1 The following is the message which God revealed to Habakkuk the prophet:
2 How long, Lord, must I cry for help? But you do not listen!I call out to you, “Violence!” But you do not intervene!
3 Why do you force me to witness injustice?Why do you put up with wrongdoing?Destruction and violence confront me;conflict is present and one must endure strife.
4 For this reason the law lacks power,and justice is never carried out.Indeed, the wicked intimidate the innocent.For this reason justice is perverted.
5 “Look at the nations and pay attention!You will be shocked and amazed!For I will do something in your lifetimethat you will not believe even though you are forewarned.
6 Look, I am about to empower the Babylonians,that ruthless and greedy nation.They sweep across the surface of the earth,seizing dwelling places that do not belong to them.
7 They are frightening and terrifying;they decide for themselves what is right.