Woe to The Wicked
June 8, 2020
Commentary
Inasmuch as Babylon was soon to rise to the height of its power and would not be overthrown for another seventy years (until 539 B.C.), the scope of what God revealed to His prophet in this passage was significant. While its message could be applied to different world powers, the principle can also be applicable to state and city government; to corporations, schools, hospitals; and to institutions of all types, Christian and non-Christian. Five woes are pronounced on Chaldea in verses 6-20:
– This first woe is pronounced on them because of their taking things that don’t belong to them. “Woe to him that increases that which is not his.” (vv. 6-8).
– This second woe is pronounced upon them because of their wanting to do sinful things. “Woe to him that covers an evil covetousness.” (vv. 9-11).
– This third woe is pronounced upon them because of their violence. “Woe to him who builds a town with blood.” (vv. 12-14).
Evil and injustice seems to have the upper hand in this world. Like Habakkuk, Christians often feel angry and discouraged as they see what goes on. As we have just observed, Habakkuk complained vigorously to God about the situation. God’s answer to Habakkuk is the same answer He would give to us: “Be patient and I will work out My plans in My perfect timing.” It helps to remember that God hates sin, even more than we do and punishment will certainly come.
Application
As a quiet, introverted person I can still bear witness if I will first determine to be obedient, and then will affirm that God has appointed me to be an ambassador for Him, and that lost people need the message that Jesus is the only way to God’s heaven.
Habakkuk 2:6– 14 (NET)
6 “But all these nations will someday taunt him and ridicule him with proverbial sayings: ‘Woe to the one who accumulates what does not belong to him (How long will this go on?) — he who gets rich by extortion!’
7 Your creditors will suddenly attack; those who terrify you will spring into action, and they will rob you.
8 Because you robbed many countries, all who are left among the nations will rob you. You have shed human blood and committed violent acts against lands, cities, and those who live in them.
9 The one who builds his house by unjust gain is as good as dead. He does this so he can build his nest way up high and escape the clutches of disaster.
10 Your schemes will bring shame to your house. Because you destroyed many nations, you will self-destruct.
11 For the stones in the walls will cry out, and the wooden rafters will answer back.
12 Woe to the one who builds a city by bloodshed— he who starts a town by unjust deeds.
13 Be sure of this! The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has decreed: The nations’ efforts will go up in smoke; their exhausting work will be for nothing.
14 For recognition of the Lord’s sovereign majesty will fill the earth just as the waters fill up the sea.
Illustration: The Problem is Where am I Going
When he was 88, the Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes found himself on a train. The conductor called for tickets, but Justice Holmes couldn’t find his and seemed terribly upset. He searched his pockets and fumbled through his wallet without success. The conductor was sympathetic. “Don’t worry, Mr. Holmes,” he said. “The Pennsylvania Railroad will be happy to trust you. When you reach your destination, you’ll probably find the tickets and you can mail it to us.” The conductor’s kindness did not put Holmes at ease. He said, “My dear man, my problem is not ‘Where is my ticket?’ It is ‘Where am I going?’ (Source Unknown).