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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Habakkuk 3:1-2

This chapter is entitled a prayer of Habakkuk. It is a meditation with himself, an intercession for the church. Prophets were praying men; this prophet was so (He is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, Gen. 20:7); and sometimes they prayed for even those whom they prophesied against. Those that were intimately acquainted with the mind of God concerning future events knew better than others how to order their prayers, and what to pray for, and, in the foresight of troublous times, could lay... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Habakkuk 3:1

A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth. Of the name, character, and office of the prophet; see Gill on Habakkuk 1:1 . This chapter is entitled a "prayer" of his, a supplicatory one, put up in an humble and earnest manner, and in the exercise of faith, and under the influence of a spirit of prophecy. He before had a vision of the coming of Christ, and of what enemies would rise up, and obstruct his kingdom and interest in the world; and here lie prays that these obstructions might... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Habakkuk 3:2

O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid ,.... Or, "thy hearing" F16 שמעך "tuam auditionem", V. L. Burkius; "tuum auditum", Pagninus, Montanus; "rumorem", Tarnovius. ; which the Lord had caused to be heard from and of himself; the report that had been made to him, and other prophets before him, particularly Isaiah, who says, "who hath believed our report?" Isaiah 53:1 where the same phrase is used as here: though it seems here not so much to regard the evangelical part of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Habakkuk 3:1

A prayer of Habakkuk - upon Shigionoth - See the note on the title of Psalm 7 (note), where the meaning of Shiggaion is given. The Vulgate has, pro ignorantiis , for ignorances, or sins committed in ignorance; and so it is understood by the Chaldee. The Syriac has nothing but merely, A prayer of Habakkuk. And the Septuagint, instead of Shigionoth, have μετα ῳδης , with a hymn, which is copied by the Arabic. I suspect that the title here given is of a posterior date to the prophecy. It... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Habakkuk 3:2

In the midst of the years - שנים בקרב bekereb shanim , "As the years approach." The nearer the time, the clearer and fuller is the prediction; and the signs of the times show that the complete fulfillment is at hand. But as the judgments will be heavy, (and they are not greater than we deserve), yet, Lord, in the midst of wrath - infliction of punishment - remember mercy, and spare the souls that return unto thee with humiliation and prayer. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Habakkuk 3:1

Verse 1 There is no doubt but that the Prophet dictated this form of prayer for his people, before they were led into exile, that they might always exercise themselves in the study of religion. We indeed know that God cannot be rightly and from the heart worshipped but in faith. Hence, in order to confine the dispersed Israelites within due limits, so that they might not fall away from true religion, the Prophet here sets before them the materials of faith, and stimulates them to prayer: and we... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Habakkuk 3:2

Verse 2 The Prophet says here, in the name of the whole people, that he was terrified by the voice of God, for so I understand the word, though in many places it means report, as some also explain it in this place. But as the preaching of the Gospel is called in Isaiah 53:1, שמעה, shemoe, report, it seems to me more suitable to the present passage to render it the voice of God; for the general sentiment, that the faithful were terrified at the report of God, would be frigid. It ought rather to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Habakkuk 3:1

§ 1. The title. A prayer. There is only one formal prayer in the ode, that in Habakkuk 3:2 ; but the term is used of any devotional composition; and, indeed, the whole poem may be regarded as the development of the precatory sentences in the proemium. (For other hymns in the prophetical books, see Isaiah 24:1-23 , and Isaiah 35:1-10 .; Ezekiel 19:1-14 .; Jah 2.; Micah 6:6 , etc.; and as parallel to this ode, comp. Deuteronomy 33:2 , etc.; 5:4 , etc.; Psalms 68:7 , etc.; ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Habakkuk 3:1

Prayer and praise. This chapter records the remarkable "prayer" or "Code" of Habakkuk. The superscription contained in the first verse and a cursory glance at the chapter as thus described may be found suggestive of important teachings respecting the sacred exercises of prayer and praise. Note— I. THE TEACHINGS CONCERNING PRAYER . 1 . We do well to solicit present blessings. "In the midst of the years make known" (verse 2); i.e. he sought the Divine manifestation in mercy... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Habakkuk 3:1-2

God devoutly addressed. "A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth. O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy." This chapter is considered to be one of the most magnificent compositions of the inspired volume. It was intended undoubtedly to impart consolation in view of the tremendous calamities which were approaching from the Babylonian invasion. "It exhibits,"... read more

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