King James Version

What Does Habakkuk 1:16 Mean?

“Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous. plenteous: or, dainty: Heb. fat”

Context

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

They take up all of them with the angle, they catch them in their net, and gather them in their drag: therefore they rejoice and are glad. drag: or, flue net

Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous. plenteous: or, dainty: Heb. fat

Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations?

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) The prophet has already stated that the Chaldæan deifies his own military prowess. Of this statement the present verse is an expansion. Weapons of war may have been literally worshipped by the Babylonians. Similarly, the Sarmatians offered yearly sacrifices to a sword, as the emblem of their god of war (Clem. Alex. *Protrept.* 64). The Romans also sacrificed to their eagles. But probably the language is metaphorical, and we need not seek a closer illustration than that of Dr. Pusey,—“So the *Times* said at the beginning of the late war, ‘The French almost worshipped the mitrailleuse as a goddess.’ ‘They idolised, it would say, their invention, as if it could do what God alone could.’”

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 1:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.