Habakkuk 1:17
Habakkuk 1:17 in Multiple Translations
Will he, therefore, empty his net and continue to slay nations without mercy?
Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations?
Shall he therefore empty his net, and spare not to slay the nations continually?
For this cause his net is ever open, and there is no end to his destruction of the nations.
Will they keep on unsheathing their swords forever, killing nations without mercy?
Shall they therefore stretch out their net and not spare continually to slay the nations?
Doth he therefore empty his net, And continually to slay nations spare not?
Will he therefore continually empty his net, and kill the nations without mercy?
Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations?
For this cause therefore he spreadeth his net, and will not spare continually to slay the nations.
Will you allow them to continue to conquer people [MET] forever? Will you allow them to destroy people of other nations without their being merciful to anyone?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Habakkuk 1:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Habakkuk 1:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ֥/עַל
כֵּ֖ן
יָרִ֣יק
חֶרְמ֑/וֹ
וְ/תָמִ֛יד
לַ/הֲרֹ֥ג
גּוֹיִ֖ם
לֹ֥א
יַחְמֽוֹל
הַ֥/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Part | Prep
כֵּ֖ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
יָרִ֣יק
rûwq
H7324
to empty
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
חֶרְמ֑/וֹ
chêrem
H2764
devoted thing
N-ms | Suff
וְ/תָמִ֛יד
tâmîyd
H8548
continually
Conj | N-ms
לַ/הֲרֹ֥ג
hârag
H2026
to kill
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
גּוֹיִ֖ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-mp
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַחְמֽוֹל
châmal
H2550
to spare
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Habakkuk 1:17
הַ֥/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Part | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֵּ֖ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
יָרִ֣יק
rûwq
H7324
"to empty"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To empty or pour out, whether physically or figuratively, as in the pouring out of one's heart to God in Psalm 62:8. This verb can also mean to keep something empty or to cast something out. It is often used to describe a sense of abandonment or rejection.
Definition: 1) to make empty, empty out 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to empty, keep empty or hungry 1a2) to pour out or down 1a3) to empty out 1b) (Hophal) to be emptied out
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arm, cast out, draw (out), (make) empty, pour forth (out). See also: Genesis 14:14; Jeremiah 48:11; Psalms 18:43.
חֶרְמ֑/וֹ
chêrem
H2764
"devoted thing"
N-ms | Suff
A net or doomed object, like the cursed things the Israelites were warned against in Joshua 6:18.
Definition: 1) a thing devoted, thing dedicated, ban, devotion 2) have been utterly destroyed, (appointed to) utter destruction
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: (ac-) curse(-d, -d thing), dedicated thing, things which should have been utterly destroyed, (appointed to) utter destruction, devoted (thing), net. See also: Leviticus 27:21; 1 Kings 20:42; Isaiah 34:5.
וְ/תָמִ֛יד
tâmîyd
H8548
"continually"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word means continually or constantly, like the daily sacrifice in the Bible. It describes something that happens regularly, like every day. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe regular offerings.
Definition: 1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch 1a) continually, continuously (as adverb) 1b) continuity (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, (n-)ever(-more), perpetual. See also: Exodus 25:30; Nehemiah 10:34; Psalms 16:8.
לַ/הֲרֹ֥ג
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
גּוֹיִ֖ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַחְמֽוֹל
châmal
H2550
"to spare"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To spare or have pity is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, as seen in Genesis 43:14, where Joseph spares his brothers. It shows compassion and mercy towards others.
Definition: (Qal) to spare, pity, have compassion on
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: have compassion, (have) pity, spare. See also: Exodus 2:6; Jeremiah 21:7; Proverbs 6:34.
Study Notes — Habakkuk 1:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Habakkuk 1:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Habakkuk 1:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Habakkuk 1:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:17
- Cambridge Bible on Habakkuk 1:17
- Barnes' Notes on Habakkuk 1:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:17
- Sermons on Habakkuk 1:17
Context — Habakkuk’s Second Complaint
15The foe pulls all of them up with a hook; he catches them in his dragnet, and gathers them in his fishing net; so he rejoices gladly.
16Therefore he sacrifices to his dragnet and burns incense to his fishing net, for by these things his portion is sumptuous and his food is rich.
