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John Calvin

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

Verse 2 The Prophet now shows by his own example that there is no fear but that God will give help in time, provided we bring our minds to a state of spiritual tranquillity, and constantly look up to him: for the event which the Prophet relates, proves that there is no danger that God will frustrate their hope and patience, who lift up their minds to heaven, and continue steadily in that attitude. Answer me, he says, did Jehovah, and said. There is no doubt but that the Prophet accommodates... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Habakkuk 2:4

Verse 4 This verse stands connected with the last, for the Prophet means to show that nothing is better than to rely on God’s word, how much soever may various temptations assault our souls. We hence see that nothing new is said here, but that the former doctrine is confirmed—that our salvation is rendered safe and certain through God’s promise alone, and that therefore we ought not to seek any other haven, where we might securely sustain all the onsets of Satan and of the world. But he sets... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Habakkuk 2:1

Habakkuk speaks with himself, and, mindful of his office, waits for the communication which he confidently ex-poets ( Jeremiah 33:3 ). I will stand upon my watch ( Isaiah 21:6 , Isaiah 21:8 ). As a watchman goes to a high place to see all around and discern what is coming, so the prophet places himself apart from men, perhaps in some secluded height, in readiness to hear the voice of God and seize the meaning of the coming event. Prophets are called "watchmen" (comp. Ezekiel 3:17 ;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Habakkuk 2:1-3

§ 5. The prophet, waiting for an answer to his expostulation, is bidden to write the oracle in plain characters, because its fulfilment is certain. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Habakkuk 2:1-3

The prophet upon his watch tower. I. THE OUT LOOKING PROPHET . ( Habakkuk 2:1 .) Having spread out before Jehovah his complaint, Habakkuk, determined to stand upon his watch tower or station himself upon his fortress, and to look forth to see what Jehovah would speak within him, and what reply in consequence he should give to his own complaint. The words indicate the frame of mind to be cherished and the course of conduct to be pursued by him who would hold communion with and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Habakkuk 2:1-3

Man's moral mission to the world. "I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." The prophet, after his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Habakkuk 2:2

Jehovah answers the prophet's expostulation ( Habakkuk 1:12 , etc.). Write . That it may remain permanently on record, and that, when it comes to pass, people may believe in the prophet's inspiration ( John 13:19 ; comp. Isaiah 8:1 ; Isaiah 30:8 ; Jeremiah 30:2 ; Revelation 1:11 ). The vision (see Habakkuk 1:1 : Obadiah 1:1 ). The word includes the inward revelation as well as the open vision. Upon tables; upon the tables ( Deuteronomy 27:8 ); i.e. certain tablets... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Habakkuk 2:3

For . The reason is given why the oracle is to be committed to writing. Is yet for an ( the ) appointed time. The vision will not be accomplished immediately, but in the period fixed by God (comp. Daniel 8:17 , Daniel 8:19 ; Daniel 11:27 , Daniel 11:35 ). Others explain, "pointeth to a yet future time." But at the end it shall speak . The verb is literally "breathes," or "pants;" hence the clause is better rendered, and it panteth (equivalent to hasteth ) towards the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Habakkuk 2:3

Waiting for the vision. In this chapter we have set forth the doom of Babylon. The prophet had given to him glimpses of the future as affecting the adversaries of his people. The Divine voice within him gave assurance that the power of the oppressor should at length be broken. He saw the solution of the dark problem which had perplexed him so much concerning the victory to be gained over his people by the Chaldeans. The triumphing of the wicked should be short, and should be followed by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Habakkuk 2:4

§ 6. The great principle is taught that the proud shall not continue, but the just shall live by faith. The prophecy commences with a fundamental thought, applicable to all God's dealings with man. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him; literally, behold, puffed up, his soul is not upright in him. This is a description of an evil character (especially of the Chaldean) in opposition to the character delineated in the following hemistich. One who is proud, presumptuous,... read more

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