Habakkuk 1:8
Habakkuk 1:8 in Multiple Translations
Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour.
Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat.
Their horses also are swifter than leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves; and their horsemen press proudly on: yea, their horsemen come from far; they fly as an eagle that hasteth to devour.
And their horses are quicker than leopards and their horsemen more cruel than evening wolves; they come from far away, like an eagle in flight rushing on its food.
Their horses are faster than leopards and fiercer than hungry wolves. Their cavalry charges, racing in from far away. Like eagles, they swoop down to eat their prey.
Their horses also are swifter then the leopards, and are more fierce then the wolues in the euening: and their horsemen are many: and their horsemen shall come from farre: they shall flie as the eagle hasting to meate.
Swifter than leopards have been its horses, And sharper than evening wolves, And increased have its horsemen, Even its horsemen from afar come in, They fly as an eagle, hasting to consume.
Their horses also are swifter than leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves. Their horsemen press proudly on. Yes, their horsemen come from afar. They fly as an eagle that hurries to devour.
Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat.
Their horses are lighter than leopards, and swifter than evening wolves; and their horsemen shall be spread abroad: for their horsemen shall come from afar, they shall fly as an eagle that maketh haste to eat.
The horses that pull their chariots go faster than leopards, and they are fiercer than wolves are in the evening. The horses on which the soldiers ride gallop swiftly; the soldiers riding them come from distant places. They are like [SIM] eagles that swoop down to snatch and kill small animals.
Berean Amplified Bible — Habakkuk 1:8
BAB
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Habakkuk 1:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/קַלּ֨וּ
מִ/נְּמֵרִ֜ים
סוּסָ֗י/ו
וְ/חַדּוּ֙
מִ/זְּאֵ֣בֵי
עֶ֔רֶב
וּ/פָ֖שׁוּ
פָּֽרָשָׁ֑י/ו
וּ/פָֽרָשָׁי/ו֙
מֵ/רָח֣וֹק
יָבֹ֔אוּ
יָעֻ֕פוּ
כְּ/נֶ֖שֶׁר
חָ֥שׁ
לֶ/אֱכֽוֹל
וְ/קַלּ֨וּ
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מִ/נְּמֵרִ֜ים
nâmêr
H5246
leopard
Prep | N-mp
סוּסָ֗י/ו
çûwç
H5483
swallow
N-mp | Suff
וְ/חַדּוּ֙
châdad
H2300
be sharp
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מִ/זְּאֵ֣בֵי
zᵉʼêb
H2061
wolf
Prep | N-mp
עֶ֔רֶב
ʻereb
H6153
evening
N-ms
וּ/פָ֖שׁוּ
pûwsh
H6335
to leap
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
פָּֽרָשָׁ֑י/ו
pârâsh
H6571
horse
N-mp | Suff
וּ/פָֽרָשָׁי/ו֙
pârâsh
H6571
horse
Conj | N-mp | Suff
מֵ/רָח֣וֹק
râchôwq
H7350
distant
Prep | Adj
יָבֹ֔אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
יָעֻ֕פוּ
ʻûwph
H5774
to fly
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
כְּ/נֶ֖שֶׁר
nesher
H5404
eagle
Prep | N-ms
חָ֥שׁ
chûwsh
H2363
to hasten
V-Qal
לֶ/אֱכֽוֹל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Habakkuk 1:8
וְ/קַלּ֨וּ
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
מִ/נְּמֵרִ֜ים
nâmêr
H5246
"leopard"
Prep | N-mp
Another Hebrew word for leopard, also noting its striped appearance. It appears in Daniel 7:6, describing a vision of four beasts, including a leopard.
Definition: leopard Aramaic equivalent: ne.mar (נְמַר "leopard" H5245)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: leopard. See also: Song of Solomon 4:8; Jeremiah 13:23; Isaiah 11:6.
סוּסָ֗י/ו
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
וְ/חַדּוּ֙
châdad
H2300
"be sharp"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To sharpen or be severe, as seen in Genesis when God makes a sharp distinction between good and evil. This word is about being fierce or intense. It is used to describe something that cuts deeply.
