Discovery BoxHabakkuk 1:16 
Context1:16 Because of his success 1 he offers sacrifices to his throw net
and burns incense to his dragnet; 2
for because of them he has plenty of food, 3
and more than enough to eat. 4
Habakkuk 2:1
Context2:1 I will stand at my watch post;
I will remain stationed on the city wall. 5
I will keep watching, so I can see what he says to me
and can know 6 how I should answer
when he counters my argument. 7
Habakkuk 2:9
Context2:9 The one who builds his house by unjust gain is as good as dead. 8
He does this so he can build his nest way up high
and escape the clutches of disaster. 9
Habakkuk 3:19
Context3:19 The sovereign Lord is my source of strength. 10
He gives me the agility of a deer; 11
he enables me to negotiate the rugged terrain. 12
(This prayer is for the song leader. It is to be accompanied by stringed instruments.) 13
1 tn Heb “therefore.”
2 sn The fishing implements (throw net and dragnet) represent Babylonian military might. The prophet depicts the Babylonians as arrogantly worshiping their own power (sacrifices…burns incense, see also v. 11b).
3 tn Heb “for by them his portion is full [or, “fat”].”
4 tn Heb “and his food is plentiful [or, “fat”].”
5 sn Habakkuk compares himself to a watchman stationed on the city wall who keeps his eyes open for approaching messengers or danger.
6 tn The word “know” is supplied in the translation for clarification.
7 tn Heb “concerning my correction [or, “reproof”].”
8 tn Heb “Woe [to] the one who profits unjustly by evil unjust gain for his house.” On the term הוֹי (hoy) see the note on the word “dead” in v. 6.
9 tn Heb “to place his nest in the heights in order to escape from the hand of disaster.”
sn Here the Babylonians are compared to a bird, perhaps an eagle, that builds its nest in an inaccessible high place where predators cannot reach it.
10 tn Or perhaps, “is my wall,” that is, “my protector.”
11 tn Heb “he makes my feet like those of deer.”
12 tn Heb “he makes me walk on my high places.”
sn Difficult times are coming, but Habakkuk is confident the
13 tn Heb “For the leader, on my stringed instruments.”
