Matthew Poole and continuators on Habakkuk 2:6

6 Shall not all these take up a parable against him , and a taunting proverb against him? and say: Wo to him that increaseth that which is not his: how long ? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay ?

The Prediction is moulded thus in a Question to give it emphasis and make it more affective.

Who have been opprest, contumeliously used, and perfidiously deceived; all the people who have fear'd the power and policy of Babylon.

Turn him and his state into a By-word, and Scorn.

The King of Babylon, a while since the Terrour, now the scorn of nations.

Short, but smart, wounding scoffes, and whereas men usually bewail and condole the mishaps of great, brave, and just Kings or Kingdoms; All people shall exult, and triumph, in the miseries of this oppressive, luxurious and base Kingdom.

Either 'tis a threat of like vengeance on all such Transgressors, or it may be a publishing the miseries come upon Babylon.

By Rapine, frauds, and injurious dealings multiplieth his Treasures, as the King of Babylon did.

'Twas not his, though he had it; 'twas not his right though 'twas in his possession. Or else thus, one misery of the Babylonians shall be, they increase Wealth, but not for themselves, but for the Medes and Persians.

This seems to be the sigh of the oppressed who think it long ere the oppressour fall.

Wo to him that is a burthen to others, while he burthens himself with amassed Treasures gather'd by Extortion, and grievous unjust Taxes.

Gold and Silver, so called to lower the overvalue of them, and perhaps to mind the Tyrant of a Clay-bed.

Marginal references: Or, H[illegible: 1 letter], [illegible: 1 word].