John Trapp on Habakkuk 3:16

Verſe 16. When I heard, my belly trembled &c.] Heard what? That ſpeech of thine, verſe. 3. whereunto the Prophet now returneth (after a long digreſſion for the peoples ſupport and comfort; Digreſſions in divine diſcourſes are not alwayes and abſolutely unlawfull. God ſometimes draweth aſide the doctrine, to ſatisfie ſome ſoule which the preacher knowes not: and, ſparingly uſed, it quickeneth attention.) O Lord I have heard thy ſpeech (touching Iſraels captivity, chap. 1. and after that, the Chaldeans calamity, chap. 2.) and was afraid verſe 2. Neither was this a ſlight or ſudden pang, and ſoon put over: but ſuch as ſoaked to the very roots, ſo that my belly, or my heart in my belly trembled; See Prov. 20.27.

my lipps quivered] through want of naturall heate, which in this fright was gone inward to ſuccour the heart: as ſouldiers upon the approach of an enemy run into the caſtle.

at the voice] at the dreadfull denunciations of judgements.

rottenneſſe entred into my bones] Poetico more ex ſignis deſcribit, ſaith Gualther. The Prophet, in manner of a Poet, deſcribeth his great feare, by the gracious effects and ſignes thereof in his body.

that I might reſt in the day of trouble] This was the fruit of his holy feare of Gods imminent judgements, and that contrition of ſpirit that followed thereupon: viz. that both Hee, and all that took part with him in thoſe pious practiſes of ſenſibleneſſe and ſelf-abaſement, ſhould have peace with God, and be able to call their ſoules to reſt in the evill day.

when he commeth up &c.] i. e. The Chaldean ſpoiler.

he will invade them with his troops] Or, cut them in peeces. And that this was done, See 2 King. 25. and the book of Lamentations thorowout. Howbeit in judgement God remembreth mercy, as the Prophet had pray'd: for beſides the favour that the Jews found at Babylon by meanes of Daniel and others, Cyrus having taken that city gave commandment, that no Jews, or any that ſpake the Syrian tongue ſhould be hurt, as Xenophon relateth: and after this he gave them free leave to return home.