17Will he, therefore, empty his net and continue to slay nations without mercy?
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Habakkuk 2:5–8 | and wealth indeed betrays him. He is an arrogant man never at rest. He enlarges his appetite like Sheol, and like Death, he is never satisfied. He gathers all the nations to himself and collects all the peoples as his own. Will not all of these take up a taunt against him, speaking with mockery and derision: ‘Woe to him who amasses what is not his and makes himself rich with many loans! How long will this go on?’ Will not your creditors suddenly arise and those who disturb you awaken? Then you will become their prey. 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. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 25:1–17 | Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Son of man, set your face against the Ammonites and prophesy against them. Tell the Ammonites to hear the word of the Lord GOD, for this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because you exclaimed, “Aha!” when My sanctuary was profaned, when the land of Israel was laid waste, and when the house of Judah went into exile, therefore I will indeed give you as a possession to the people of the East. They will set up their camps and pitch their tents among you. They will eat your fruit and drink your milk. I will make Rabbah a pasture for camels, and Ammon a resting place for sheep. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’ For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because you clapped your hands and stomped your feet and rejoiced over the land of Israel with a heart full of contempt, therefore I will indeed stretch out My hand against you and give you as plunder to the nations. I will cut you off from the peoples and exterminate you from the countries. I will destroy you, and you will know that I am the LORD.’ This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Moab and Seir said, “Look, the house of Judah is like all the other nations,” therefore I will indeed expose the flank of Moab beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land. I will give it along with the Ammonites as a possession to the people of the East, so that the Ammonites will no longer be remembered among the nations. So I will execute judgments on Moab, and they will know that I am the LORD.’ This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah, and in so doing incurred grievous guilt, therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off from it both man and beast. I will make it a wasteland, and from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword. I will take My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath. Then they will know My vengeance, declares the Lord GOD.’ This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because the Philistines acted in vengeance, taking vengeance with malice of soul to destroy Judah with ancient hostility, therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant along the coast. I will execute great vengeance against them with furious reproof. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I lay My vengeance upon them.’” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 25:9–26 | behold, I will summon all the families of the north, declares the LORD, and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land, against its residents, and against all the surrounding nations. So I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and contempt, an everlasting desolation. Moreover, I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the lamp. And this whole land will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years. But when seventy years are complete, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their guilt, declares the LORD, and I will make it an everlasting desolation. I will bring upon that land all the words I have pronounced against it, all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah has prophesied against all the nations. For many nations and great kings will enslave them, and I will repay them according to their deeds and according to the work of their hands.’” This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from My hand this cup of the wine of wrath, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink from it. And they will drink and stagger and go out of their minds, because of the sword that I will send among them.” So I took the cup from the LORD’s hand and made all the nations drink from it, each one to whom the LORD had sent me, to make them a ruin, an object of horror and contempt and cursing, as they are to this day—Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, its kings and officials; Pharaoh king of Egypt, his officials, his leaders, and all his people; all the mixed tribes; all the kings of Uz; all the kings of the Philistines: Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod; Edom, Moab, and the Ammonites; all the kings of Tyre and Sidon; the kings of the coastlands across the sea; Dedan, Tema, Buz, and all who cut the corners of their hair; all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mixed tribes who dwell in the desert; all the kings of Zimri, Elam, and Media; all the kings of the north, both near and far, one after another—all the kingdoms on the face of the earth. And after all of them, the king of Sheshach will drink it too. