Why do You force me to look at injustice?(A)
Why do You tolerate[a] wrongdoing?
Oppression and violence are right in front of me.
Strife is ongoing, and conflict escalates.
This is why the law is ineffective
and justice never emerges.
For the wicked restrict(B) the righteous;
therefore, justice(C) comes out perverted.

God’s First Answer

Look at the nations[b](D) and observe(E)
be utterly astounded!(F)
For something is taking place in your days
that you will not believe(G)
when you hear about it.(H)

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Footnotes

  1. Habakkuk 1:3 Lit observe
  2. Habakkuk 1:5 DSS, LXX, Syr read Look, you treacherous people

Why do you make me look at injustice?
    Why do you tolerate(A) wrongdoing?(B)
Destruction and violence(C) are before me;
    there is strife,(D) and conflict abounds.
Therefore the law(E) is paralyzed,
    and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
    so that justice(F) is perverted.(G)

The Lord’s Answer

“Look at the nations and watch—
    and be utterly amazed.(H)
For I am going to do something in your days
    that you would not believe,
    even if you were told.(I)

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