Matthew Poole and continuators on Habakkuk 1:4

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

Because the wicked go on with impunity, and the punishment they deserve is defer'd.

Of God, given to this people by the hand of Moses, the whole Law Moral, Ceremonial and Judicial.

Is slighted, weakened, and little studied, and less obeyed by all sorts;

Not only private men neglect the Law, but Magistrates, Judges and publick Officers pervert, or divert, or obstruct it also.

Heb. To the end, or unto victory, with prevalence to restrain the unjust, and to protect the innocent, which is the end of Magistracy, Rom. 13.3.

The unjust, and violent man.

As 'twere besiegeth, surroundeth, with design to oppress and ruin by false witness, interest or bribery.

Perverse Judgment, wherein innocence is condemned, and the nocent are acquitted; So the Judges are Swords in the Bowels, when they should be Shields over the Bodies of the Righteous.

Marginal references: Job 21.[illegible: 1 letter]. Jer. 12.[illegible: 1 letter].; Or, [illegible: 1 word]