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 46:1–28 | This is the word of the LORD about the nations—the word that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning Egypt and the army of Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt, which was defeated at Carchemish on the Euphrates River by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah: “Deploy your shields, small and large; advance for battle! Harness the horses; mount the steeds; take your positions with helmets on! Polish your spears; put on armor! Why am I seeing this? They are terrified, they are retreating; their warriors are defeated, they flee in haste without looking back; terror is on every side!” declares the LORD. “The swift cannot flee, and the warrior cannot escape! In the north by the River Euphrates they stumble and fall. Who is this, rising like the Nile, like rivers whose waters churn? Egypt rises like the Nile, and its waters churn like rivers, boasting, ‘I will rise and cover the earth; I will destroy the cities and their people.’ Advance, O horses! Race furiously, O chariots! Let the warriors come forth— Cush and Put carrying their shields, men of Lydia drawing the bow. For that day belongs to the Lord GOD of Hosts, a day of vengeance against His foes. The sword will devour until it is satisfied, until it is quenched with their blood. For the Lord GOD of Hosts will hold a sacrifice in the land of the north by the River Euphrates. Go up to Gilead for balm, O Virgin Daughter of Egypt! In vain you try many remedies, but for you there is no healing. The nations have heard of your shame, and your outcry fills the earth, because warrior stumbles over warrior and both of them have fallen together.” This is the word that the LORD spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to strike the land of Egypt: “Announce it in Egypt, and proclaim it in Migdol; proclaim it in Memphis and Tahpanhes: ‘Take your positions and prepare yourself, for the sword devours those around you.’ Why have your warriors been laid low? They cannot stand, for the LORD has thrust them down. They continue to stumble; indeed, they have fallen over one another. They say, ‘Get up! Let us return to our people and to the land of our birth, away from the sword of the oppressor.’ There they will cry out: ‘Pharaoh king of Egypt was all noise; he has let the appointed time pass him by.’ As surely as I live, declares the King, whose name is the LORD of Hosts, there will come one who is like Tabor among the mountains and like Carmel by the sea. Pack your bags for exile, O daughter dwelling in Egypt! For Memphis will be laid waste, destroyed and uninhabited. Egypt is a beautiful heifer, but a gadfly from the north is coming against her. Even the mercenaries among her are like fattened calves. They too will turn back; together they will flee, they will not stand their ground, for the day of calamity is coming upon them— the time of their punishment. Egypt will hiss like a fleeing serpent, for the enemy will advance in force; with axes they will come against her like woodsmen cutting down trees. They will chop down her forest, declares the LORD, dense though it may be, for they are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted. The Daughter of Egypt will be put to shame; she will be delivered into the hands of the people of the north.” The LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I am about to punish Amon god of Thebes, along with Pharaoh, Egypt with her gods and kings, and those who trust in Pharaoh. I will deliver them into the hands of those who seek their lives—of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers. But after this, Egypt will be inhabited as in days of old, declares the LORD. But you, O Jacob My servant, do not be afraid, and do not be dismayed, O Israel. For I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their captivity! Jacob will return to quiet and ease, with no one to make him afraid. And you, My servant Jacob, do not be afraid, declares the LORD, for I am with you. Though I will completely destroy all the nations to which I have banished you, I will not completely destroy you. Yet I will discipline you justly, and will by no means leave you unpunished.” |
| 5 | Habakkuk 1:9–10 | All of them come bent on violence; their hordes advance like the east wind; they gather prisoners like sand. They scoff at kings and make rulers an object of scorn. They laugh at every fortress and build up siege ramps to seize it. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 52:1–34 | Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah. And Zedekiah did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as Jehoiakim had done. For because of the anger of the LORD, all this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, until He finally banished them from His presence. And Zedekiah also rebelled against the king of Babylon. So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They encamped outside the city and built a siege wall all around it. And the city was kept under siege until King Zedekiah’s eleventh year. By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that the people of the land had no food. Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled the city by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah, but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was separated from him. The Chaldeans seized the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on Zedekiah. There at Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and he also killed all the officials of Judah. Then he put out Zedekiah’s eyes, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon, where he kept him in custody until his dying day. On the tenth day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign over Babylon, Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, entered Jerusalem. He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building. And the whole army of the Chaldeans under the captain of the guard broke down all the walls around Jerusalem. Then Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried into exile some of the poorest people and those who remained in the city, along with the deserters who had defected to the king of Babylon and the rest of the craftsmen. But Nebuzaradan captain of the guard left behind some of the poorest of the