Habakkuk 2:2
Verse
Context
The LORD Answers Again
1I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected. 2Then the LORD answered me: “Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it. 3For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay.
Sermons
Jason Robertson
David Robertson
Shane IdlemanShane Idleman
Charles E. CowmanSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Write the vision - Carefully take down all that I shall say. Make it plain upon tables - Write it in a full plain, legible hand. That he may run that readeth it - That he who attentively peruses it may speed to save his life from the irruption of the Chaldeans, by which so many shall be cut off. The prophet does not mean that the words are to be made so plain, that a man running by may easily read them, and catch their meaning. This interpretation has been frequently given; and it has been incautiously applied to the whole of the Bible: "God's book is so plain, that he that runs may read;" but it is very foolish: God never intends that his words shall be understood by the careless. He that reads, studies, meditates, and prays, shall understand every portion of this sacred book that relates immediately to his own salvation. But no trifler can understand it. If the contents of a play-bill were to be read as many read the Bible, they would know just as much of the one as they do of the other.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Write the vision--which I am about to reveal to thee. make it plain-- (Deu 27:8). In large legible characters. upon tables--boxwood tables covered with wax, on which national affairs were engraved with an iron pen, and then hung up in public, at the prophets own houses, or at the temple, that those who passed might read them. Compare Luk 1:63, "writing table," that is, tablet. that he may run that readeth it--commonly explained, "so intelligible as to be easily read by any one running past"; but then it would be, that he that runneth may read it. The true sense is, "so legible that whoever readeth it, may run to tell all whom he can the good news of the foe's coming doom, and Judah's deliverance." Compare Dan 12:4, "many shall run to and fro," namely, with the explanation of the prophecy, then unsealed; also, Rev 22:17, "let him that heareth (the good news) say (to every one within his reach), Come." "Run" is equivalent to announce the divine revelation (Jer 23:21); as everyone who becomes informed of a divine message is bound to run, that is, use all despatch to make it known to others [HENDERSON]. GROTIUS, LUDOVICUS DE DIEU, and MAURER interpret it: "Run" is not literal running, but "that he who reads it may run through it," that is, read it at once without difficulty.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Lord answered me,.... As he does his ministers and people sooner or later, in one way or another, when they call upon him with humility and reverence, with faith and fervency: and said, Write the vision; which the prophet now had from him, concerning the coming of the Messiah, and the destruction of the enemies of the church and people of God: and this he has orders to "write"; not only to tell it to the people then present, for their particular information and satisfaction; but to write it, that it may be read over and over, and that it may remain, and be of use in times to come: and make it plain upon tables, engrave it in plain legible letters on tables of wood; on box tree, as the Septuagint version; on which they used to write before paper was found out and used. Writing tables are of ancient use; they were used in and before the times of Homer, for he speaks (o) of writing very pernicious things on a two leaved table; wherefore Josephus must be mistaken when he suggests (p) that letters were not found out in the times of Homer. These tables were made of wood, sometimes of one sort, and sometimes of another; sometimes they were made of the pine tree, as appears from Euripides (q) but, for the most part, of box (r), according to the Greek version as above; and consisted sometimes of two leaves, for the most part of three or five, covered with wax (s), on which impressions were easily made, and continued long, and were very legible; and these impressions or letters were formed with an iron style or pen; see Jer 17:1 this the Greeks and Tuscans first used, but was afterwards forbidden by the Romans, who, instead of it, ordered an instrument of bone to be used (t): hence these tables were wont to be called "wax", because besmeared with it; and so, in wills and testaments written on them, the heirs are said to be written either in the first wax, or in the bottom of the wax (u), that is, of the will, or in the lowest part of the table, or what we should call the bottom of the leaf or page: and it was a custom among the Romans, as Cicero (w) relates, that the public affairs of every year were committed to writing by the Pontifex Maximus, or high priest, and published on a