1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw.
2 Lord, how long will I call for help and you not listen?I cry out to you, "Violence!"but you don’t deliver us.
3 Why do you show me injustice and look at anguishso that devastation and violence are before me?There is strife, and conflict abounds.
4 The Instruction is ineffective.Justice does not endurebecause the wicked surround the righteous.Justice becomes warped.
5 Look among the nations and watch!Be astonished and starebecause something is happening in your daysthat you wouldn’t believe even if told.
6 I am about to rouse the Chaldeans,that bitter and impetuous nation,which travels throughout the earth to possess dwelling places it does not own.
7 The Chaldean is dreadful and fearful.He makes his own justice and dignity.