land to tend the vineyards and fields. Moreover, the Chaldeans broke up the bronze pillars and stands and the bronze Sea in the house of the LORD, and they carried all the bronze to Babylon. They also took away the pots, shovels, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, dishes, and all the articles of bronze used in the temple service. The captain of the guard also took away the basins, censers, sprinkling bowls, pots, lampstands, pans, and drink offering bowls—anything made of pure gold or fine silver. As for the two pillars, the Sea, the twelve bronze bulls under it, and the movable stands that King Solomon had made for the house of the LORD, the weight of the bronze from all these articles was beyond measure. Each pillar was eighteen cubits tall and twelve cubits in circumference; each was hollow, four fingers thick. The bronze capital atop one pillar was five cubits high, with a network of bronze pomegranates all around. The second pillar, with its pomegranates, was similar. Each capital had ninety-six pomegranates on the sides, and a total of a hundred pomegranates were above the surrounding network. The captain of the guard also took away Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest of second rank, and the three doorkeepers. Of those still in the city, he took a court official who had been appointed over the men of war, as well as seven trusted royal advisers. He also took the scribe of the captain of the army, who had enlisted the people of the land, and sixty men who were found in the city. Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took them and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah. There at Riblah in the land of Hamath, the king of Babylon struck them down and put them to death. So Judah was taken into exile, away from its own land. These are the people Nebuchadnezzar carried away: in the seventh year, 3,023 Jews; in Nebuchadnezzar’s eighteenth year, 832 people from Jerusalem; in Nebuchadnezzar’s twenty-third year, Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried away 745 Jews. So in all, 4,600 people were taken away. On the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth month of the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the first year of the reign of Evil-merodach king of Babylon, he pardoned Jehoiachin king of Judah and released him from prison. And he spoke kindly to Jehoiachin and set his throne above the thrones of the other kings who were with him in Babylon. So Jehoiachin changed out of his prison clothes, and he dined regularly at the king’s table for the rest of his life. And the king of Babylon provided Jehoiachin a daily portion for the rest of his life, until the day of his death. |
| 7 | Isaiah 14:6 | It struck the peoples in anger with unceasing blows; it subdued the nations in rage with relentless persecution. |
| 8 | Isaiah 19:8 | Then the fishermen will mourn, all who cast a hook into the Nile will lament, and those who spread nets on the waters will pine away. |
| 9 | Habakkuk 2:17 | 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. |
| 10 | Isaiah 14:16–17 | Those who see you will stare; they will ponder your fate: “Is this the man who shook the earth and made the kingdoms tremble, who turned the world into a desert and destroyed its cities, who refused to let the captives return to their homes?” |
Habakkuk 1:17 Summary
Habakkuk 1:17 is a question that the prophet asks God, wondering if the wicked will always get away with their evil actions without being punished. The 'net' in this verse is like a trap that the wicked use to catch and hurt others, and the prophet is asking if they will always be able to do this without showing any mercy. This verse helps us understand that God is concerned about justice and mercy, as seen in Psalm 37:28, and that He will ultimately punish evil and reward good, as promised in Revelation 20:12-15. As we read this verse, we can ask God to help us trust His justice and mercy, even when it's hard to see, and to show us how to live with compassion and kindness towards others, as described in Matthew 25:31-46.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concern of the prophet Habakkuk in Habakkuk 1:17?
The prophet is questioning God's justice and mercy in allowing the wicked to continue oppressing the innocent, as seen in Habakkuk 1:13, where he says God is too pure to look on evil.
Is the 'net' in Habakkuk 1:17 a literal or figurative term?
The 'net' is a figurative term representing the means by which the wicked nations, like Babylon, capture and oppress other nations, similar to how a fisherman catches fish with a net, as described in Habakkuk 1:15.
What does the phrase 'without mercy' imply in Habakkuk 1:17?
The phrase 'without mercy' suggests that the wicked nations show no compassion or pity towards their victims, which is in stark contrast to God's character, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7, where He is described as a God of mercy and compassion.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty and justice?
This verse highlights the tension between God's sovereignty and the reality of evil in the world, prompting the prophet to cry out for justice, as seen in Psalm 73:1-28, where the psalmist struggles with similar questions about God's justice and sovereignty.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have seen evil or injustice seem to 'get away' with their actions, and how can I trust God's justice in those situations?
- How can I balance the reality of evil in the world with the truth of God's sovereignty and mercy, as described in Romans 8:28?
- In what ways can I, like the prophet Habakkuk, cry out to God for justice and mercy in the face of evil, as seen in Psalm 10:12-18?
- What does this verse teach me about the character of God, and how can I apply that to my own life and relationships, as seen in Micah 6:8?