Definition: 1) to be sharp, be alert, be keen 1a) (Qal) to be sharp, be keen 1b) (Hiphil) to sharpen 1c) (Hophal) to be sharpened Also means: cha.dah (חָדַה "to sharpen" H2300B)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: be fierce, sharpen. See also: Proverbs 27:17; Ezekiel 21:15; Habakkuk 1:8.
מִ/זְּאֵ֣בֵי
zᵉʼêb
H2061
"wolf"
Prep | N-mp
Ze'ev means wolf in Hebrew, an animal mentioned in the Bible, often symbolizing danger or fierceness.
Definition: wolf
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: wolf. See also: Genesis 49:27; Jeremiah 5:6; Isaiah 11:6.
עֶ֔רֶב
ʻereb
H6153
"evening"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means evening or sunset, like when God created daylight and darkness in Genesis. It refers to the time of day, often marking the end of a workday. This word is used in many verses, including Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) evening, night, sunset 1a) evening, sunset 1b) night
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] day, even(-ing, tide), night. See also: Genesis 1:5; Numbers 19:19; Psalms 30:6.
וּ/פָ֖שׁוּ
pûwsh
H6335
"to leap"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To scatter means to spread something out, like seeds or people. It can also mean to act proudly, like a plant growing up tall.
Definition: 1) to spring about 1a) (Qal) to frisk, act proudly (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: grow up, be grown fat, spread selves, be scattered. See also: Jeremiah 50:11; Habakkuk 1:8; Malachi 3:20.
פָּֽרָשָׁ֑י/ו
pârâsh
H6571
"horse"
N-mp | Suff
This word means a horseman or a cavalry soldier, like those who rode chariots in battle. In the Bible, it describes the riders of horses and chariots, like in Exodus 14:9 where the Egyptian horsemen pursued the Israelites.
Definition: horse, steed, warhorse
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: horseman. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Chronicles 8:6; Isaiah 21:7.
וּ/פָֽרָשָׁי/ו֙
pârâsh
H6571
"horse"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
This word means a horseman or a cavalry soldier, like those who rode chariots in battle. In the Bible, it describes the riders of horses and chariots, like in Exodus 14:9 where the Egyptian horsemen pursued the Israelites.
Definition: horse, steed, warhorse
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: horseman. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Chronicles 8:6; Isaiah 21:7.
מֵ/רָח֣וֹק
râchôwq
H7350
"distant"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is far away, either physically or in time. It is often used to describe distant lands or events that happened long ago. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: adj 1) remote, far, distant, distant lands, distant ones 1a) of distance, time n m 2) distance 2a) from a distance (with prep) Aramaic equivalent: ra.chiq (רְחִיק "far" H7352)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come. See also: Genesis 22:4; Psalms 65:6; Psalms 10:1.
יָבֹ֔אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
יָעֻ֕פוּ
ʻûwph
H5774
"to fly"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word can mean flying or fainting, often due to darkness or gloom. It appears in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, describing dramatic scenes.
Definition: v 1) to fly, fly about, fly away 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to fly, hover 1a2) to fly away 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to fly, light upon 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to fly about or to and fro 1c2) to cause to fly to and fro, brandish 1d) (Hithpolel) to fly away 2) (Qal) to cover, be dark
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: brandish, be (wax) faint, flee away, fly (away), [idiom] set, shine forth, weary. See also: Genesis 1:20; Proverbs 23:5; Psalms 18:11.
כְּ/נֶ֖שֶׁר
nesher
H5404
"eagle"
Prep | N-ms
An eagle or other large bird of prey, representing strength and agility. In the Bible, eagles are often used to describe God's care and protection, as seen in Psalm 91 and Matthew 24.
Definition: eagle, vulture, griffon-vulture Aramaic equivalent: ne.shar (נְשַׁר "eagle" H5403)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: eagle. See also: Exodus 19:4; Jeremiah 4:13; Psalms 103:5.