table, and set to view within doors, that the people might have an opportunity and be able to know them; yea, it was usual to hang up laws, approved and recorded, in tables of brass, in their market places, and in their temples, that (x) they might be seen and read; the same we call annals. In like manner the Jewish prophets used to write and expose their prophecies publicly on tables, either in their own houses, or in the temple, that everyone that passed by might read them. That he may run that readeth it; may run through the whole without any difficulty, without making any stop, being written in such large capital letters; and those cut so well, and made so plain, that a man might run it over at once with ease, or even read it as he was running; nor need he stop his pace, or stand to read. The Targum is, "write the prophecy, and explain it in the book of the law, that he may hasten to obtain wisdom, whoever he is that reads in it.'' (o) , &c. Homer. Iliad. 6. (p) Contr. Apion, l. 1. c. 2. (q) In Hippolito. (r) "Ergo tam doctae nobis periere tabellae, Non illas fixum charas effeceret aurum, Vulgari buxo sordida cera fuit. Propertius. Buxa crepent cerata------" Prudentius. (s) Alex. ab Alex. Genial. Dier. l. 2. c. 30. (t) Isidor. Originum, l. 6. c. 8. (u) "In ima cera", Sueton. in Vit. Jul. Caesar. c. 83. "in extrema cera", Cicero in Verrem, l. 3. Vid. Alex. ab Alex. ib. l. 1. c. 1. (w) De Oratore, l. 2. sect. 34. (x) Taciti Annales, l. 11. c. 14.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:2-20 God responds to Habakkuk’s second complaint (1:12–2:1) without explaining why he chose to use the Babylonians. Rather, he assures Habakkuk that all violence and injustice will be punished. 2:2-5 Habakkuk’s mission was to make it clear to people that even if God’s justice seems slow in coming, it will come. 2:2 God instructs the prophet to write the message (literally vision) plainly so that it will be understood, preserved, and shared with others.
Habakkuk 2:2
The LORD Answers Again
1I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected. 2Then the LORD answered me: “Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it. 3For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Chapel of the Air - Interview With Dr. Orr (Part 2)
By J. Edwin Orr2.9K15:33Interview1KI 18:412CH 7:14PRO 29:18HAB 2:2ACT 1:8EPH 5:18JAS 5:17In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching and the impact it has had on people's lives. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and how it precedes revival, using the example of Elijah's prayer for rain in drought-stricken Israel. The speaker also highlights the significance of having a vision of what God can do and the importance of claiming the promises of God in prayer. He mentions the success of a revival movement in Nagaland, India, where society improved as a result of the movement of the Lord.
(Dreams & Visions of a Godly Home) the Beautiful Influence of a Godly Home
By Denny Kenaston1.8K1:03:31Godly Home VisionEXO 20:12DEU 6:6PSA 78:1PRO 31:30ISA 40:31HAB 2:2MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of raising children as disciples of Jesus Christ. The goal is to make children love, serve, and walk with Him. The speaker draws inspiration from Jesus and His disciples, highlighting how Jesus poured His life into them. The speaker encourages parents to prioritize their children's spiritual growth and to immerse themselves in God's word to guide their parenting. The sermon emphasizes the need for a deep understanding of God's vision for families and future generations.
A Time to Weep
By Jason Robertson1.1K26:22JER 9:1HAB 2:2MRK 16:15LUK 15:7LUK 18:22EPH 6:18JAS 1:27In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing his deep desire to weep for those who are on the path to destruction. He exhorts the congregation to go out and preach the gospel, showing compassion and generosity to the poor, sick, and needy. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and writing down the sins and injustices around us. The preacher warns of the judgment day and the horrifying fate of those who reject God, urging the listeners to have a heart of compassion and weep for the lost. He concludes by questioning the lack of tears and empathy in the congregation, urging them to examine their own sin and need for salvation.
Kingdom Conscious Living
By David Robertson9831:23:59ISA 22:9HAB 2:2MAT 6:33MAT 9:36In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having a vision in five areas of life. He emphasizes the need to understand God's intentions and His vision for our lives. The speaker also highlights the importance of having faith in God and His ability to work in our lives and in the world. He encourages believers to be communities of light in a dark world and to prioritize their relationship with Jesus above all else. The speaker references Matthew 9:36 to emphasize the need for compassion and leadership in reaching out to those who are lost and scattered.
