Habakkuk 2

I and set me upon the tower. As a watchman looking for help.

when I am reproved. Rather, “in regard to my remonstrance,” namely, that in i. 12-17.

2. Write the vision, etc. Not, “that he who runs may read,” but “that he who reads may run”; i.e., “that one may read it at a glance” (Moffatt). tables. “Tablets.”

3 at the end it shall speak. Rather, as R.V., “it hasteth (Heb., ‘panteth’) toward the end.”

The purposes of God, though apparently delayed in their accomplishment, are sure to be fulfilled.

4. Behold, his soul [which] is lifted up, etc. Rather, “Behold [the man of] presumption, his soul is not right in him; but the just by his faith shall live.” The latter clause is taken by the Apostle Paul as the very motto of the Gospel: Rom. i. 17; Gal. iii. 11. It was the text that made clear to Luther the great doctrine of justification by faith.

5. Yea also, because he transgresseth, etc. Or, “And moreover wine is treacherous; the mighty man is proud, and cannot rest” (keep at home). The arrogance was evidently inflamed by strong drink.

6 with thick clay. Rather, “with a mass of pledges or debts”: see R.V. The Chaldean, like a rapacious usurer, gathers what is “not his.” But “how long” shall he be suffered to do this? Shall he not “suddenly” be punished? (ver. 7).

7. Shall they not rise up, etc.? Rather, “Shall not thy creditors arise suddenly?” The suddenness appears to point to the unexpected rise of the Medo-Persian power.

8 the violence of the land. i.e., the violence which thou hast done in it.

9 from the power (hand) of evil. From all chances of calamity.

11 the stone shall cry out of the wall, etc. By this bold personification, the very materials used in the sumptuous buildings of Babylon are described as accusing the king of the rapine by which they have been procured, and the crimes which they have witnessed.

13 shall labour in the very fire. R.V., “labour for the fire.” See Jer. li. 58.

14 the earth shall be filled, etc. The punishment of the Chaldean oppressors shall not only display the glory of a righteous and holy God, but shall prepare the way for the new manifestation of His glory in the Gospel: see Isa. xi. 9.

15. That puttest thy bottle to [him]. Rather, “Who pourest out thy beat (i.e., thy wrath), and makest him drunken.” The allusion is taken from the well-known drunken habits of the Chaldeans; but it refers figuratively to the ignominy to which they reduced the conquered nations (see Isa. li. 17, 21, 22).

17 the violence of Lebanon. i.e., the violence done to Lebanon. See Isa. xxxvii. 24.

18 a teacher of lies. All idols give false notions of the Deity.

19 to the dumb stone, etc. Rather, “to the dumb stone, ‘Arise!’ Shall this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver.” Who can imagine that such a thing can teach?

20. But the Lord is in His holy temple. Idols have no “breath,” and their pretended oracles are “lies”; but the Eternal is present “in His Temple,” and speaks there with truth and authority.