Habakkuk 1:17

17 Will he, therefore, empty his net and continue to slay nations without mercy?

Habakkuk 1:17 Meaning and Commentary

Habakkuk 1:17

Shall they therefore empty their net
Or "thus", after this manner, so Noldius; as fishermen do, when they have had a good cast, and a large draught, spread the net, and take out the fishes, in order to throw it again, and catch more; and so it is asked, should these Chaldeans, when they have conquered one nation, and so filled their net or themselves with the spoil, carry it to Babylon, and there lay it up, and then proceed to fight against another kingdom and nation, and plunder it in like manner? and not spare continually to slay the nations?
the inhabitants of them one after another, and subdue them under them, and make themselves master of all their treasure, until they are arrived to universal monarchy by such cruel and unmerciful methods. The Targum is,

``shall he send his armies continually to consume nations, and that without mercy?''

This the prophet proposes in the name of the whole body of the Lord's people, and leaves it with him to have an answer to it, which is given in the following chapter ( Habakkuk 2:1-20 ) .

Habakkuk 1:17 In-Context

15 The foe pulls all of them up with a hook; he catches them in his dragnet, and gathers them in his fishing net; so he rejoices gladly.

16 Therefore he sacrifices to his dragnet and burns incense to his fishing net, for by these things his portion is sumptuous and his food is rich.

17 Will he, therefore, empty his net and continue to slay nations without mercy?