1. The prophecy that Habakkuk the prophet received.
2. How long, Lord, must I call for help,but you do not listen?Or cry out to you, ‘Violence!’but you do not save?
3. Why do you make me look at injustice?Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?Destruction and violence are before me;there is strife, and conflict abounds.
4. Therefore the law is paralysed,and justice never prevails.The wicked hem in the righteous,so that justice is perverted.
5. ‘Look at the nations and watch –and be utterly amazed.For I am going to do something in your daysthat you would not believe,even if you were told.
6. I am raising up the Babylonians,that ruthless and impetuous people,who sweep across the whole earthto seize dwellings not their own.
7. They are a feared and dreaded people;they are a law to themselvesand promote their own honour.
8. Their horses are swifter than leopards,fiercer than wolves at dusk.Their cavalry gallops headlong;their horsemen come from afar.They fly like an eagle swooping to devour;
9. they all come intent on violence.Their hordes advance like a desert windand gather prisoners like sand.