Habakkuk 3:2 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

I have heard; received answer to the inquiry made Habakkuk 1:13-17, whether by voice from heaven, or by inward illumination or irradiation of the mind, or any other way of impression from the prophetic Spirit, needs not be inquired. Thy speech; the report or declaration God made to him concerning the future corrections of his own people, and the devastations Babylon would make among them; and next, the destruction which should fall upon the Babylonians by the Medes and Persians, which is summarily set down, Hab 2. Was afraid; trembled at the apprehension of these sad things, which both we and they were to suffer; he saw them as certain and grievous. Revive; not only keep alive, but somewhat refresh, renew, give some new strength to thy church and people, who wait for thee. Thy work; thy church, called, Isaiah 45:11, as here, God's work, in an eminent manner, above other people; so the apostle, we are his workmanship, Ephesians 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. In the midst of the years: it is 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 Jehoiachin out of prison, which, 2 Kings 25:27, was in the 37th year of their captivity; but I rather think it is more vulgarly to be taken for any time within the term of the sad and troublesome days which would last seventy years. Make known: 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. In wrath, whilst thy just displeasure burns against us for our sins, remember mercy; make it appear thou hast not forgotten to be gracious, let thy people see thou rememberest mercy towards them. I have heard; received answer to the inquiry made Habakkuk 1:13-17, whether by voice from heaven, or by inward illumination or irradiation of the mind, or any other way of impression from the prophetic Spirit, needs not be inquired. Thy speech; the report or declaration God made to him concerning the future corrections of his own people, and the devastations Babylon would make among them; and next, the destruction which should fall upon the Babylonians by the Medes and Persians, which is summarily set down, Hab 2. Was afraid; trembled at the apprehension of these sad things, which both we and they were to suffer; he saw them as certain and grievous. Revive; not only keep alive, but somewhat refresh, renew, give some new strength to thy church and people, who wait for thee. Thy work; thy church, called, Isaiah 45:11, as here, God's work, in an eminent manner, above other people; so the apostle, we are his workmanship, Ephesians 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. In the midst of the years: it is 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 Jehoiachin out of prison, which, 2 Kings 25:27, was in the 37th year of their captivity; but I rather think it is more vulgarly to be taken for any time within the term of the sad and troublesome days which would last seventy years. Make known: 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. In wrath, whilst thy just displeasure burns against us for our sins, remember mercy; make it appear thou hast not forgotten to be gracious, let thy people see thou rememberest mercy towards them. I have heard; received answer to the inquiry made Habakkuk 1:13-17, whether by voice from heaven, or by inward illumination or irradiation of the mind, or any other way of impression from the prophetic Spirit, needs not be inquired. Thy speech; the report or declaration God made to him concerning the future corrections of his own people, and the devastations Babylon would make among them; and next, the destruction which should fall upon the Babylonians by the Medes and Persians, which is summarily set down, Hab 2. Was afraid; trembled at the apprehension of these sad things, which both we and they were to suffer; he saw them as certain and grievous. Revive; not only keep alive, but somewhat refresh, renew, give some new strength to thy church and people, who wait for thee. Thy work; thy church, called, Isaiah 45:11, as here, God's work, in an eminent manner, above other people; so the apostle, we are his workmanship, Ephesians 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. In the midst of the years: it is 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 Jehoiachin out of prison, which, 2 Kings 25:27, was in the 37th year of their captivity; but I rather think it is more vulgarly to be taken for any time within the term of the sad and troublesome days which would last seventy years. Make known: 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. In wrath, whilst thy just displeasure burns against us for our sins, remember mercy; make it appear thou hast not forgotten to be gracious, let thy people see thou rememberest mercy towards them.