Habakkuk 2:17

Translations

Modern

For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of animals will terrify you, because of your bloodshed against men and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers.

Traditional

For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men’s blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.

Literal

For the violence to Lebanon will cover you, and the destruction of the beasts will terrify them, from the bloodshed of man and the violence to the land, to the city and all those dwelling in it.

Latin

Quia iniquitas Libani operiet te, et vastitas animalium deterrebit eos de sanguinibus hominum, et iniquitate terræ, et civitatis, et omnium habitantium in ea.

Original

Hebrew

English

For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of animals will terrify you, because of your bloodshed against men and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers.

Notes

Habakkuk 2:15–17

In the fourth taunt song, the Babylonians face condemnation for their shameful acts against people, animals, and the environment. They are like a man who pretends to be friendly but, after getting his neighbors drunk, takes everything from them. However, the Babylonians will face disgrace after drinking from the cup of the Lord’s judgment (see Jeremiah 25:15–17; compare John 18:11).

Habakkuk 2:6–20

Five taunt songs describe God's future judgment on the Babylonians and others who act violently and unjustly (Habakkuk 2:6–8, 9–11, 12–14, 15–17, 18–20). God lets them bring about their own destruction. Those who suffer will repeat these taunts when the wicked face judgment (see Habakkuk 1:14–17). Each taunt includes:

a statement of sorrow,
a judgment, and
the reason for God's judgment.

Habakkuk 2:2–20

God answers Habakkuk's second complaint (Habakkuk 1:12–2:1) but does not explain why he chose the Babylonians. Instead, he assures Habakkuk that he will punish all violence and injustice.

Theme notes and profiles

Human Confusion and God’s Purpose

Events

Prophecies of Habakkukc. 607 BC

Related verses

Habakkuk 2:8
Because you have plundered many nations, the remnant of the people will plunder you—because of your bloodshed against man and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers.
Psalm 55:23
But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.
Zechariah 11:1
Open your doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may consume your cedars!
Jeremiah 51:34–37
“Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has devoured me; he has crushed me. He has set me aside like an empty vessel; he has swallowed me like a monster; he filled his belly with my delicacies and vomited me out.
Jeremiah 50:28
Listen to the fugitives and refugees from the land of Babylon, declaring in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance for His temple.
Jeremiah 50:33–34
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “The sons of Israel are oppressed, and the sons of Judah as well. All their captors hold them fast, refusing to release them.
Jeremiah 51:24
Before your very eyes I will repay Babylon and all the dwellers of Chaldea for all the evil they have done in Zion,” declares the LORD.
Revelation 18:20–24
Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her.
Psalm 137:8
O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, blessed is he who repays you as you have done to us.
Proverbs 28:17
A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.

Places

Lebanon: A mountainous region known for its cedar trees

Glossary

Behemoth Bloodguilt Lebanon

Topics

Drunkenness: General Scriptures Concerning Lebanon: Forests of, Infested with Wild Beasts Mountains: Abounded With: Wild Beasts

Habakkuk 2:17

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