Hab 1:6, 10-11, 17 | JFB | STEP | 6. I raise up —not referring to God's having brought the Chaldeans from their original seats to Babylonia (see on ), for they had already been upwards of twenty years (since Nabopolassar's era) in political power there; but to His being about now to raise them up as the instruments of God's "work" of judgment on the Jews ( ). The Hebrew is future, "I will raise up." bitter —that is, cruel ( ; compare , Margin; ). hasty

Habakkuk 1:6

6. I raise up—not referring to God's having brought the Chaldeans from their original seats to Babylonia (see on Isa 23:13), for they had already been upwards of twenty years (since Nabopolassar's era) in political power there; but to His being about now to raise them up as the instruments of God's "work" of judgment on the Jews (2Ch 36:6). The Hebrew is future, "I will raise up."

bitter—that is, cruel (Jer 50:42; compare Jud 18:25, Margin; 2Sa 17:8).

hasty—not passionate, but "impetuous."

Habakkuk 1:10-11

10. scoff at . . . kings—as unable to resist them.

they shall heap dust, and take it—"they shall heap" earth mounds outside, and so "take every stronghold" (compare 2Sa 20:15; 2Ki 19:32) [GROTIUS].

11. Then—when elated by his successes.

shall his mind change—He shall lose whatever of reason or moderation ever was in him, with pride.

he shall pass over—all bounds and restraints: his pride preparing the sure way for his destruction (Pr 16:18). The language is very similar to that describing Nebuchadnezzar's "change" from man's heart (understanding) to that of a beast, because of pride (see on Da 4:16; Da 4:30, 31; Da 4:33, 34). An undesigned coincidence between the two sacred books written independently.

imputing this his power unto his god— (Da 5:4). Sacrilegious arrogance, in ascribing to his idol Bel the glory that belongs to God [CALVIN]. GROTIUS explains, "(saying that) his power is his own as one who is a god to himself" (compare Hab 1:16, and Da 3:1-30). So MAURER, "He shall offend as one to whom his power is his god" (Job 12:6; see on Mic 2:1).

Habakkuk 1:17

17. Shall they . . . empty their net?—Shall they be allowed without interruption to enjoy the fruits of their violence?

therefore—seeing that they attribute all their successes to themselves, and not to Thee. The answer to the prophet's question, he by inspiration gives himself in the second chapter.