John Trapp on Habakkuk 1:4

Verſe 4. Therefore the law is ſlacked] Deſluit lex. An elegant Metaphor from the pulſe, which in a dying man beateth faintly. The law is the pulſe of the Common-wealth. If it ſtirre not at all, the Common-wealth is dead. If it have but ſlow motion, the Common-wealth is weak. But if it keep an equall courſe, the Common-wealth is in good conſtitution. Lex lux, the law is a light, ſaith Solomon: but the deluge of ſin had well-nigh put out this light in Iſrael; who was now grown in a manner lawleſſe, through long impunity.

and judgement doth never go forth] Or, it goeth not forth to the utmoſt, Ʋſ que ad finem. [non-Latin text not transcribed]. to victory: it is not carried on to a right upſhot, as the Septuagint, and Latine render it.

for the wicked doth compaſſe about the righteous] As a crown compaſſeth the head: He ſurroundeth and circumventeth him to his hurt. The children of this world are wiſer in their generation &c. The Midianites out witted the Iſraelites Num. 25.18. The Phariſees hemmed in our Saviour to enſnare him: but were diſappointed.

therefore wrong judgement proceedeth] Diſtorted judgement. So Ezek. 9.9. the city was full of Mutteh that is of (miſhpat din mitteh, [non-Latin text not transcribed]. as Kimchi expoundeth it) judgement turned from the biaſſe: the ballance of juſtice was tilted on the one ſide 1 Tim. 5.21. A judge is to retaine the decency and gravity of the law: to do nothing of partiality or popularity; to proceed, not according to opinion or appearance; but as a juſt law is an heart without affection, an eye without luſt, a minde without paſſion &c. ſo ſhould he. Elſe wrong and wreſted judgement will ſoon proceed, to the prejudice of the righteous.