Matthew Poole and continuators on Habakkuk 3

1 A Prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Sigionoth .

The Prophet required the Earth should be silent before God, and now gives them example; he waits on and prays to God in his Holy Temple, some say 'tis a Prayer of intercession, and that the word carrieth it so.

Vid. chap. 1. ver. 1.

Vid. chap. 1. ver. 1. let. c.

A musical note, say some, and such note as the Jews have no certain knowledge of. Others say Sigion[illegible: 1 letter]th is ignorances, which the Prophet doth confess, and sueth for the pardon of; both he and the people had erred, were offended at the darkness of divine providences, and needed pardon as well as instruction, or it may be a Prayer on occasion of the many and great changes Providence wrought in the affairs of the World and the Church.

Marginal references: Or, [illegible: 1 span]

2 O LORD, I have heard thy speech , and was afraid , O LORD revive thy work in the midst of the years , in the midst of the years make known , in wrath remember mercy.

Received answer to the inquiry made chap. 1. verse 13.14, 15, 16 and 17. whether by voice from Heaven, or by inward illumination or irradiation of the mind, or any other way of impression from the Prophetick Spirit, needs not be enquired.

The report or declaration God made to him concerning the future corrections of his own people, and the devastations Babylo[illegible: 1 letter] would make among them; And next the destruction which should fall upon the Babylonians by the Medes and Persians, which is summarily set down, chap. 2.

Trembled at the apprehension of these sad things, which both we and they were to suffer; He saw them as certain and grievous.

Not only keep alive, but somewhat refresh, renew, give some new strength to thy Church and People, who wait for thee.

Thy Church called, Isa. 45.11. as here Gods work in an eminent manner above other people, so the Apostle, we are his workmanship, Eph[illegible: 1 letter]s. 2.10. or else by work may be meant, the returning of the Captivity, and restoring them to their own Land, which was the great thing God did promise to do for them; and the Prophet prays for some kindness from the Lord, that may be a revival of the hope, assurance and joy of it.

'Tis not needful we report the different account of these years, and the precise midst of them assigned by some, perhaps it may point to that time when Evil Merodach exalted Iehoiachin out of Prison, which 2 Kings 25.27. was in the 37th year of their Captivity, but I rather think 'tis more vulgarly to be taken for any time within the term of the sad and troublesome dayes which would last seventy years.

It is an affectionate request, and (as such often are) somewhat abrupt, make known either thy Truth, or Wisdom, or Power, or Compassion, or all, make it known that thou art our God, and we thy people, that thou still hast a care of us, or what next follows makes the sense full.

Whilst thy just displeasure burns against us for our sins.

Make it appear thou hast not forgotten to be gracious, let thy people see thou remembrest mercy toward them.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 letter]eb. thy [illegible: 1 word] or, thy [illegible: 1 word].; [illegible: 1 word] pres[illegible: 1 letter]rve [illegible: 1 word].

3 God came from Teman , and the holy one from mount Paran , Selah , His glory covered the heavens , and the earth was full of his praise .

The God of our Fathers, our God

appeared, discovered himself, for that is his coming, who since he fills all places at all times, cannot be said to come by any change of place.

Either Appellatively the South, or else as a proper name of a Mountain or Country, so called from Teman, Son of Eliphaz, and Grandson of Esau. It is also called Seir, or is one particular Hill among those many, which make up Mount S[illegible: 1 letter]ir. It was not far from Mount Sinai, where the Law was given, and the Prophet hath respect to that Deut. 33.2. where God appeared in a manner equally Glorious and Terrible.

Of Israel.

Which was a name to Wilderness, Plains, and a Mountain, of which the Prophet here speaketh, and in Deut. 33.2. 'tis said God shined thence. This the Prophet mentions as a support of his Faith, as an encouragement to others, as a motive why God should renew his work among them, since he so Gloriously appeared among their Fathers, and made a Covenant with them.

To the Argument he addeth this to awaken us to attention.

Lightnings and Thunders, and Fire and Smoke, tokens of the Power, Majesty and Greatness of God, at the sight whereof Moses himself trembled.

Overspread, intercepted and obscured.

That part of the visible Heavens, under which Israel then encamped.

That part of the Earth where this was done.

Of works which deserved then, and still do deserve to be had in remembrance, with praise to God who did them.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word]. 5.4.; [illegible: 1 word] 8.7. [illegible: 1 word] south.

