Habakkuk 3:9 - Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments

‘The bow was made quite bare,

The oaths to the tribes were a spoken word. Selah. (Consider that!)'

This probably denotes the moment of entry into Canaan. God prepared His bow for action and confirmed His oaths personally to the tribes in readiness to march through the land in His wrath (Habakkuk 3:12). For we know that the entry of His people into the land of Canaan was not only in order to present them with an inheritance, but also to bring His dire judgment on the Canaanites (Amorites) because of their extreme sinfulness (see Genesis 15:16).

And Habakkuk knew that God's bow was still bared, and that His promises to His true people, His remnant, still stood firm. He would still protect them and deliver them.

Habakkuk 3:9

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