1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw.
2 O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,and you will not hear?Or cry to you “Violence!”and you will not save?
3 Why do you make me see iniquity,and why do you idly look at wrong?Destruction and violence are before me;strife and contention arise.
4 So the law is paralyzed,and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous;so justice goes forth perverted.
5 “Look among the nations, and see;wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your daysthat you would not believe if told.
6 For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans,that bitter and hasty nation, who march through the breadth of the earth, to seize dwellings not their own.
7 They are dreaded and fearsome; their justice and dignity go forth from themselves.