1. The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw.
2. How long, Lord, must I call for help and You do not listenor cry out to You about violence and You do not save?
3. Why do You force me to look at injustice? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing?Oppression and violence are right in front of me.Strife is ongoing, and conflict escalates.
4. This is why the law is ineffectiveand justice never emerges.For the wicked restrict the righteous;therefore, justice comes out perverted.
5. Look at the nations and observe —be utterly astounded! For something is taking place in your daysthat you will not believe when you hear about it.
6. Look! I am raising up the Chaldeans, that bitter, impetuous nationthat marches across the earth’s open spacesto seize territories not its own.
7. They are fierce and terrifying;their views of justice and sovereigntystem from themselves.
8. Their horses are swifter than leopards and more fierce than wolves of the night.Their horsemen charge ahead;their horsemen come from distant lands.They fly like an eagle, swooping to devour.
9. All of them come to do violence;their faces are set in determination. They gather prisoners like sand.
10. They mock kings,and rulers are a joke to them.They laugh at every fortressand build siege ramps to capture it.
11. Then they sweep by like the windand pass through.They are guilty; their strength is their god.