Verse of the Day 5-15-22

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14

Verses 6-20 in the book of Habakkuk represent a “taunt,” or a statement of ridicule, that will be used one day by Babylon’s enemies. So certain is the doom of Babylon that Habakkuk is assured that future victims will be able to say these same words. This two-part taunt breaks down further into a series of five woes, or pronouncements of sorrow or consequences for ungodly actions, that describe the judgement that will come on all those whose “desires are not upright.” Such people will be punished because of their aggression (vv. 6-8), injustice (vv. 9-11), violence and crime (vv. 12-14), immorality (vv. 15-17) and idolatry (vv.18-20). All the stolen goods and forced labor that Babylon used to build its empire will finally “cry out” against it (vv. 11-12). The Lord will shame Babylon and do to that nation what it did to others (v. 16). The future destruction of this once proud and mighty nation will bring even greater glory and honor to God, whose great power will become known throughout the world (v.15).

But this all begs one important question: What does that have to do with us living now? And the answer to that is very simple: the same doom that came to Babylon and its empire awaits any nation that chooses to follow the same path that they did. So this passage is not just a prophecy regarding the fate of Babylon, but it is a word of warning to every other nation on earth to turn away from their wicked ways and to turn back towards God.

Today’s Bible Readings:

1 Samuel 17:1-18:4, John 8:21-30, Psalm 111:1-10 and Proverbs 15:11