4 And his brightness was as the light , he had horns coming out of his hand , and there was the hiding of his power .

That Lustre in which God appeared, that unparallel'd splendour which shined from him.

Pure, clear as the Sun, but much more dazling and overcoming.

Some read it Beams or Rayes of Light, and so the H[illegible: 1 letter]b. will bear, and thus 'tis plain.

Our God is all Glory and Light, Moses face shined, the Face, yea, Hands of our God, shine with Glorious Light; He dwelleth in Light.

Either in that place where he thus appeared, or in that Light wherewith he appeared.

One would think his brightness should have discovered, not hid his Power, it did both it discovered much of it, but hid much more; it was Light inaccessible, and therefore a hiding Light.

Strength or might, by what was there done it did evidently appear, God who was there could do much more, but it could not appear how much he could do.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 span] of his

5 Before him went the pestilence , and burning coals went forth at his feet .

When God was leading the Israelites out of Egypt into Canaan, he made the Pestilence to go before him, so preparing room for his people.

Which wasted the inhabitants of Canaan, swept them ou[illegible: 1 letter].

Burning Feavers▪ and other dis[illegible: 1 letter]empers of fiery and destructive Nature, which destroyed the accursed Nations.

As sent, and observing the way he directed.

Kept even pace, or waited on him, were his immediate forerunners: All this mentioned as arguments to prevail for somewhat like these for Israel, and against Israel's enemies. O God, revive some such work amidst us.

Marginal references: Nah. 1.3·; Or, b[illegible: 1 letter]rning diseases.

6 He stood and measured the earth : he beheld , and drove asunder the nations , and the everlasting mountains were scattered , the perpetual hills did bow : his wayes are everlasting .

Gave his presence with Ioshuah, and others, as one that stood by while the work was done.

He divided to them their inheritance, and did this without toil or difficulty, his very presence with his people was enough to make it known what he allotted to them.

The promised Land.

Lookt with a frowning countenance, with anger in his eye.

Cast them out, or caused them to fly, as many did out of that Country, his Eye did this, for he lookt on them, and did this.

The cursed Nations.

Either literally understood, as Nahum 1.5. and may relate to that the Psalmist minds, Psal. 114.4, 6. when the whole Mount, all the Mountainous parts of Sinai tremble, Exod. 19.18. &c. or figuratively, the state of these Nations, seeming as immoveable as Mountains, yet soon shook and dissolved, before the rebuke of the Lord.

An elegant immutation of the phrase, to illustrate and confirm the same thing.

The wisdom, goodness, justice, holiness, faithfulness and power of God, which he sheweth in the methods of his governing his Church and People, are everlasting, they are the same, and where the same circumstances concurr, the same effects of his power may be hoped for; So the Prophet pursueth the argument; They are everlasting loving kindnesses with which he embraceth his Church.

7 I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction , and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble .

Not with the eye, but with his mind and understanding in reading the History of Israels Travels.

For the people that dwelt in them.

Some say of Cushan Rishathaim, in Othniels time, and under his victories over them; But I rather think 'tis meant of the Aethiopians, on the confines of Arabia, that Land of Cash, near whose borders Israels march through, and incampings in the Wilderness, had very often lain.

In fear and pain, least that mighty people under the conduct of their General, (famed for Miracles) should as a violent storm fall on them, and dispoil them.

For those that dwelt within them; These people dwelt in Tents, and these made up on the sides with curtains.

People of the Land.

A people sprung from one of Abraham's Sons, by Keturah, who gave his name Midian to the Land, as well as to the people.

Were sore afraid of the armes of Israel, which at last by Gods express direction, were employed against Midian, and cut off five Kings, and destroyed the Country, These terrible things our God, whose wayes are Everlasting, hath done to carry our Fathers from Egypt to Canaan, let him who is our God still revive his work, &c.

Marginal references: Or, Ethiopia.; Or, under affliction, or, vanity.

8 Was the LORD displeased against the rivers ? was thine anger against the rivers? was thy wrath against the sea , that thou didst ride upon thine horses , and thy chariots of salvation?

The Prophet recalls to memory the miraculous dividing of the Red Sea, and Iordan, when God divided them to make a passage for his people, when by a miracle he made the devouring Element to be a safeguard to his people, when 'twas not displeasure against the Sea or the River, but favour to Israel, that moved him to do this. The Prophet repeats the question to impress the mind of the Captive Iewes, with deeper apprehensions of the Mercy of their God.

