Habakkuk 1:9

"All of them come for violence. Their hordes face forward. They gather prisoners like sand."

Key Reflection

In Habakkuk 1:9, the verse portrays an army that comes with a violent intent, facing forward resolutely. The comparison of gathering prisoners to collecting sand emphasizes both the vast number of captives and the ruthless efficiency with which they are taken, symbolizing the devastating impact of sin's consequences on a society.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

They shall come all for violence - “Violence” had been the sin of JudahHabakkuk 1:3-4, and now violence shall be her punishment. It had been ever before the prophet; all were full of it. Now should violence be the very end, one by one, of all the savage horde poured out upon them; they all, each one of them come for violence. Their faces shall sup up as the east wind -קדומהoccurs else only inEzekiel 11:1, andEzekiel 11:16times in Ezek. 40–48 of the ideal city and temple as “Eastwards.” But except in the far-fetched explanation of Abarb (mentioned also by Tanchum) that they ravaged, not to settle but to return home with their booty, “Eastwards” would have no meaning.

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