Habakkuk 1:16

KJV

Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion [is] fat, and their meat plenteous.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore they sacrifice {H2076} unto their net {H2764}, and burn incense {H6999} unto their drag {H4365}; because by them {H1992} their portion {H2506} is fat {H8082}, and their meat {H3978} plenteous {H1277}.

Complete Jewish Bible

offering sacrifices to their fishnet and burning incense to their dragnet; because through them they live in luxury, with plenty of food to eat.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore he sacrifices to his dragnet and burns incense to his fishing net, for by these things his portion is sumptuous and his food is rich.

American Standard Version

Therefore he sacrificeth unto his net, and burneth incense unto his drag; because by them his portion is fat, and his food plenteous.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 1:16 presents a scathing indictment of the Chaldeans, the ruthless Babylonian empire God is raising up as an instrument of judgment. The prophet, deeply perplexed by God's choice of such a wicked and arrogant nation, exposes their profound self-worship. This verse reveals the core of their sin: they attribute their immense military success, abundant spoils, and prosperous existence not to divine providence or the Lord's hand, but entirely to their own might, cunning strategies, and instruments of war, effectively deifying their own capabilities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Habakkuk's initial lament and God's astonishing reply. Habakkuk, a prophet grappling with the apparent injustice of Judah's unpunished wickedness (as seen in his cry in [Habakkuk 1:2-4](/habakkuk/1-2-4 "Habakkuk's Lament Over Injustice")), is met with the shocking revelation that God will employ the fierce and terrifying Chaldeans to execute judgment upon Judah ([Habakkuk 1:6](/habakkuk/1-6 "God's Response: The Rise of the Chaldeans")). The preceding verses ([Habakkuk 1:7-11](/habakkuk/1-7-11 "Description of the Chaldeans' Ruthlessness")) vividly describe the Chaldeans as swift, dreadful, self-sufficient, and utterly without regard for justice or divine authority. Verse 16 specifically addresses their spiritual blindness and idolatry, which for Habakkuk, compounds the injustice: how could a holy God use such a proud, idolatrous nation as His instrument? This sets the stage for Habakkuk's second complaint and God's subsequent, profound revelation of the principle that "the just shall live by faith" ([Habakkuk 2:4](/habakkuk/2-4 "The Just Shall Live by Faith")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the late 7th century BCE, a period of immense geopolitical upheaval. The Assyrian Empire, long the dominant power, was in decline, and the Neo-Babylonian (Chaldean) Empire was rapidly ascending under rulers like Nabopolassar and Nebuchadnezzar II. The Chaldeans were renowned for their military prowess, strategic brilliance, and brutal efficiency in conquest, sweeping across the Near East. Culturally, empires often attributed their success to their patron deities or their own inherent strength. However, the Chaldeans, as depicted here, went beyond merely thanking their gods; they deified their *means* of conquest. The "net" and "drag" are metaphors drawn from fishing or hunting, symbolizing their comprehensive and inescapable methods of ensnaring nations and plundering their resources. This imagery would have resonated deeply with an ancient audience familiar with such tools and the concept of a nation's "portion" or "meat" referring to its sustenance and wealth gained through conquest.
* **Key Themes:** Habakkuk 1:16 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Idolatry of Means and Self-Worship**. The Chaldeans' act of sacrificing to their "net" and "drag" is a stark illustration of worshipping the tools and methods of their success, rather than acknowledging any divine source. This is a subtle yet potent form of idolatry, where human capability and achievement are elevated to the status of deity, directly violating the first commandment against having other gods ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "The First Commandment")). This self-worship is inextricably linked to **Pride and Arrogance**, as their "fat portion" and "plenteous meat" fuel an inflated sense of self-sufficiency and invincibility. The verse also implicitly critiques the dangers of **Materialism and Success Worship**, demonstrating how prosperity, when divorced from divine acknowledgment, can lead to spiritual blindness and a rejection of God's sovereignty. The prophet's struggle throughout the book revolves around reconciling God's justice with the apparent prosperity of the wicked, a theme this verse powerfully introduces by highlighting the Chaldeans' misplaced worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sacrifice (Hebrew, _zâbach'_):** H2076, a primitive root meaning "to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice); kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay." In this context, it denotes a formal act of worship, elevating their military instruments to the status of deities worthy of propitiation and veneration, typically reserved for God.
* **net (Hebrew, _chêrem'_):** H2764, from חָרַם (charam); properly, "physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination." Here, it refers to a fishing or hunting net, metaphorically representing their military strategies, sieges, and comprehensive methods of ensnaring and conquering nations, often leading to their utter destruction.
* **plenteous (Hebrew, _bârîyʼ'_):** H1277, from בָּרָא (bara', in the sense of בָּרָה); "fatted or plump; fat ((fleshed), -ter), fed, firm, plenteous, rank." This word, along with "fat" (H8082, _shâmên'_), describes the abundance and prosperity they enjoy, implying a rich, well-fed, and luxurious existence derived from their conquests.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore they sacrifice unto their net,"**: This clause immediately establishes the Chaldeans' idolatry. The word "therefore" connects their actions to the preceding description of their ruthless efficiency. "Sacrifice" (H2076) is a religious act, indicating that their "net"—a metaphor for their military strategies, cunning, and instruments of war—has become an object of worship. They attribute their success not to God, but to their own means and methods.
* **"and burn incense unto their drag;"**: This parallels the first clause, reinforcing the idea of worship. "Burning incense" (H6999, _qâṭar'_) is another sacred ritual, typically offered to a deity. The "drag" (H4365, _mikmereth'_), a type of dragnet, serves as another metaphor for their all-encompassing and inescapable military power, emphasizing their comprehensive ability to sweep up spoils and captives. Together, these phrases vividly portray their self-exaltation.
* **"because by them their portion [is] fat,"**: This clause provides the motivation for their idolatry. Their "portion" (H2506, _chêleq'_), referring to their share or allotment, is described as "fat" (H8082, _shâmên'_). This signifies prosperity, abundance, and richness—the spoils of war, the wealth of conquered nations, and the security derived from their military might. They believe their tools are the direct cause of their immense material blessings.
* **"and their meat plenteous."**: This final clause reiterates and amplifies the previous one. "Meat" (H3978, _maʼăkâl'_), meaning food or sustenance, being "plenteous" (H1277, _bârîyʼ'_) further underscores their overflowing abundance and luxurious living. The verse concludes by highlighting the direct link the Chaldeans perceive between their military instruments and their opulent lifestyle, cementing their idolatrous self-reliance.