חָ֥שׁ
chûwsh
H2363
"to hasten"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word for to hurry or be eager with excitement, often translated as to make haste. It can also mean to enjoy or feel something, conveying a sense of enthusiasm or readiness. This word is used in various contexts, including when someone is preparing for action.
Definition: 1) to haste, make haste, hurry 1a) (Qal) to make haste 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to show haste, act quickly, hasten, come quickly
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (make) haste(-n), ready. See also: Numbers 32:17; Psalms 70:2; Psalms 22:20.
לֶ/אֱכֽוֹל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
Study Notes — Habakkuk 1:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Habakkuk 1:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Habakkuk 1:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Habakkuk 1:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:8
- Cambridge Bible on Habakkuk 1:8
- Barnes' Notes on Habakkuk 1:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:8
- Sermons on Habakkuk 1:8
Context — The LORD’s Answer
6For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans — that ruthless and impetuous nation which marches through the breadth of the earth to seize dwellings not their own.
7They are dreaded and feared; from themselves they derive justice and sovereignty.
8Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour.
9All of them come bent on violence; their hordes advance like the east wind; they gather prisoners like sand. 10They scoff at kings and make rulers an object of scorn. They laugh at every fortress and build up siege ramps to seize it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 4:13 | Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined! |
| 2 | Zephaniah 3:3 | Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning. |
| 3 | Hosea 8:1 | Put the ram’s horn to your lips! An eagle looms over the house of the LORD, because the people have transgressed My covenant and rebelled against My law. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 17:3 | and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, full of feathers of many colors, came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 5:6 | Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf from the desert will ravage them. A leopard will lie in wait near their cities, and everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces. For their rebellious acts are many, and their unfaithful deeds are numerous. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 28:49 | The LORD will bring a nation from afar, from the ends of the earth, to swoop down upon you like an eagle—a nation whose language you will not understand, |
| 7 | Ezekiel 17:12 | “Now say to this rebellious house: ‘Do you not know what these things mean?’ Tell them, ‘Behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, carried off its king and officials, and brought them back with him to Babylon. |
| 8 | Isaiah 5:26–28 | He lifts a banner for the distant nations and whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Behold—how speedily and swiftly they come! None of them grows weary or stumbles; no one slumbers or sleeps. No belt is loose and no sandal strap is broken. Their arrows are sharpened, and all their bows are strung. The hooves of their horses are like flint; their chariot wheels are like a whirlwind. |
| 9 | Lamentations 4:19 | Those who chased us were swifter than the eagles in the sky; they pursued us over the mountains and ambushed us in the wilderness. |
| 10 | Matthew 24:28 | Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. |
Habakkuk 1:8 Summary
This verse is describing the powerful and feared Chaldean army, which was known for its speed and ferocity, like swift leopards and fierce wolves. The Chaldeans were able to launch rapid and widespread attacks, with horsemen charging forward and cavalry reinforcements arriving from afar, much like the armies described in Joel 2:4-5. The verse also compares the Chaldeans to vultures, swooping down to devour their prey, illustrating the sudden and devastating nature of their attacks, as described in Matthew 24:28. This reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the face of powerful and fearsome enemies, as described in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the horses of the Chaldeans are swifter than leopards and fiercer than wolves of the night?
This phrase is emphasizing the speed and ferocity of the Chaldean army, much like the swift and deadly nature of leopards and wolves, as described in Jeremiah 5:6 and Ezekiel 22:27, where wolves and other predators are used to illustrate the dangers of God's judgment.
How can the horsemen charge ahead and their cavalry come from afar at the same time?
This phrase is describing the Chaldean army's ability to launch a rapid and widespread attack, with horsemen charging forward from nearby locations and cavalry reinforcements arriving from more distant areas, much like the swift and powerful armies described in Joel 2:4-5 and Revelation 9:7-9.
What does it mean that they fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour?
This phrase is a metaphor for the Chaldean army's swift and deadly attack, comparing them to vultures that swoop down to devour their prey, as described in Matthew 24:28 and Luke 17:37, where vultures are used to illustrate the sudden and devastating nature of God's judgment.
Is this verse describing a historical event or a future prophecy?