Gill's Exposition on Habakkuk 1:17
Shall they therefore empty their net,.... Or "thus", after this manner, so Noldius; as fishermen do, when they have had a good cast, and a large draught, spread the net, and take out the fishes, in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Habakkuk 1:17
Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations? Shall they therefore empty their net? - shall they be allowed without interruption to enjoy the fruits of their violence?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:17
Shall they? the Chaldeans, Nebuchadnezzar and his armies. Therefore; shall former success be pledge of future? they have prospered, and they think they shall; wilt thou confirm this to them? Empty their net; as fishermen empty the full net to fill it again, and cast out what they had taken to take in more; shall these proud and cruel Chaldeans do so still? And not spare continually; shall they as endlessly as mercilessly waste? To slay, murderer-like, kill, the nations; not single persons, but whole kingdoms and people at once: wilt thou, O most just and mighty God and Judge, suffer these things always? The prophet by the question intimates to us that God most certainly will not suffer it always. The Lord will in fit time arise and break the oppressors’ arm, and save the oppressed church and people of God.
Trapp's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:17
Habakkuk 1:17 Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations?Ver. 17. Shall they therefore empty their net] That they may fill it again anew, and so draw to themselves, as to a pond or pool, the wealth and power of the whole east? Interrogatio precationis speciem habet, saith Gualther. This question is an effectual prayer; and it is as if the prophet should thus say, If, as hitherto, thou go on to wink at their wickedness, O God, will they not grow more audacious every day, and mischievous to mankind? Arise, therefore, O Lord of recompences, to the help of thy people. Set up and show thyself above the heathen, that they may know themselves to be but men. And not spare continually to slay the nations] q.d. This cannot hold long; and that it may not, is mine earnest suit and supplication. Lord, when thou makest inquisition for blood, remember their blood guiltiness, and forget not the cry of the humble, Psalms 9:12. These cruel Chaldeans do not only subjugate, but slay, not a few, but whole nations and that continually, and that without mercy.
Is it not high time for thee to set to thy hand, O preserver of men, &c. Note the prophet’ s ardency in prayer; and learn of him to get upon the battlements, and look up, to see what comes of it, Habakkuk 2:1. This was also David’ s practice, Psalms 5:3, where he useth the selfsame military word, atsappeh; importing that he would be as a spy upon a tower, to see whether he prevailed with God, whether he got the day.
Ellicott's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:17
(17) Shall they therefore empty their net. . . .—Literally, Shall he therefore empty his net? i.e., Shall this voracious Chaldæan plunderer be allowed to consume his prey, and cast in his emptied net again and again?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:17
Verse 17. And not spare continually to slay the nations?] They are running from conquest to conquest; burning, slaying, sacking, and slaughtering. Like the fishermen, who throw cast after cast while any fish are to be caught, so Nebuchadnezzar is destroying one nation after another. This last sentence explains the allegory of the net.
Cambridge Bible on Habakkuk 1:17
17. A despairing question and appeal to Heaven. Shall they … their net] Shall he … his net?
Barnes' Notes on Habakkuk 1:17
Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations? - The prophet, like Isaiah Isaiah 18:4-5, stands at the very last point, before the fury and desire of the enemy was fulfilled.
Whedon's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:17
17. In Habakkuk 1:7-11 Jehovah is introduced as describing the terribleness of the Chaldean armies; in Habakkuk 1:12 ff, the prophet questions Jehovah, how his attitude toward them can be harmonized with his holiness.
Sermons on Habakkuk 1:17
| Sermon | Description | |
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Why Does God Permit Evil in the World? by Charles E. Fuller | In this sermon, Dr. Charles E. discusses the book of Habakkuk in the Bible. He begins by referencing the familiar song "Jesus Saves" and asks the audience if they have heard it. He |
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The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 3 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker begins by suggesting a method for the audience to better engage with the message. He then provides a broad outline of the book being discussed, acknowle |
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God's Great Heart of Love Toward His Own by Mike Bullmore | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Zephaniah in the Old Testament. He highlights the sober assessment of mankind's sinful condition and God's righteous judgment on |
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(Isaiah) All About Satan by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the fall of the king of Babylon and the reasons behind it. The fall was prompted by something the king said in his heart, even though he may n |