#### Literary Devices
Habakkuk 1:16 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Metaphor** is central, with the "net" and "drag" serving as vivid representations of the Chaldeans' military might, their strategies of conquest, and their insatiable appetite for power and plunder. These fishing implements, designed to gather and entrap, powerfully symbolize the Babylonians' comprehensive and inescapable methods of subjugating nations. The acts of "sacrificing" and "burning incense" to these tools are examples of **Personification** and **Idolatry**, as inanimate objects (or the abstract concepts they represent) are treated as if they are deities worthy of worship. This highlights the profound spiritual blindness and arrogance of the Chaldeans, who attribute divine power to their own creations and capabilities. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in the prophet's lament: God is using a nation so steeped in self-worship and idolatry to judge His own people, who themselves have struggled with idolatry. This sets up the deeper theological tension that Habakkuk grapples with throughout the book.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Habakkuk 1:16 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of idolatry, particularly the subtle yet pervasive sin of worshipping one's own means, achievements, and capabilities. The Chaldeans' sin was not merely abstract; it was a practical deification of their military prowess and the material abundance it yielded. This form of idolatry, where human effort and success become the ultimate source of security and identity, is a timeless spiritual danger. It underscores the biblical truth that true worship belongs to God alone, the ultimate source of all blessing and power. When humanity attributes its "fat portion" and "plenteous meat" to anything other than the Creator, it fundamentally distorts reality and invites divine judgment. This verse sets the stage for the book's larger theological argument concerning God's sovereignty over all nations, even those who defy Him, and His ultimate vindication of justice.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "The First Commandment: No Other Gods")
* [1 Corinthians 4:7](/1_corinthians/4-7 "Who Makes You Differ?")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Trust in the Name of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Habakkuk 1:16 offers a timeless and piercing challenge to examine the true objects of our trust and worship. While we may not literally burn incense to our fishing nets, the spiritual danger of attributing our success, security, or satisfaction to anything other than God remains profoundly relevant. In a world that often celebrates self-made success and material prosperity, this verse warns against the subtle idolatry of worshipping our careers, financial portfolios, intellectual prowess, or even our meticulously crafted plans and strategies. When our "portion is fat" and our "meat plenteous," do we acknowledge God as the ultimate provider, or do we subtly, or overtly, credit our own ingenuity, hard work, or fortunate circumstances as the sole source? True spiritual health requires a constant reorientation of our hearts, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from above ([James 1:17](/james/1-17 "Every Good and Perfect Gift")). This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and gratitude, ensuring that our ultimate trust and worship are directed solely towards the sovereign God who orchestrates all things, even through unexpected instruments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "nets" or "drags" in my life—whether career, relationships, possessions, or personal abilities—do I tend to rely on or credit for my success and security, rather than God?**
* **How does material prosperity or personal achievement tempt me to become self-reliant or proud, forgetting God's ultimate provision and sovereignty?**
* **In what practical ways can I intentionally reorient my worship and gratitude towards God for all my "portion" and "meat," whether it be fat or lean?**

