051. III. Reasons Why The Downfall Of The Chaldeans Is Assured (2:5-20)

III REASONS WHY THE DOWNFALL OF THE CHALDEANS IS ASSURED (Habakkuk 2:5-20) Their false pride and lust for conquest (Habakkuk 2:5-8). The Chaldeans are intoxicated with self-pride. Like the drunkard, they have only a false, distorted view of reality. Their appetite for rapine and conquest is as insatiable as is Sheol itself. The time will speedily come when the nations which are now the victims of their rapacity shall taunt them, saying, “Woe to this robber, laden with unrighteous plunder! At last his day of retribution has come. He himself, at the hands of the peoples spoiled by him, shall experience the wrongs which he has so ruthlessly inflicted.” Their selfish, unprincipled policy (Habakkuk 2:9-11). Woe to that selfish nation which seeks to add to its own strength and resources by plundering other peoples. The crimes thus committed will cry out to heaven for redress, and certain vengeance shall overtake the Chaldeans. Their base methods and ambitions (Habakkuk 2:12-14). Woe to that unprincipled nation which rears its proud capital through the toil and life-blood of conquered races. It is not in accordance with Jehovah’s purpose that men should thus vainly sacrifice their energy and their innocence to attaining material power and possessions. Instead, it is the Lord’s will that the knowledge of his character and grace become the common and treasured possession of every human being. Their heartless treatment of their neighbors (Habakkuk 2:15-17). Woe to that merciless nation which causes the peoples about to reel and to fall insensible, like one who has drunk a poisonous drug, that it may exult in their downfall. It, in turn, shall know the taste of Jehovah’s wrath; and all its present glory shall be changed to humiliation and shame. The wanton crimes committed against this fair land of Canaan shall be visited upon its guilty head. Their foolish idolatry (Habakkuk 2:18-20). Woe to that superstitious nation that trusts in images of wood and stone, dead, dumb idols, made by the hands of artisans, and incapable either of instructing or of delivering their devotees. How utterly different is Jehovah, the God of spirit, who abides in his holy sanctuary! Let all creation stand in silent awe before him.