Habakkuk 1

Habakkuk 1:1

THe burthen] namely; the prophecy, denouncing threatnings and curses, by Gods expresse command, Isay 13. 1 Did see] that is to say; receaved from God in a prophetick vision.

Habakkuk 1:2

How long] the Prophets lamentation, for the great sinnes of the people, which God seemed to passe over or tolerate Violence] either generall against good men, or particular, against the Prophet.

Habakkuk 1:3

Strife] chiefly against those Prophets which reproved them. See Jeremiah 15:10. Hosea 4:4.

Habakkuk 1:4

Therefore] thy great patience O Lord, causeth thy law to be as it were disarmed of her terror, and be of no strength nor authority with these wicked men: and be no more publickly used Iudgement] all the course of publick justice is broken off Compasse about] for the wicked doe besiege good men, by reason of their multitude, credit, and power: justice suffereth violence, and is not exercised with liberty and righteousnesse.

Habakkuk 1:7

Their judgement] they receave no law, nor assistance from any: their reason is their will, and the execution in their power.

Habakkuk 1:8

More fierce] the Italian, Ravenous] Heb. sharpened or fleshed.

Habakkuk 1:9

Their faces] they shall overthrow and dissipate all whatsoever shall come against them, as this tempestuous winde doth.

Habakkuk 1:10

Heap dust] the Italian, Make terraces] peradventure he meanes to shew the easinesse of the conquest. As if the Chaldeans should doe it as it were in a pastime, as little children do make trenches, and forts in the dust.

Habakkuk 1:11

Then shall] namely; when their greatnesse is come to the height.

Habakkuk 1:12

Art thou not] the Prophets words to God in the name of all the people Mine holy one] the onely sacred Deity which I adore; him whom I onely acknowledge to be holy, amongst all other Gods, which are but impure Idols, that pollute the soule We shall not] thy Church cannot perish, seeing it is joyned to thee who art everlasting, by a covenant which importeth communication of grace, and of life, and of glory. See Psal 102. 28. & 118. 17. Lamentations 5:19-20. Matthew 22:32 Ordained them] it is true that thou hast established that great Empire to punish thy Church, 2 Kings 19:25. Isay 10. 5, 6, 7. but not destroy it, as it endeavoureth to do by an extreame tyranny, contrary to thy nature and will.

Habakkuk 1:13

Canst not look] patiently without punishing it The wicked] namely; the Chaldeans who are unjust in oppressing thy people who never offended them; and immoderate in the execution of thy judgements, which they do not regard and are more wicked then those whom thou punishest by them.

Habakkuk 1:14

Makest men] hast thou forsaken Nations and States, like fishes and such like beasts, which are his that can first take them?

Habakkuk 1:16

They sacrifice] instead of acknowledging all their greatnesse to proceed from God, and giving him thanks, and serving him; they attribute it to themselves, and to their industry, understanding, and valour. See Isay 10. 13.

Habakkuk 1:17

Emptie] wilt thou O Lord suffer them after so many faults and impieties, to enjoy their oppressions, and endlesly continue in them?