Habakkuk 1:16

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

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}.

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

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.

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

Commentary on Habakkuk 1:16 (KJV)

Habakkuk 1:16 delivers a striking indictment of the Chaldeans (Babylonians), the ruthless nation God is raising up to execute judgment. The prophet, deeply troubled by God's choice of such a wicked instrument, highlights their profound arrogance and self-worship. This verse exposes the heart of their sin: attributing their immense success and abundance not to divine providence, but to their own might and methods.

Context

This verse is part of Habakkuk's initial lament and God's surprising response. Habakkuk, a prophet wrestling with the apparent injustice of Judah's wickedness going unpunished (see Habakkuk 1:2-4), is informed that God will use the fierce Chaldeans to bring judgment (Habakkuk 1:6). The description of the Chaldeans in verses 7-11 paints a picture of a terrifying, swift, and self-sufficient people. Verse 16 specifically addresses their spiritual blindness and idolatry, which Habakkuk sees as a further injustice: how can God use such a proud, idolatrous nation?

Key Themes and Messages

  • Idolatry of Self and Means: The central theme is the Chaldeans' worship of their own military strength and strategy, symbolized by their "net" and "drag" (fishing or hunting implements, here representing instruments of war and conquest). Instead of recognizing God as the source of their power, they "sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag." This is a classic example of breaking the first commandment, though not by worshipping an image, but by worshipping their own capabilities and the fruit of their hands.
  • Pride and Arrogance: Their success ("portion is fat, and their meat plenteous") fuels their immense pride. They believe their abundance is solely a result of their own efforts and tools, leading them to exalt themselves above any divine authority. This hubris is a recurring theme in prophetic literature concerning nations that rise to power through violence.
  • Critique of Materialism and Success Worship: The verse implicitly critiques the danger of allowing material prosperity or success to become an idol. When wealth and power are seen as ends in themselves, or as solely the product of human effort, they can lead to spiritual blindness and a rejection of God.

Linguistic Insights

The terms "net" (Hebrew: cherem, often related to a fishing net or hunting snare) and "drag" (Hebrew: mikmereth, referring to a dragnet or fishing net) are powerful metaphors. They vividly portray the Chaldeans as ruthless gatherers of people and resources, sweeping them up indiscriminately. The act of "sacrificing" and "burning incense" are direct allusions to religious worship, emphasizing that their military tools and methods have become their gods.

Practical Application

Habakkuk 1:16 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of self-reliance and attributing success solely to human effort or ingenuity. In modern terms, this can manifest as:

  • Worshipping Careers or Businesses: When our work, accomplishments, or financial success become the ultimate focus and source of identity, rather than a means through which God works or blesses.
  • Trusting in Human Systems: Relying solely on political power, economic systems, or technological advancements as the ultimate solution to problems, without acknowledging God's sovereignty.
  • Personal Pride: Taking all credit for one's talents, achievements, or blessings, forgetting that every good and perfect gift comes from above.

This verse calls believers to examine where their ultimate trust and worship truly lie, remembering that God is the ultimate provider and source of all blessing, and that true success is found in His will, not merely in abundant possessions or power. It sets the stage for God's further revelation to Habakkuk, particularly the enduring truth that the just shall live by faith.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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]:

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