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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Habakkuk 2:1-4

Here, I. The prophet humbly gives his attendance upon God (Hab. 2:1): ?I will stand upon my watch, as a sentinel on the walls of a besieged city, or on the borders of an invaded country, that is very solicitous to gain intelligence. I will look up, will look round, will look within, and watch to see what he will say unto me, will listen attentively to the words of his mouth and carefully observe the steps of his providence, that I may not lose the least hint of instruction or direction. I will... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Habakkuk 2:3

For the vision is yet for an appointed time ,.... Not the present vision only, but vision or prophecy in general: it was a doubt that arose in the minds of the prophet and other good men, upon the notice given that the Chaldeans would be raised up to the destruction of the Jews; that then the law of God would cease, his worship would not continue; vision and prophecy would be no more; it would be all over with the doctrine of the law and the prophets: now in answer to this, and to remove... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Habakkuk 2:4

Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him ,.... This and the following clause describe two sorts of persons differently affected to the Messiah, and the promise of his coming. Here it points at such as were "incredulous", as the Vulgate Latin version renders it; that disbelieved his coming, and mocked and scoffed at the promise of it; as well as those that did not believe in him when he came, though he had all the characteristics of the Messiah; and damnation was the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Habakkuk 2:3

The vision is yet for an appointed time - The Chaldeans, who are to ruin Judea, shall afterwards be ruined themselves: but they must do this work before they receive their wages; therefore the vision is for an appointed time. But at the end it shall speak. When his work of devastation is done, his day of retribution shall take place. Though it tarry - Though it appear to be long, do not be impatient; it will surely come; it will not tarry longer than the prescribed time, and this time is... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Habakkuk 2:4

Behold, his soul which is lifted up - He that presumes on his safety without any special warrant from God, is a proud man; and whatever he may profess, or think of himself, his mind is not upright in him. But he that is just by faith shall live - he that believes what God hath said relative to the Chaldeans besieging Jerusalem, shall make his escape from the place, and consequently shall save his life. The words in the New Testament are accommodated to the salvation which believers in Christ... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Habakkuk 2:4

Verse 4 This verse stands connected with the last, for the Prophet means to show that nothing is better than to rely on God’s word, how much soever may various temptations assault our souls. We hence see that nothing new is said here, but that the former doctrine is confirmed—that our salvation is rendered safe and certain through God’s promise alone, and that therefore we ought not to seek any other haven, where we might securely sustain all the onsets of Satan and of the world. But he sets... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Habakkuk 2:1-3

§ 5. The prophet, waiting for an answer to his expostulation, is bidden to write the oracle in plain characters, because its fulfilment is certain. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Habakkuk 2:1-3

The prophet upon his watch tower. I. THE OUT LOOKING PROPHET . ( Habakkuk 2:1 .) Having spread out before Jehovah his complaint, Habakkuk, determined to stand upon his watch tower or station himself upon his fortress, and to look forth to see what Jehovah would speak within him, and what reply in consequence he should give to his own complaint. The words indicate the frame of mind to be cherished and the course of conduct to be pursued by him who would hold communion with and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Habakkuk 2:1-3

Man's moral mission to the world. "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. And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. 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." The prophet, after his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Habakkuk 2:3

For . The reason is given why the oracle is to be committed to writing. Is yet for an ( the ) appointed time. The vision will not be accomplished immediately, but in the period fixed by God (comp. Daniel 8:17 , Daniel 8:19 ; Daniel 11:27 , Daniel 11:35 ). Others explain, "pointeth to a yet future time." But at the end it shall speak . The verb is literally "breathes," or "pants;" hence the clause is better rendered, and it panteth (equivalent to hasteth ) towards the... read more

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