8 Because you have plundered many nations, the peoples who are left will plunder you. 9 For you have shed human blood; you have destroyed lands and cities and everyone in them. “Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, setting his nest on high to escape the clutches of ruin!10 You have plotted the ruin of many peoples, shaming your own house and forfeiting your life.11 The stones of the wall will cry out, and the beams of the woodwork will echo it. “Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by injustice! 13 Has not the Lord Almighty determined that the people’s labor is only fuel for the fire, that the nations exhaust themselves for nothing? 14 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
Habakkuk delivers a series of woes to those who have engaged in ruthless actions. Judah was warned and now their enemy will be used to punish. God gives the prophet assurance, their sins will not be overlooked. Justice will be done. Nothing is hidden from God’s sight, even the rocks and buildings will cry out to testify to wrong doing. God’s plan is to form His kingdom where His glory and righteousness reigns forever.
There are many in our world under the burden of unjust governments and nations. Many faces corrupt leadership. Africa is being decimated by gangs and unruly violence. Haiti is now in shambles with no organized control. Those who have guns rule over impoverished citizens.
God is all knowing. That is the second truth to hang on to in our evil world. Some may get away with murder and such in this world but not in the next. The whole earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. He will take revenge. He will make things right.
Habakkuk must write this down so people do not forget. It seems evident that America has gone deaf to the words of the prophets. There is an appointed time when the judgment is coming. It will be swift and terrible. Since God knows all, there will be no excuse. The evidence for all sin is revealed.
Not only do prophets declare warnings, but Biblical historians record how things played out with God’s wrath and He will do it again. His holy glory will be seen and all without repentance will be held accountable for all the secrets and open iniquity. Cheats, liars, murderers, rapists, terrorists, kings, and paupers alike will stand in judgment before God and be found guilty. These sins and more will be presented as evidence to demand their punishment.
God has provided a plan to save even the vilest offender. All verdicts fell on Jesus the Son of God. He took the place of all who call upon Him to be saved. There is only one thing that is going to bring all things together and set this nation and each person right, and that is the blood of Jesus Christ. We can be assured of His judgment and His redemption.
Application: Be assured God will make things right.
Prayer: Lord, we pray that all in our nation will see “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:4). We pray that the light will banish darkness from their souls.
