King James Version

What Does Habakkuk 1:12 Mean?

“Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction. mighty: Heb. rock. established: Heb. founded”

Context

And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.

Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, imputing this his power unto his god.

Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction. mighty: Heb. rock. established: Heb. founded

Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he? iniquity: or, grievance

And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them? creeping: or, moving

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Topics in This Verse

Eternal Life

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12-17) Though sore perplexed, Habakkuk feels sure that the God whom this swaggering conqueror has insulted will at last vindicate Himself. (12) **We shall not die**—*i.e.*, God’s people may suffer, but shall not be obliterated, shall not be “given over unto death.” The rest of the verse runs literally, *Jehovah, for judgment hast Thou appointed him, and O Rock, for chastisement hast Thou founded him.* “Him,” means, of course, the Chaldæan invader, whom Habakkuk regards as raised up only to be God’s instrument of correction. The term “*Rock*” has been paraphrased in the Authorised Version. Used absolutely, it occurs as a Divine title in Deuteronomy 32:4. Generally it is qualified in some way, as “*my* rock,” “*our* rock,” “rock *of salvation*” &c.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Habakkuk. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Habakkuk 1:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.