Matthew Poole and continuators on Habakkuk 3:2

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].