See Nahum 1. verse 4. let. d.

The Red Sea.

As a General in the head of his Army, leading them forward on some great exploit.

Alluding to the manner of men, with whom horses are of greatest, strongest and stateliest preparations against an enemy, but these were not designed against the Sea as against an enemy.

But with these Horses are joined (for the decorum of the figure) Chariots, that are Chariots of Salvation for his people; chear up then, the Lord hath the same love and power still.

Marginal references: Or, thy chariots were sa[illegible: 1 letter]vation.

9 Thy bow was made quite naked , according to the oaths of the tribes , even thy word . Selah . Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers .

One part of Armour put for the whole, or else the Lord here is represented as armed, in readiness to smite through all enemies, having his bow in his hand.

The case taken off, that when 'twas to be used, there might be no delay.

In pursuance of his Oath made to our Fathers, he promised, and confirmed the promise by Oath, that he would drive out the Canaanites, and this Oath is here called Oaths, because repeated and renewed at several times, and 'tis Oaths of, i. e. to the Tribes, to raise their hope in their present low condition; Not Abraham here mentioned, lest they should be upbraided with degenerating and losing the right to the Promises; but 'tis Tribes, the right is in them.

Of promise.

Note it well.

When they were to march through a dry and thirsty Land, where no water was, how should they subsist? what good to be defended from perishing by the sword of an enemy, and be left to perish for want of refreshing waters? This then is added to compleat the Mercy, our God made Rivers in the desert for them, and satisfied them with streams out of the flinty Rock.

Marginal references: Or, thou didst cleave the rivers of the earth.

10 The mountains saw thee, and they trembled : the overflowing of the water passed by : the deep uttered his voice , and lift up his hands on high .

Litterally taken 'tis an ellegant Hyperbole, expressing to us the glorious effects of Gods power and presence, and thus Sinai, and the contiguous Hills, the whole Mount, Exod. 19.18. are intended, or if you take it figuratively, these are Kings and States, whose Hieroglyphicks in Scripture are Mountains.

Were sensible of, shewed they were affected with his approach and presence.

Were grieved, so 'twill well suit to Mountains Metaphorically taken, it was grief to the Kings and States to see God own, conduct, and prosper Israel, Numb. 22.3. Iosh. 2.9, 10, 11. or trembled, i. e. were shaken as with an Earthquake, Exod. 19.18. and Psal. 68.8. and 114.4.6. so it suits the letter of the Text.

The inundation which at that season was wont to be very great, the mighty floods on Iordan.

Passed away, i. e. at the word of God the waters below flowed, and ran away from those above, which stood on a heap to make a path for Israel.

Either the deep Channel in which Iordan flowed, the very bottom of the River appeared, or the deep, i. e. the Red Sea

with dreadful roaring like a mighty voice, parted its waters; divided, but with great and terrible noise, in this unusual commotion.

Testified its Obedience to the command of God, as by lifting up the hand, one doth at distance signifie his ready complyance with the command, or direction, or hands, i. e. sides: so when the upper waters stood on a heap both in Iordan, and the Red-Sea, they appeared as with sides or flankers unto the Israelites.

Like a Mountain, visible, and conspicuous to all.

Marginal references: Psal. 79.5. Mich. 1.4.

11 The sun and moon stood still in their habitation : at the light of thine arrows they went , and at the shining of thy glittering spear.

Though he rejoice as a Giant to run his race, and had constantly come out of his chamber to run it about 2500 years past, yet now stops his course, and with his stay puts stop to the motion of Moon and Stars at the command of Gods Minister, and Israels Captain, Ioh. 10.12, 13.

So the Psalmist, Psal. 19.4. speaks of a Pavilion or Tabernacle pitch't for the Sun, where now at Ioshua's word, seconded with the word of Io[illegible: 1 letter]h[illegible: 1 letter]a's and Israel's God, he makes a halt as 'twere, stands at the door of his Tabernacle to behold and forward the strange work, the miraculous overthrow of the five conspiring Kings.

