Habakkuk 1:1

1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw.

Habakkuk 1:1 Meaning and Commentary

Habakkuk 1:1

The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see.
] This prophecy is called a "burden", or something took up and carried, being what the prophet received from the Lord, and went with to the people of the Jews, and was a heavy burdensome prophecy to them; declaring the calamities that should come upon them by the Chaldeans, who would invade their land, and carry them captive; and Habakkuk, that brought this account, is called a "prophet", to give the greater sanction to it; and it was what he had in vision from the Lord represented unto him, and therefore should be credited. Abarbinel inquires why Habakkuk should be called a prophet, when none of the lesser prophets are, excepting Haggai and Zechariah; and thinks the reason of it is, to give weight to his prophecy, since it might be suspected by some whether he was one; there being none of those phrases to be met with in this prophecy as in others, as "the word of the Lord came" or "thus saith the Lord".

Habakkuk 1:1 In-Context

1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw.

2 How long, Lord, must I call for help and You do not listen, or cry out to You about violence and You do not save?

3 Why do You force me to look at injustice? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Oppression and violence are right in front of me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict escalates.

4 This is why the law is ineffective and justice never emerges. For the wicked restrict the righteous; therefore, justice comes out perverted.

5 Look at the nations and observe- be utterly astounded! For something is taking place in your days that you will not believe when you hear about it.