Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Habakkuk 1:12
(12) We shall not die—i.e., God’s people may suffer, but shall not be obliterated, shall not be “given over unto death.” The rest of the verse runs literally, Jehovah, for judgment hast Thou appointed him, and O Rock, for chastisement hast Thou founded him. “Him,” means, of course, the Chaldæan invader, whom Habakkuk regards as raised up only to be God’s instrument of correction. The term “Rock” has been paraphrased in the Authorised Version. Used absolutely, it occurs as a Divine title in... read more
John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Habakkuk 1:1-17
The Prophet’s burden. The Answer of Jehovah1. Burden] RM ’oracle’: see on Isaiah 13:1.2, 3. How long?.. Why?] Even a prophet (Habakkuk 1:1) can ask such questions. He never denies the existence of God, but he cannot understand His seeming failure to interpose in human affairs. In the end, however, the despondency merges into a faith which can believe where it cannot see (Habakkuk 2:3; Habakkuk 3:17.).5. Behold ye among the heathen] For this we ought to read, ’Behold, ye treacherous’ (as in the... read more