1. The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw.
2. O Yahweh, how long shall I cry for help and you will not listen? How long will I cry out to you, “Violence!” and you will not save?
3. Why do you cause me to see evil while you look at trouble? Destruction and violence happen before me; contention and strife arise.
4. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice does not go forth perpetually. For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore justice goes forth perverted.
5. “Look among the nations and see; be astonished and astounded. For a work is about to be done in your days that you will not believe if it is told.
6. For look! I am raising up the Chaldeans, the bitter and impetuous nation, the one who walks through the spacious places of earth to take possession of dwellings not belonging to it.