This is why the law is ineffective
and justice never emerges.
For the wicked restrict(A) the righteous;
therefore, justice(B) comes out perverted.

God’s First Answer

Look at the nations[a](C) and observe(D)
be utterly astounded!(E)
For I am doing something in your days
that you will not believe(F)
when you hear about it.(G)
Look! I am raising up(H) the Chaldeans,[b]
that bitter,(I) impetuous nation
that marches across the earth’s open spaces
to seize territories not its own.

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Footnotes

  1. 1:5 DSS, LXX, Syr read Look, you treacherous people
  2. 1:6 = the Babylonians

Therefore the law(A) is paralyzed,
    and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
    so that justice(B) is perverted.(C)

The Lord’s Answer

“Look at the nations and watch—
    and be utterly amazed.(D)
For I am going to do something in your days
    that you would not believe,
    even if you were told.(E)
I am raising up the Babylonians,[a](F)
    that ruthless and impetuous people,
who sweep across the whole earth(G)
    to seize dwellings not their own.(H)

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Footnotes

  1. Habakkuk 1:6 Or Chaldeans

Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.

Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days which ye will not believe, though it be told you.

For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not their's.

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