### FAQ

**What does "net" and "drag" specifically symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: In Habakkuk 1:16, "net" (Hebrew: _chêrem_) and "drag" (Hebrew: _mikmereth_) are powerful metaphors drawn from the world of fishing or hunting. They symbolize the Chaldeans' military might, their cunning strategies, and their comprehensive methods of conquest. Just as a net or dragnet sweeps up fish indiscriminately, the Babylonian army would sweep through nations, capturing people, plundering resources, and bringing entire societies under their control. By "sacrificing" and "burning incense" to these instruments, the Chaldeans are depicted as worshipping their own military prowess and the means by which they achieve their overwhelming success and abundance, rather than acknowledging any divine power or justice beyond themselves.

**Is it wrong to be successful or to enjoy abundance, according to this verse?**

Answer: No, the verse does not condemn success or abundance in themselves. The problem highlighted in Habakkuk 1:16 is the **source of attribution and worship** for that success and abundance. The Chaldeans' sin was not that their "portion was fat" or their "meat plenteous," but that they attributed this prosperity solely to their own "net" and "drag"—their own power and methods—and then worshipped those means. This is a form of idolatry and self-worship. The Bible teaches that all good gifts come from God ([James 1:17](/james/1-17 "Every Good and Perfect Gift Comes from Above")), and while human effort and skill are valuable, they are ultimately empowered and blessed by Him. The danger lies in allowing success or material blessings to become idols, leading us to forget or deny God's sovereignty and provision, as the Chaldeans did.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Habakkuk 1:16, with its stark portrayal of the Chaldeans' self-worship and idolatry of their own power, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Chaldeans sought a "fat portion" and "plenteous meat" through their own violent means, worshipping the instruments of their conquest. In stark opposition, Christ came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The self-reliance and pride exemplified by the Chaldeans represent the fallen human condition, which consistently seeks to establish its own righteousness and secure its own blessings apart from God. Yet, in Christ, we see the perfect humility and dependence on the Father, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). He is the true source of all spiritual "portion" and "meat," offering living water and the bread of life that truly satisfies ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "Jesus Offers Living Water"); [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The Chaldeans' worship of their "net" and "drag" foreshadows humanity's tendency to worship the created rather than the Creator ([Romans 1:25](/romans/1-25 "Worshipping the Created Rather Than the Creator")), a sin from which Christ delivers us by drawing us into true worship of God. Ultimately, Christ's victory over sin and death, achieved through self-sacrifice rather than self-exaltation, provides the only true and lasting "plenteous" life, a spiritual abundance found in communion with God, rather than in the fleeting spoils of human conquest ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "I Have Come That They May Have Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Habakkuk 1:11

Then shall [his] mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, [imputing] this his power unto his god.

Ezekiel 28:3

Behold, thou [art] wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee:

Daniel 5:23

But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath [is], and whose [are] all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:

Daniel 4:30

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?

Deuteronomy 8:17

And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of [mine] hand hath gotten me this wealth.

Ezekiel 29:3

Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river [is] mine own, and I have made [it] for myself.

Isaiah 10:13

For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done [it], and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant [man]: