King James Version
What Does Habakkuk 3:10 Mean?
“The mountains saw thee, and they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high.”
Context
8
Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? was thine anger against the rivers? was thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine horses and thy chariots of salvation? of: or, were salvation?
9
Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers. earth: or, rivers of the earth
10
The mountains saw thee, and they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high.
11
The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, and at the shining of thy glittering spear. at the light: or, thine arrows walked in the light
12
Thou didst march through the land in indignation, thou didst thresh the heathen in anger.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(10-18) All the verbs in these verses are misrendered as regards tense. (See note on 3-15.)
(10) **The mountains saw thee.**—The earthquake at Sinai and the dividing of the Red Sea, the waters of which were lifted up “as a wall on the right hand and on the left” of Israel, lie at the basis of this description. This imagery, however, of sweeping floods and quaking mountains is usual in poetical accounts of Divine interposition.
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 3:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Habakkuk 3:10
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge