Matthew Poole and continuators on Habakkuk 3:8

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.