1:1 | The problem as God gave Habakkuk to see it: |
1:2 | GOD, how long do I have to cry out for help before you listen? How many times do I have to yell, "Help! Murder! Police!" before you come to the rescue? |
1:3 | Why do you force me to look at evil, stare trouble in the face day after day? Anarchy and violence break out, quarrels and fights all over the place. |
1:4 | Law and order fall to pieces. Justice is a joke. The wicked have the righteous hamstrung and stand justice on its head. |
1:5 | "Look around at the godless nations. Look long and hard. Brace yourself for a shock. Something's about to take place and you're going to find it hard to believe. |
1:6 | I'm about to raise up Babylonians to punish you, Babylonians, fierce and ferocious--World-conquering Babylon, grabbing up nations right and left, |
1:7 | A dreadful and terrible people, making up its own rules as it goes. |
1:8 | Their horses run like the wind, attack like bloodthirsty wolves. A stampede of galloping horses thunders out of nowhere. They descend like vultures circling in on carrion. |
1:9 | They're out to kill. Death is on their minds. They collect victims like squirrels gathering nuts. |
1:10 | They mock kings, poke fun at generals, Spit on forts, and leave them in the dust. |
1:11 | They'll all be blown away by the wind. Brazen in sin, they call strength their god." |
1:12 | GOD, you're from eternity, aren't you? Holy God, we aren't going to die, are we? GOD, you chose [Babylonians] for your judgment work? Rock-Solid God, you gave them the job of discipline? |
1:13 | But you can't be serious! [You] can't condone evil! So why don't you do something about this? Why are you silent [now]? This outrage! Evil men swallow up the righteous and you stand around and [watch]! |
1:14 | You're treating men and women as so many fish in the ocean, Swimming without direction, swimming but not getting anywhere. |
1:15 | Then this evil Babylonian arrives and goes fishing. He pulls in a good catch. He catches his limit and fills his creel--a good day of fishing! He's happy! |
1:16 | He praises his rod and reel, piles his fishing gear on an altar and worships it! It's made his day, and he's going to eat well tonight! |
1:17 | Are you going to let this go on and on? Will you let this Babylonian fisherman Fish like a weekend angler, killing people as if they're nothing but fish? |