Habakkuk 2:2-5

God's Second Answer

2 The Lord answered me: Write down this vision; clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it.[a]
3 For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it testifies about the end and will not lie. Though it delays, wait for it, since it will certainly come and not be late.
4 Look, his ego is inflated;[b] he is without integrity. But the righteous one will live by his faith.[c][d]
5 Moreover, wine[e] betrays; an arrogant man is never at rest.[f] He enlarges his appetite like Sheol, and like Death he is never satisfied.[g] He gathers all the nations to himself; he collects all the peoples for himself.

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Habakkuk 2:2-5 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO HABAKKUK 2

This chapter contains an answer from the Lord to the expostulations, pleadings, and reasonings of the prophet, in the name of the people. The preparation of the prophet to receive this answer is described, Hab 2:1 then follows the answer itself, in which he is bid to write and make plain the vision he had, that it might be easily read, Hab 2:2 and a promise is made, that vision should still be continued to the appointed time, at which time the Messiah would come; and this the righteous man, in opposition to the vain and proud man, is encouraged to live in the faith of, Hab 2:3,4 and then the destruction of the enemies of the people of God is threatened for their pride, ambition, covetousness, oppression, and murder, Hab 2:5-12 which would be unavoidable, Hab 2:13 and issue in the spread of the knowledge of the glory of God in the world, Hab 2:14 and also the ruin of other enemies is threatened, for drawing men into apostasy, and for their violence and idolatry, Hab 2:15-19 upon which would follow an universal silence in the earth, Hab 2:20.

Footnotes 7

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