Habakkuk 2:2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Habakkuk 2:1-4

Here, I. The prophet humbly gives his attendance upon God (Hab. 2:1): ?I will stand upon my watch, as a sentinel on the walls of a besieged city, or on the borders of an invaded country, that is very solicitous to gain intelligence. I will look up, will look round, will look within, and watch to see what he will say unto me, will listen attentively to the words of his mouth and carefully observe the steps of his providence, that I may not lose the least hint of instruction or direction. I will... read more

John Gill

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

And the Lord answered me ,.... As he does his ministers and people sooner or later, in one way or another, when they call upon him with humility and reverence, with faith and fervency: and said, Write the vision ; which the prophet now had from him, concerning the coming of the Messiah, and the destruction of the enemies of the church and people of God: and this he has orders to "write"; not only to tell it to the people then present, for their particular information and satisfaction;... read more

Adam Clarke

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

Write the vision - Carefully take down all that I shall say. Make it plain upon tables - Write it in a full plain, legible hand. That he may run that readeth it - That he who attentively peruses it may speed to save his life from the irruption of the Chaldeans, by which so many shall be cut off. The prophet does not mean that the words are to be made so plain, that a man running by may easily read them, and catch their meaning. This interpretation has been frequently given; and it... read more

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

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Habakkuk 2:2

The answer is, that it is indeed for a long time yet. Write the vision, that it may remain for those who come after and not be forgotten, and make it plain upon the tables, whereon he was accustomed to write ; and that, in large lasting characters, that he may run that readeth it, that it may be plain to any, however occupied or in haste. So Isaiah too was commanded to write the four words, “haste-prey-speed-spoil.” read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Habakkuk 2:2-3

Habakkuk 2:2-3 . The Lord said, Write the vision Write down what I am going to say. Every divine communication, by whatever means made, is often spoken of in the prophetic writings under the title of a vision. When the prophets were commanded to write any thing, it denoted the great importance of it, and that the fulfilling of it was at some distance. Make it plain upon tables Write it in legible characters; that he may run that readeth That it may be read with ease. For the vision... read more

Group of Brands