Remember Your Word to Me
By Shane Idleman1740:00God's PromisesFaithHAB 2:2Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of remembering God's promises and His word during difficult times, drawing parallels from the book of Habakkuk. He encourages believers to anchor their faith in God's word, especially when facing trials and uncertainties, reminding them that the just shall live by faith. Idleman highlights the significance of waiting on God's timing and the comfort found in His promises, urging the congregation to seek strength and hope through scripture. He reassures that God's word is alive and powerful, capable of reviving hearts and providing comfort in affliction. Ultimately, he calls for humility and dependence on God, reminding everyone that God does not fail.
The Power of Vision to Resurrect Dead Dreams
By Shane Idleman1540:09Resurrecting DreamsVisionPSA 119:49PRO 29:18HAB 2:2Shane Idleman emphasizes the transformative power of vision in resurrecting dead dreams, drawing from Proverbs 29:18 to illustrate that without divine revelation, people become unrestrained and lose hope. He encourages listeners to seek God's will through prayer, humility, and a commitment to His word, asserting that true vision comes from a deep relationship with God. Idleman also highlights the importance of recognizing and confessing personal shortcomings to clear one's vision and align with God's purpose. He reminds the congregation that while dreams may seem lost, faith and perseverance in seeking God's guidance can lead to revival and fulfillment of those dreams. Ultimately, he calls for a return to genuine faith and reliance on God's promises.
Listening Hard for God
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 46:10PRO 29:18ISA 6:8HAB 2:2MAT 28:19MRK 16:15JHN 10:27ACT 26:19ROM 10:14REV 7:9Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the importance of having a vision of God, stating that without it, people perish. He highlights the necessity of waiting upon God to receive this vision, comparing our hearts to sensitive plates that need time in His presence to be revealed. Cowman stresses the transformative power of seeing God, using examples like Jacob, Gideon, and Thomas whose encounters with God changed their lives. He also mentions modern-day individuals like William Carey and David Livingstone, who, after seeing God's vision, dedicated their lives to missions work.
World Evangelism, Is It Possible
By George Verwer0PRO 29:18HAB 2:2MAT 28:19ACT 1:8ROM 10:141CO 12:12PHP 4:132TI 3:16HEB 10:24JAS 2:14George Verwer emphasizes the importance of global missions and evangelism, highlighting the AD 2000 & Beyond Movement's goal to ensure everyone in the world receives the gospel and that a church is planted in every People's Group. He acknowledges the challenges and unrealistic goals set by some groups but stresses the need for believers to unite, be educated in evangelism and world missions, and take ownership of the Great Commission. Verwer urges for a massive mobilization of believers, emphasizing the power of Christian literature and communication in spreading the vision and leading to obedience.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Write the vision - Carefully take down all that I shall say. Make it plain upon tables - Write it in a full plain, legible hand. That he may run that readeth it - That he who attentively peruses it may speed to save his life from the irruption of the Chaldeans, by which so many shall be cut off. The prophet does not mean that the words are to be made so plain, that a man running by may easily read them, and catch their meaning. This interpretation has been frequently given; and it has been incautiously applied to the whole of the Bible: "God's book is so plain, that he that runs may read;" but it is very foolish: God never intends that his words shall be understood by the careless. He that reads, studies, meditates, and prays, shall understand every portion of this sacred book that relates immediately to his own salvation. But no trifler can understand it. If the contents of a play-bill were to be read as many read the Bible, they would know just as much of the one as they do of the other.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Write the vision--which I am about to reveal to thee. make it plain-- (Deu 27:8). In large legible characters. upon tables--boxwood tables covered with wax, on which national affairs were engraved with an iron pen, and then hung up in public, at the prophets own houses, or at the temple, that those who passed might read them. Compare Luk 1:63, "writing table," that is, tablet. that he may run that readeth it--commonly explained, "so intelligible as to be easily read by any one running past"; but then it would be, that he that runneth may read it. The true sense is, "so legible that whoever readeth it, may run to tell all whom he can the good news of the foe's coming doom, and Judah's deliverance." Compare Dan 12:4, "many shall run to and fro," namely, with the explanation of the prophecy, then unsealed; also, Rev 22:17, "let him that heareth (the good news) say (to every one within his reach), Come." "Run" is equivalent to announce the divine revelation (Jer 23:21); as everyone who becomes informed of a divine message is bound to run, that is, use all despatch to make it known to others [HENDERSON]. GROTIUS, LUDOVICUS DE DIEU, and MAURER interpret it: "Run" is not literal running, but "that he who reads it may run through it," that is, read it at once without difficulty.