Matthew Poole and continuators on Habakkuk 2:1

1 I Will stand upon my watch , and set me upon the tower , and will watch to see what he will say unto me , and what I shall answer when I am reproved .

The first Chapter ended with that difficult and perplext question, why God suffers the wicked so long to prosper in their oppressions of the righteous? This Chapter represents the Prophet waiting, and musing, studying with himself what account he might give to himself, and waiting what account God would give him of it. He will stand in a posture of meditating, observing and waiting.

Possibly the Prophet may have respect to the manner of the Iews, who in their solemn Prayers and waiting on God had their stations and watches (as DD. Buxtorf observeth in verbo [non-Latin text not transcribed]) in their Synagogues, or at Ierusalem. But I rather think the Prophet resolveth to be like one that is to be a watchman, as Prophets are, Ezek. 3.17. for the People of God, Or passively in my Watch, i. e. where my adversaries like besieging Enemies observe and watch me. It contains his diligent and persevering expectation and observing.

Fixedly and with resolution not to leave my station, as the Heb. implieth; 'tis the same thing more emphatically exprest than in the word stand.

Either Watch-tower, or besieged Tower, or within a circle out of which I will not stir till I receive an answer.

Most attentively observe.

The Lord, chap. 1.12.

Or signifie unto me.

Waiting for mine own satisfaction, and for the information of others.

There are many that are perplext at the intricacy of Providence, and some enquire to be instructed; some propose doubts, and fears; and others do quarrel, and perversly wrangle with God, and his Prophets: And how I may answer these from the Word of God, is that I wait for, saith our Prophet.

When called to give an account of the mysteriousness of Providence; when either to satisfie doubters, or to silence quarrellers.

Marginal references: Isa. [illegible: 1 span]; Heb. [illegible: 1 span].; Or. [illegible: 1 word]; Heb. [illegible: 1 span].; Or, [illegible: 1 span]