1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw.
2 O Lord, how long shall I cry,and You will not hear?Or cry to You, “Violence!”and You will not save?
3 Why do You make me see wickedness,and cause me to see trouble?Plundering and violence are before me;strife and contention arise.
4 Therefore the law is powerless,and justice never goes forth.For the wicked surround the righteous;therefore injustice proceeds.
5 Look among the nations, and watch—wonder and be amazed!For I am doing a work in your daysthat you would not believe,though it were told you.
6 For I am raising up the Chaldeans,that bitter and hasty nationwhich marches through the breadth of the earth,to possess dwelling places that are not theirs.
7 They are terrible and dreadful;their justice and their dignityproceed from themselves.