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Lord answered me,.... As he does his ministers and people sooner or later, in one way or another, when they call upon him with humility and reverence, with faith and fervency: and said, Write the vision; which the prophet now had from him, concerning the coming of the Messiah, and the destruction of the enemies of the church and people of God: and this he has orders to "write"; not only to tell it to the people then present, for their particular information and satisfaction; but to write it, that it may be read over and over, and that it may remain, and be of use in times to come: and make it plain upon tables, engrave it in plain legible letters on tables of wood; on box tree, as the Septuagint version; on which they used to write before paper was found out and used. Writing tables are of ancient use; they were used in and before the times of Homer, for he speaks (o) of writing very pernicious things on a two leaved table; wherefore Josephus must be mistaken when he suggests (p) that letters were not found out in the times of Homer. These tables were made of wood, sometimes of one sort, and sometimes of another; sometimes they were made of the pine tree, as appears from Euripides (q) but, for the most part, of box (r), according to the Greek version as above; and consisted sometimes of two leaves, for the most part of three or five, covered with wax (s), on which impressions were easily made, and continued long, and were very legible; and these impressions or letters were formed with an iron style or pen; see Jer 17:1 this the Greeks and Tuscans first used, but was afterwards forbidden by the Romans, who, instead of it, ordered an instrument of bone to be used (t): hence these tables were wont to be called "wax", because besmeared with it; and so, in wills and testaments written on them, the heirs are said to be written either in the first wax, or in the bottom of the wax (u), that is, of the will, or in the lowest part of the table, or what we should call the bottom of the leaf or page: and it was a custom among the Romans, as Cicero (w) relates, that the public affairs of every year were committed to writing by the Pontifex Maximus, or high priest, and published on a table, and set to view within doors, that the people might have an opportunity and be able to know them; yea, it was usual to hang up laws, approved and recorded, in tables of brass, in their market places, and in their temples, that (x) they might be seen and read; the same we call annals. In like manner the Jewish prophets used to write and expose their prophecies publicly on tables, either in their own houses, or in the temple, that everyone that passed by might read them. That he may run that readeth it; may run through the whole without any difficulty, without making any stop, being written in such large capital letters; and those cut so well, and made so plain, that a man might run it over at once with ease, or even read it as he was running; nor need he stop his pace, or stand to read. The Targum is, "write the prophecy, and explain it in the book of the law, that he may hasten to obtain wisdom, whoever he is that reads in it.'' (o) , &c. Homer. Iliad. 6. (p) Contr. Apion, l. 1. c. 2. (q) In Hippolito. (r) "Ergo tam doctae nobis periere tabellae, Non illas fixum charas effeceret aurum, Vulgari buxo sordida cera fuit. Propertius. Buxa crepent cerata------" Prudentius. (s) Alex. ab Alex. Genial. Dier. l. 2. c. 30. (t) Isidor. Originum, l. 6. c. 8. (u) "In ima cera", Sueton. in Vit. Jul. Caesar. c. 83. "in extrema cera", Cicero in Verrem, l. 3. Vid. Alex. ab Alex. ib. l. 1. c. 1. (w) De Oratore, l. 2. sect. 34. (x) Taciti Annales, l. 11. c. 14.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:2-20 God responds to Habakkuk’s second complaint (1:12–2:1) without explaining why he chose to use the Babylonians. Rather, he assures Habakkuk that all violence and injustice will be punished. 2:2-5 Habakkuk’s mission was to make it clear to people that even if God’s justice seems slow in coming, it will come. 2:2 God instructs the prophet to write the message (literally vision) plainly so that it will be understood, preserved, and shared with others.