed and exploitation.
- Verses 12-14: The chapter condemns violence and bloodshed, affirming that true glory comes from the knowledge of the Lord filling the earth.
- Verses 15-17: Woes are pronounced against those who lead others into sin. This highlights the responsibility of leaders and the consequences of leading others astray.
- Verses 18-20: The final verses contrast idols with the living God. It affirms that God is in His holy temple, and all the earth should remain silent before Him, emphasizing His sovereignty and authority.
Conclusion
Habakkuk Chapter 2 serves as a profound reminder of the necessity of faith in the face of injustice. It reassures believers that God is aware of the wickedness in the world and will ultimately bring justice. The chapter’s teachings on the importance of divine revelation, the nature of true faith, and the moral responsibilities of individuals and leaders remain relevant and impactful for contemporary readers.