This verse is describing the historical rise of the Chaldean empire, but it also has implications for future prophecies, as the characteristics of the Chaldean army are similar to those of the end-time armies described in Revelation 6:2-4 and Ezekiel 38:4, where God's judgment is poured out on the nations.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond to the idea that God might use a powerful and fierce nation like the Chaldeans to accomplish His purposes, as described in Isaiah 10:5-6 and Jeremiah 25:9?
- What does this verse teach me about the nature of God's judgment and how it is carried out in the world, as described in Psalm 96:10 and Isaiah 13:11?
- How can I apply the lessons of this verse to my own life, in terms of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as described in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 23:4?
- What are some ways that I can pray for those who are affected by war and violence, as described in Psalm 140:1-3 and Jeremiah 14:17-18?
Gill's Exposition on Habakkuk 1:8
Their horses also are swifter than the leopards,.... Creatures remarkable for their swiftness: these are creatures born of the mating of a he panther and a lioness, and not of a lion and a she
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Habakkuk 1:8
Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:8
Their horses also are swifter; they will be sooner upon you than you think, and when once among you, they will be swifter than you can flee from, . Than the leopards; a fierce creature, ravenous as the lion, and much swifter, a watchful and sly beast, from which it is very hard to shift. More fierce, more eager after, and more cruel to the prey, than the evening wolves; which with long fasting in the day, do come out in the evening more fierce on every thing that may be a prey for them: see . Their horsemen; excellent riders, that can manage the speed and fierceness of these horses. Shall spread themselves all over the land, so many shall they be, and so active, and all strong and hale, as some think the word implieth. Shall come from far; as far from liking your customs, pitying your persons, or understanding your language, as they are far remote from your country; men that will make you pay the charge of their long and tedious journey. They shall fly as the eagle; lest you should dream of escape by flight, your enemies (O miserable Jews) shall be so swift, you will think they flew on wings, on eagle’ s wings, the swiftest of flight, and quickest in espying her prey. That hasteth to eat; hunger makes her flight the quicker, and her seizure of the prey more bold and daring, : so shall your enemies be to you.
Trapp's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:8
Habakkuk 1:8 Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle [that] hasteth to eat.Ver. 8. Their horses also are swifter than the leopards] Or panthers, famous for their swiftness; whence the proverb, Panthera velocior (see Plin. i. 10, viii. 17). The horse is so swift in service that the Persians (as Pausanias hath it) dedicated him to their god, the Sun; as the swiftest creature to the swiftest god, ωσπερτοταχιστοντωταχυτατωθεων. See Job 41:20 Proverbs 21:31. And are more fierce than the evening wolves] Heb. More sharp-set, after that they have been held hunger bitten and empty all the day long. See Virg. Aeneid. ix. 59, &c.; Oppian. i. 3. Homo homini lupus, One man (left to himself) is a wolf, nay, a devil to another. The metaphor is here taken from sharpest swords, which quickly cut.
And their horsemen shall spread themselves] With incredible swiftness, which in war is most necessary and useful, as Julius Caesar experienced, and we in our late commotions. And their horsemen shall come from far] The Jews were secure of the Chaldeans, as being far remote; but that shall be no hindrance. They shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat] In singulis verbis pondus est, saith Drusius, here each word hath its weight; for he that hasteth on his way is said to fly, and the eagle is swifter of flight than any bird, and especially when she hasteth to eat, Job 9:26. Of the eagle’ s swiftness why and whence, see Ambrose, Hexam. l. i. c. 14.
