3:17 When 1 the fig tree does not bud,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
when the olive trees do not produce, 2
and the fields yield no crops; 3
when the sheep disappear 4 from the pen,
and there are no cattle in the stalls,
3:18 I will rejoice because of 5 the Lord;
I will be happy because of the God who delivers me!
3:19 The sovereign Lord is my source of strength. 6
He gives me the agility of a deer; 7
he enables me to negotiate the rugged terrain. 8
(This prayer is for the song leader. It is to be accompanied by stringed instruments.) 9
1 tn Or “though.”
2 tn Heb “the produce of the olive disappoints.”
3 tn Heb “food.”
4 tn Or “are cut off.”
5 tn Or “in.”
6 tn Or perhaps, “is my wall,” that is, “my protector.”
7 tn Heb “he makes my feet like those of deer.”
8 tn Heb “he makes me walk on my high places.”
sn Difficult times are coming, but Habakkuk is confident the
9 tn Heb “For the leader, on my stringed instruments.”