Matthew Poole and continuators on Habakkuk 2:13

13 Behold , is it not of the LORD of hosts , that the people shall labour in the very fire , and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?

The Prophet calls for attention, and that we observe who 'tis will execute vengeance on bloody Cities and Kingdoms, Babylon is a mighty City, and the Kingdom is over match to any Kingdom, and perhaps it may be thought none can give Babylon blood to drink, or kindle a fire in her, that shall consume her.

Though men cannot the Lord of hosts can, and is not this vengeance his? will not he repay?

Either Babylonians and their Confederates, labour for that the fire shall consume. Or the adversaries of Babylon shall be able to endure a service for God against Babylon, hot as if they laboured in the fire.

Either literally taken, or figuratively will well consist with the Text,

Either Medes and Persians against Babylon, or the Chaldeans for Babylon.

Spend their strength, and life,

The one to preserve what shall never profit them, which they laid up in vain, the other to destroy all (though they lose their booty by destroying it) in the fire, yet all this from the Lord of hosts justly punishing Babylon for all her cruelties.

Marginal references: Jer. 51.5[illegible: 1 letter].; Or, in vain.