Ellicott's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:8
(8) Are more fierce.—Better, are sharper. This is the literal meaning of the verb. The ideas intended are those of activity and ferocity, both prompted by hunger. The evening wolf coming out of his lair to find prey is elsewhere an illustration of ravenous greediness. (See Zephaniah 3:3 and Psalms 59:7). In Jeremiah 5:6 God’s punishment is likened to “a wolf of the evening,” “a lion out of the forest.” Jeremiah 4:13 “his chariots shall be as a whirlwind; his horses are swifter than eagles,” is similar to Habakkuk 1:8, but it is not necessary to regard it either as its original or its echo. Both passages are to some extent based on 2 Samuel 1:23.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:8
Verse 8. Their horses also are swifter than the leopards] The Chaldean cavalry are proverbial for swiftness, courage, c. In Jeremiah, Jeremiah 4:13, it is said, speaking of Nebuchadnezzar, "His chariots are as a whirlwind his horses are swifter than eagles." Oppian, speaking of the horses bred about the Euphrates, says, "They are by nature warhorses, and so intrepid that neither the sight nor the roaring of the lion appals them; and, besides, they are astonishingly fleet." The leopard, of all quadrupeds, is allowed to be the swiftest. The evening wolves] The wolf is remarkable for his quick sight. AElian says, Οξυωτεστατονεστιζωον, καιμεντοι, καινυκτοςκαισεληνηςουκουσηςὁδεὁρᾳ; "The wolf is a very fleet animal; and, besides, it can see by night, even when there is no moonlight." Some think the hyaena is meant: it is a swift, cruel, and untameable animal. The other prophets speak of the Chaldeans in the same way. See Deuteronomy 28:49; Jeremiah 48:40; Jeremiah 49:22; Ezekiel 17:5; Lamentations 4:19.
Cambridge Bible on Habakkuk 1:8
8. swifter than the leopards] Jeremiah 4:13 says, “his horses are swifter than eagles.” more fierce than the evening wolves] lit. more sharp. Being parallel to “swift” the term “fierce” probably means keen in attack, eager in flinging themselves on the foe. Gesenius quotes Virg. Georg. 3. 264, genus acre luporum, and Æn. 4. 156, acri gaudet equo. The wolf attacks at night when his hunger is keen. For, “evening wolves,” Sept. reads “wolves of Arabia,” supplying different vowels. their horsemen shall spread themselves] and his horsemen bound, or, gallop. The word is used of the springing or bounding of cattle, Malachi 4:2 (Heb. 3:20); Jeremiah 50:11. horsemen shall come from far] his horsemen come. But the repetition of “horsemen” is unnatural (Sept. omits), and the clause introduces an unequal number of members into the verse. Possibly the words are a marginal explanation of the somewhat uncommon term “gallop.” They shall fly as the eagle] they fly. The word eagle refers possibly to some kind of vulture; cf.
Micah 1:16 “enlarge thy baldness like the eagle.” that hasteth to eat] i.e. that swoops upon the prey or carcase.
Barnes' Notes on Habakkuk 1:8
Their horses are swifter - literally, lighter, as we say “light of foot” Than leopards - The wild beast intended is the panther, the lightest, swiftest, fiercest, most bloodthirsty of beasts of prey
Whedon's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:8
JEHOVAH’S REPLY TO THE PROPHET’S CRY, Habakkuk 1:5-11.Jehovah meets the perplexity of his servant by declaring that he is not indifferent, and that punishment is about to be meted out by his agents,
Sermons on Habakkuk 1:8
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Living That Grieves the Spirit by A.W. Tozer | James urges believers to experience deep sorrow and wretchedness over their sins, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and inner penitence rather than external ascetic pract |
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The Shouting Pulpit and the Shaking Pews by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the decline of a once thriving church in Birmingham, UK. The church, which had a rich history of faithful preachers, now has only four memb |
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The Moral Decline of Society by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the truth of God's Word, even in the face of persecution and societal opposition. It warns against being deceived by false |
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(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 3-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for people to turn away from worldly distractions and dedicate themselves fully to God and spiritual matters. He quotes from the bo |
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Hosea #5 Ch. 7-8 Jesus Christ on Every Page by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the decline in biblical knowledge and understanding in society. He then focuses on Hosea chapter 8, specifically verses 13 and 14. The speaker |
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(Through the Bible) 1 Corinthians 14 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of order and understanding in the church. He uses a personal anecdote to illustrate the need for clarity in interpreting biblic |
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Atlantic Lyman conf.1972-02 Studies in Daniel 12 by Joseph Balsan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on two characteristics of the end times mentioned in the Bible. The first characteristic is that people will run to and fro, which is seen in t |