Thou art, &c. Note the Fig, Synchoresis ( App-6 ). evil. Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 . iniquity = perverseness, or wrong. Hebrew. 'amal. App-44 . Not the same word as in Habakkuk 1:3 , or Habakkuk 2:12 . the wicked = a lawless one. Hebrew. rasha'. App-44 . Looking forward to the Antichrist. read more
"Thou that art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and that canst not look on perverseness, wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and boldest thy peace when the wicked swalloweth up the man that is more righteous than he?"How can the holy and good God permit the wicked to swallow the people who, however sinful, are yet better than the destroyer? The answer to this lies in the truth that the redemption of anyone on earth was related to the fidelity and perseverance of a... read more
13. purer . . . than to behold evil—without being displeased at it. canst not look on iniquity—unjust injuries done to Thy people. The prophet checks himself from being carried too far in his expostulatory complaint, by putting before himself honorable sentiments of God. them that deal treacherously—the Chaldeans, once allies of the Jews, but now their violent oppressors. Compare "treacherous dealers," (Isaiah 21:2; Isaiah 24:16). Instead of speaking evil against God, he goes to God Himself for... read more
II. HABAKKUK’S QUESTIONS AND YAHWEH’S ANSWERS 1:2-2:20The prophet asked Yahweh two questions and received two answers. read more
C. Habakkuk’s question about Babylonia 1:12-17This section is another lament (cf. Habakkuk 1:2-4). It expresses the problem of excessive punishment. read more
Because Yahweh was the Holy One, Habakkuk knew that He was too pure to look approvingly at evil nor could He favor wickedness. This was a basic tenet of Israel’s faith (cf. Psalms 5:4; Psalms 34:16; Psalms 34:21). But this raised another, more serious, problem in the prophet’s mind. Why did the Lord then look approvingly on the treachery of the Babylonians? Why did He not reprove them and restrain them when the Babylonians slew people who were more righteous than they?The prophet’s first... read more
The Prophet’s burden. The Answer of Jehovah1. Burden] RM ’oracle’: see on Isaiah 13:1.2, 3. How long?.. Why?] Even a prophet (Habakkuk 1:1) can ask such questions. He never denies the existence of God, but he cannot understand His seeming failure to interpose in human affairs. In the end, however, the despondency merges into a faith which can believe where it cannot see (Habakkuk 2:3; Habakkuk 3:17.).5. Behold ye among the heathen] For this we ought to read, ’Behold, ye treacherous’ (as in the... read more
(12-17) Though sore perplexed, Habakkuk feels sure that the God whom this swaggering conqueror has insulted will at last vindicate Himself. read more
(13) The prophet’s confidence is tempered, however, with anxious fear. Why does not God show plainly that He authorises this visitation? The triumph of this godless invader appears to impugn God’s majesty. read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Habakkuk 1:12-17
Second complaint and answer (1:12-2:5)Habakkuk replies to God by asking a further question. If Judah is God’s people for ever, and if God is holy, how can he use Babylon to punish Judah when the Babylonians are more wicked than the Judeans (12-13)? It seems to Habakkuk that God has the same standards as the Babylonians. They treat the people of nations as if they were no better than fish in the sea - there to be caught for the fisherman’s enjoyment (14-15). The Babylonians’ power is their god.... read more