As we read the words they seem somewhat obscure and perplext, yet very intelligible in this paraphrase at the light, according to the light which thine arrows gave by their glittering heads, polisht shafts, and bright Feathers; in their flight thine arrows O God, for these were the arrows of Israel, and thine arrows too, as the sword of Gideon was the sword of the Lord. T[illegible: 1 letter]ey, i. e. Sun and Moon, went, directed their course, and took their way compliant with the flights of these arrows, not hastening to the place of their going down whilest Israel had arrows to shoot, or Enemies that day to discomfit, whilest they were to lift up a spear against any En[illegible: 1 letter]my that day. The Marginal reading of these words is much plainer. Thine arrows walked in the light, (which was miraculously continued) and thy spears walked in the brightness of the lightning, (as I venture for once to read the words from the Hebrew) so dreadful was that day to the Enemy, so joyful to Israel, O let some such day arise on Captive Iews, revive thy works of old, so the Prophet prays.

Marginal references: Or, thine arrows walketh in the light, &c.

12 Thou didst march through the land in indignation ; thou didst thresh the heathen in anger.

Our God,

as the victorious Conquerour leading still thine Armies, the Tribes of Israel,

of Canaan, to subdue the remainders of thine Enemies and theirs, and to give thine Israel possession of the promised Land.

Against them for their sins.

Break to pieces

the Nations devoted to destruction, these were cut in pieces by the sword of Israel.

13 Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people , even for salvation with thine anointed , thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked , by discovering the foundation unto the [illegible: 1 letter]eck. S[illegible: 1 letter]lah .

Pursuant of his Metaphor the Propher speaks of God as marching on before his people▪ or it may re[illegible: 1 letter]er to the Ark, a token of Gods presence before the people.

To compleat the Salvation beg[illegible: 1 letter]n in bring[illegible: 1 letter]ng them out of Egypt, and carrying them through the Wilderness, and to be f[illegible: 1 letter]nis[illegible: 1 letter]t in se[illegible: 1 letter]ling them in Canaan.

Thy chosen people, the Tribes of thine Inheritance.

'Tis repeated for conf[illegible: 2 letters]mation, and to affect us with the greatness of the mercy;

or for thine anointed, i. e. all Israel, or under the Conduct of thine anointed, Ioshua, Type of the Messiah, by [illegible: 1 letter]hose hand all th[illegible: 1 letter]se great things were done.

Gavest a deadly wound to the Princes, and Kings of Canaan, Enemies to Israel, who were cut off, and their Families utterly destroyed.

Royal Palaces, or antient dwellings, and setled habitations of which slaughter of Canaanitish Kings, Psal. 136. 17, 18, 19.

The Courts of these Kings were houses of greatest wickednesses, for which they were destroyed;

rasing the Foundations of their Power, and destroying all from foot to head.

All which is to be heeded, and well minded.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 span]

14 Thou didst strike through with his staves the head of his villages : they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly .

O God,

either meant of the staves or arms of the Canaanitish Kings which they lifted up against Israel, thereby provoking Israel to fight; in which being overcome, they perisht by their own Arms taken from them, or it may be meant of the Weapons of Ioshua, and Israel, called Staves, for that they were Arrows and Spears, which are armed Staves, or it might be translated Tribes; so with the Tribes of Israel, the Tribes of Gods anointed, or by them were these Canaanites destroyed.

All the Cities, and all the unwalled Towns; for so Israel destroyed the Daughters with the Mothers; i. e. the Villages with the Cities.

The Inhabitants of Canaan, but particularly the five Kings, ver. 11. let. f. of whose conspiracy you read Iosh. 10. which see.

With violence invading every side; a Tempest made up of contrary Winds and Exhalations, moving as violently as irregularly

to disperse and drive away from the Earth.

The joy they took was such as is the joy of men, who take the spoil of Enemies, and come to feast, not fight.

They dreamt of nothing else but eating up Gods people as they would eat bread.

Helpless and Friendless as they seemed to be, poor Israel.

Either by secret Conspiracy, or by secret execution of the Plot they laid against Israel.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 paragraph]

15 Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses o through the heap p of great waters .

O God▪ or thou O Israel, notwithstanding all Plots and Opposition.

Heldest on thy way, and walkedst from thy entring on the East of the Land, to the West thereof; from Bethel, Iordan, and Iericho on the East where they entred the Land that lay within Iordan.

Rather to, (as I. Tr. and Gr[illegible: 1 letter].) the most Western parts of all the Land God gave, they took possession from East to West, to the great Sea. The Western Sea, the mightiest Sea the Iews of that time knew, called here by way of Eminency the heap of great Waters.

