King James Version

What Does Habakkuk 3:8 Mean?

“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?”

Context

He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting.

I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble. Cushan: or, Ethiopia in: or, under affliction, or, vanity

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?

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

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.

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Topics in This Verse

Salvation

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **Was the Lord displeased?**—Better, *Is it* *with the rivers Jehovah is wroth? Is Thine anger against the rivers? Is Thy wrath against the sea?—that Thou* (thus) *ridest upon Thy horses, that Thy chariots* (thus appear) *for deliverance?* **Of salvation.**—Better, *for salvation,* or *for deliverance.* The allusion is obviously to Israel’s miraculous passage through the Red Sea and the Jordan. The “horses” and “chariots” which are here the symbols of Divine might, come in the more fittingly in view of Exodus 14 (see Habakkuk 3:14 *seq.*)*,* where Pharaoh, pursued with “horses and chariots,” only to find Jehovah Himself arrayed against him.

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 3:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.