Translations
Modern
They scoff at kings and make rulers an object of scorn. They laugh at every fortress and build up siege ramps to seize it.
Traditional
And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.
Literal
And he mocks the kings, and princes are an object of scorn for him; at every fortification he laughs, and heaps up earth and seizes it.
Latin
Et ipse de regibus triumphabit, et tyranni ridiculi ejus erunt; ipse super omnem munitionem ridebit, et comportabit aggerem, et capiet eam.
Original
Hebrew
English
They scoff at kings and make rulers an object of scorn. They laugh at every fortress and build up siege ramps to seize it.
Notes
In the ancient Near East, armies often attacked cities by piling up earth to make ramps against city walls. This battle method is described in several places in the Bible (for example, 2 Kings 19:32; Nahum 2:1).
God's answer to Habakkuk's question is surprising. God would send a violent group (the Babylonians) to address the violence in Judah. The Babylonian army, well-trained and experienced in battle, was unstoppable.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
- Prophecies of Habakkukc. 607 BC
Glossary
Topics
Babylon: City of Prophecies Concerning Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of War and Other Judgments Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Invasion of the Southern Kingdom by the Chaldeans Predicted