Habakkuk 3

Habakkuk 3:1-19 . HABAKKUK'S PRAYER TO GOD: GOD'S GLORIOUS REVELATION OF HIMSELF AT SINAI AND AT GIBEON, A PLEDGE OF HIS INTERPOSING AGAIN IN BEHALF OF ISRAEL AGAINST BABYLON, AND ALL OTHER FOES; HENCE THE PROPHET'S CONFIDENCE AMID CALAMITIES.

This sublime ode begins with an exordium ( Habakkuk 3:1 Habakkuk 3:2 ), then follows the main subject, then the peroration ( Habakkuk 3:16-19 ), a summary of the practical truth, which the whole is designed to teach. ( Deuteronomy 33:2-5 , Psalms 77:13-20 are parallel odes). This was probably designed by the Spirit to be a fit formula of prayer for the people, first in their Babylonian exile, and now in their dispersion, especially towards the close of it, just before the great Deliverer is to interpose for them. It was used in public worship, as the musical term, "Selah!" ( Habakkuk 3:3 Habakkuk 3:9 Habakkuk 3:13 ), implies.

1. prayer--the only strictly called prayers are in Habakkuk 3:2 . But all devotional addresses to God are called "prayers" ( Psalms 72:20 ). The Hebrew is from a root "to apply to a judge for a favorable decision." Prayers in which praises to God for deliverance, anticipated in the sure confidence of faith, are especially calculated to enlist Jehovah on His people's side ( 2 Chronicles 20:20-22 2 Chronicles 20:26 ).
upon Shigionoth--a musical phrase, "after the manner of elegies," or mournful odes, from an Arabic root [LEE]; the phrase is singular in Psalms 7:1 , title. More simply, from a Hebrew root to "err," "on account of sins of ignorance." Habakkuk thus teaches his countrymen to confess not only their more grievous sins, but also their errors and negligences, into which they were especially likely to fall when in exile away from the Holy Land [CALVIN]. So Vulgate and AQUILA, and SYMMACHUS. "For voluntary transgressors" [JEROME]. Probably the subject would regulate the kind of music. DELITZSCH and HENDERSON translate, "With triumphal music," from the same root "to err," implying its enthusiastic irregularity.

2. I have heard thy speech--Thy revelation to me concerning the coming chastisement of the Jews [CALVIN], and the destruction of their oppressors. This is Habakkuk's reply to God's communication [GROTIUS]. MAURER translates, "the report of Thy coming," literally, "Thy report."
and was afraid--reverential fear of God's judgments ( Habakkuk 3:16 ).
revive thy work--Perfect the work of delivering Thy people, and do not let Thy promise lie as if it were dead, but give it new life by performing it [MENOCHIUS]. CALVIN explains "thy work" to be Israel; called "the work of My hands" ( Isaiah 45:11 ). God's elect people are peculiarly His work ( Isaiah 43:1 ), pre-eminently illustrating His power, wisdom, and goodness. "Though we seem, as it were, dead nationally, revive us" ( Psalms 85:6 ). However ( Psalms 64:9 ), where "the work of God" refers to His judgment on their enemies, favors the former view ( Psalms 90:16 Psalms 90:17 , Isaiah 51:9 Isaiah 51:10 ).
in the midst of the years--namely, of calamity in which we live. Now that our calamities are at their height; during our seventy years' captivity. CALVIN more fancifully explains it, in the midst of the years of Thy people, extending from Abraham to Messiah; if they be cut off before His coming, they will be cut off as it were in the midst of their years, before attaining their maturity. So BENGEL makes the midst of the years to be the middle point of the years of the world. There is a strikingly similar phrase ( Daniel 9:27 ), In the midst of the week. The parallel clause, "in wrath" (that is, in the midst of wrath), however, shows that "in the midst of the years" means "in the years of our present exile and calamity."
make known--Made it (Thy work) known by experimental proof; show in very deed, that this is Thy work.