Habakkuk 3:17-19

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Habakkuk 3:16-19

Within the compass of these few lines we have the prophet in the highest degree both of trembling and triumphing, such are the varieties both of the state and of the spirit of God's people in this world. In heaven there shall be no more trembling, but everlasting triumphs. I. The prophet had foreseen the prevalence of the church's enemies and the long continuance of the church's troubles; and the sight made him tremble, Hab. 3:16. Here he goes on with what he had said Hab. 3:2; ?I have heard... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Habakkuk 3:17

Although the fig tree shall not blossom ,.... Or rather, as the Septuagint version, "shall not bring forth fruit"; since the fig tree does not bear blossoms and flowers, but puts forth green figs at once. This was a tree common in the land of Canaan, and its fruit much in use, and for food; hence we read of cakes of figs among the provisions Abigail brought to David, 1 Samuel 25:18 so that, when there was a scarcity of these, it was a bad time: neither shall fruit be in the vines ;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Habakkuk 3:18

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord ,.... In the Word of the Lord, as the Targum; the essential Word of the Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ; in his person, the greatness and glory of it; in his offices, as Prophet, Priest, and King, the only Mediator and Saviour; in his relations, as head and husband, father, brother, friend; in his fulness, grace, and righteousness; in his spiritual presence, and comfortable communion with him, which may be expected in a remarkable manner after the above day of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Habakkuk 3:19

The Lord God is my strength ,.... The author and giver of natural and spiritual strength, as he is to all his people; he is the strength of their hearts when ready to faint and sink, and of their graces, faith, hope, love, patience, &c.; and continues and increases them, and draws them forth into lively acts and exercise; and of their lives, natural and spiritual, which he supports and maintains, secures and defends; from him they have their strength to perform the duties of religion;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Habakkuk 3:17

Although the fig tree shall not blossom - תפרח tiphrach , "shall not flourish," shall not put forth its young figs, for the fig tree does not blossom. The young figs appear as soon as the old ones are ripe, as I have often had occasion to observe. This verse most nervously paints the desolate state of the land of Judea during the captivity. In its hemistich form, it may be translated thus: - For the fig tree shall not flourish, And there shall be no fruit on the vines; The fruit... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Habakkuk 3:19

The Lord God is my strength - This is an imitation, if not a quotation, from Psalm 18:32-33 ; (note), where see the notes. Will make me to walk upon mine high places - This last verse is spoken in the person of the people, who seem to anticipate their restoration; and that they shall once more rejoice in the hills and mountains of Judea. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments - This line, which is evidently a superscription, leads me to suppose that when the prophet had... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Habakkuk 3:17

Verse 17 The Prophet declares now at large what that rest would be of which he had spoken; it would be even this—that he would not cease to rejoice in God, even in the greatest afflictions. He indeed foresees how grievous the impending punishment would be, and he warns also and arouses the faithful, that they might perceive the approaching judgement of God. He says, Flourish shall not the fig, and no fruit shall be on the vines; fail shall the olive. First, the fig shall not flourish; then, the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Habakkuk 3:19

Verse 19 He confirms the same truth,—that he sought no strength but in God alone. But there is an implied contrast between God and those supports on which men usually lean. There is indeed no one, who is not of a cheerful mind, when he possesses all necessary things, when no danger, no fear is impending: we are then courageous when all things smile on us. But the Prophet, by calling God his strength, sets him in opposition to all other supports; for he wishes to encourage the faithful to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Habakkuk 3:1-19

Part II . PSALM OR PRAYER OF HABAKKUK . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Habakkuk 3:3-18

God in history. On reading these verses containing the ode of Habakkuk we find that they abound in historical allusions. The prophet recalled to mind the Divine interpositions both in mercy and in judgment which had taken place in the bygone days, and in the light of them contemplated the position and prospects of his people in his own time. This course was a very customary one with the Hebrew bards. They were eminently patriotic, and delighted to touch upon the national experiences of... read more

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