Called Ezek. 47.10, 15, 19, 20. the great Sea, as Iosh. 9.1. so was fulfilled what was promised, and they took possession of that was estated on them, Iosh. 1.3, 4. I rather refer this 15th verse in this manner, then with most Interpreters to the Red Sea, which is to me a repetition unseemly for so short and elegant an enumeration of Gods wonderful deliverances, and blessings to Israel, from their leaving Egypt, to their setling in Canaan.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 paragraph]

16 When I heard , my belly trembled : my lips quivered at the voice : rottenness entred into my bones , and I trembled in my self , that I might rest in the day of trouble : when he cometh up unto the people , he will invade them with his troops .

What dreadful desolations God threatned against Israel, chap. 1. ver. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. for of those he now speaketh of and meditateth on, having finisht his elegant description of Gods wonderful works of mercy toward Israel of old, and lest them as a Foundation of comfort and hope.

Or Heart, or Bowels, or inward parts, Prov. 20.27.

An other effect and sign of surprising fears and astonishment

at the meer report.

A Consumption, and decay of all my strength; a languishing of my Spirits, and a declining of my vigour, a very usual effect of great fears.

I was all shaken, as with an Earthquake, no part was free or unshaken.

These fears awakened my remembrance of that God, and those wonders which I have recounted, these fears have occasioned my search into this Mystery of Providence, that understanding it, I might, as I do, betake my self to God, and his Covenanted Mercies, that I may rest in him who will make it g[illegible: 2 letters] well with the Righteous, even with those righteous who shall live to see, and feel the troubles of those days.

The King of Babylon, with all his bitter and cruel Nations bent on violence and rapine.

Against the Iews, my people, saith the Prophet

with mighty force, and cut in pieces, make most bloody work among them.

With numerous Armies and spoil in Troops, where what one leaves, another will take; where none escape the fury of some or other in the Troops, see this accomplisht 2 Kings, chap. 25.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 paragraph]

17 Although the fig-tree shall not blossom , neither shall fruit be in the vines , the labour of the olive shall fail ? and the fields shall yield no meat , the flock shall be cut off from the fold , and there shall be no heard in the stall.

To War foreseen the Prophet suppose[illegible: 1 letter]h Famine, and describeth the most grievous, as indeed it fell out.

Which was in that Country a very considerable part of their Provision to live upon;

Not give the least sign of bringing forth fruit,

which were also the Riches, and Provision of those Countreys,

Either labour bestowed upon the Olive, or the Fruit which the Olive brings forth, called here labour by an allusion to our labour.

Disappoint the expectation of both dresser and eater,

ploughed and sown

Corn for Bread.

Of Sheep kept out in the field.

Either by Wolf, Murrain, or by the wasting Babylonians,

where they were wont to be safe; now are in greatest danger, and that because they may be swept away all at once.

Greater Cattel kept in the stall for labour, or for feeding.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word]. lit.

18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD : I will joy in the God of my salvation .

As for my part, I will, saith the Prophet

look for joy, expect matter of rejoicing in the Lord,

who will preserve a remnant and redeem them, who will rebuke Babylon, and will very strangely destroy it.

The Prophet renews his own Faith, and confirms curs.

All shall end in Salvation to him, and Believers.

19 The Lord GOD is my strength , and he will make my feet like hinds feet , and he will make me to walk upon mine high places . To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

The Prophet had in his own, and in the name of all the Godly, made a full profession of his Faith, and resolution to behave himself with joy in midst of troubles, ver. 17.18. now he gives us account on what ground he speaks so, 'tis not in his own strength, he can do it, but it is because the Lord God is his strength.

That I may escape to God my refuge, to that safe Mountain of Salvation, that I may at last [illegible: 1 letter]ly from Babylon to Iudea, to Ierusalem.

To my Native Country, to my Beloved City, and thy more Beloved Temple which were built like high places to that Munition of Rocks, &c. Deut. 32. 13. Isa. 33.16. My God will return my Captivity, and when I am set at Liberty as I shall be by Cyrus, my God will be my strength, that as a hind let loose, I may hasten to the Mountains of Israel.

Let this be kept on record for publick use, this be pattern for others as well as 'tis declaration of my Faith, Hope, Desire, and Prayer.

Marginal references: 2 Sam. 22.24. Psal. 18.33.; Heb. [illegible: 1 word]