Habakkuk 2:17

KJV

For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts, [which] made them afraid, because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the violence {H2555} of Lebanon {H3844} shall cover {H3680} thee, and the spoil {H7701} of beasts {H929}, which made them afraid {H2865}, because of men's {H120} blood {H1818}, and for the violence {H2555} of the land {H776}, of the city {H7151}, and of all that dwell {H3427} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the violence done to the L'vanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of the wild animals will terrify you; because of the bloodshed and violence done to the land, the city and all who live there.'"

Berean Standard Bible

For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of animals will terrify you, because of your bloodshed against men and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers.

American Standard Version

For the violence done to Lebanon shall cover thee, and the destruction of the beasts, which made them afraid; because of men’s blood, and for the violence done to the land, to the city and to all that dwell therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 2:17 serves as the climactic conclusion to the fourth woe pronounced against the oppressive Chaldean empire, declaring that the very violence and desolation they inflicted upon others will ultimately overwhelm and consume them. This verse vividly portrays divine retribution, where the destruction wrought upon nature and humanity, symbolized by the ravaged "Lebanon" and the "spoil of beasts," along with the widespread bloodshed and societal upheaval, will boomerang back upon the perpetrators, ensuring God's unwavering justice prevails.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Habakkuk 2:17 is the concluding statement of the fourth woe (Habakkuk 2:15-17) within a series of five pronouncements of judgment (Habakkuk 2:6-20) delivered by God in response to the prophet's anguished questions. Habakkuk's initial complaint in [Habakkuk 1:2-4](/habakkuk/1-2-4 "Habakkuk's Complaint About Injustice") lamented the unchecked wickedness and injustice within Judah, to which God responded by revealing His intention to raise up the ruthless Chaldeans as His instrument of judgment ([Habakkuk 1:5-11](/habakkuk/1-5-11 "God's Answer: The Rise of the Chaldeans")). This led to Habakkuk's second, more profound complaint in [Habakkuk 1:12-17](/habakkuk/1-12-17 "Habakkuk's Second Complaint: Why Use the Wicked?"), questioning how a holy God could use an even more wicked nation to punish His own people. God's answer, starting in [Habakkuk 2:1](/habakkuk/2-1 "Habakkuk's Watch and God's Vision"), is the vision of the coming judgment upon the Chaldeans themselves, articulated through these "woes." The fourth woe specifically condemns those who exploit and humiliate others, forcing them to drink the cup of God's wrath, and verse 17 powerfully illustrates the principle of *lex talionis*—the punishment fitting the crime.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Habakkuk's prophecy is the late 7th century BCE, a period of immense geopolitical upheaval. The Neo-Babylonian (Chaldean) Empire was rapidly rising to prominence, having decisively defeated Assyria and Egypt, and was poised to exert its dominance over Judah. The Chaldeans were renowned for their brutal military campaigns, characterized by widespread destruction, plundering, and the forced displacement of populations. Their conquests often involved razing cities, devastating agricultural lands, and slaughtering inhabitants, leaving behind a trail of desolation. The imagery of "Lebanon" (referring to its famous cedars and lush forests) and "beasts" (representing the natural world) would have resonated strongly with an audience familiar with the environmental and ecological devastation that accompanied ancient warfare, as well as the fear and displacement of wild animals. The "violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein" directly reflects the comprehensive nature of Babylonian conquest and oppression, encompassing both human and natural spheres.
* **Key Themes:** Habakkuk 2:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Habakkuk and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, affirming God's ultimate sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to judging wickedness. Despite the apparent delay or the perplexing use of wicked instruments, God will ensure that oppressors face a just recompense for their actions, as highlighted in [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - He who digs a pit will fall into it"). The verse also underscores the **Consequences of Violence and Injustice**, demonstrating that actions have inherent repercussions, and the destructive power unleashed by the wicked will eventually consume them. This is a powerful echo of the principle found in [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Reaping What You Sow"), that "whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Furthermore, the imagery evokes the theme of **Desolation and Restoration**, where the devastation caused by human sin is met with divine judgment, paving the way for God's ultimate plan of restoration, a hope that permeates the book's final chapter, [Habakkuk 3](/habakkuk/3 "Habakkuk 3 - Habakkuk's Prayer of Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Violence (Hebrew, _châmâç'_ H2555):** Derived from a root meaning "to be violent," this term denotes not merely physical force, but a pervasive state of cruelty, injustice, and moral wrong. It encompasses acts of oppression, exploitation, and a disregard for righteousness. Its repetition in Habakkuk 2:17 ("violence of Lebanon," "violence of the land") emphasizes the comprehensive and systemic nature of the oppressor's sin, highlighting that their entire enterprise is built upon and characterized by this deep-seated injustice.
* **Cover (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_ H3680):** This verb literally means "to plump, i.e., fill up hollows" and by implication "to cover" (for clothing or secrecy) or "to overwhelm." In this context, it signifies a complete engulfment or inundation. The "violence" will not just affect the oppressor, but will "cover" them, suggesting an inescapable, overwhelming judgment that buries them under the weight of their own deeds. It implies a total and inescapable consequence.
* **Spoil (Hebrew, _shôd'_ H7701):** This noun, related to a root meaning "to devastate" or "to lay waste," refers to the act of ravaging, desolation, destruction, or the plunder taken from such acts. It speaks to the brutal, predatory nature of the oppressor, who acts like a wild beast, seizing and destroying. In Habakkuk 2:17, "the spoil of beasts" can refer both to the plunder taken from animals and, more powerfully, to the desolation and fear inflicted upon the natural world, which now becomes a source of terror and judgment for the oppressor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee,"**: This clause introduces the principle of divine retribution. "Lebanon," renowned for its majestic cedars and natural beauty, here symbolizes the magnificent, perhaps even sacred, lands and structures that the oppressor has ravaged. The "violence of Lebanon" refers to the destruction, deforestation, and desolation inflicted upon it. This very violence, the devastation caused by the Chaldeans, is now personified as an overwhelming force that will "cover" or engulf the oppressor, burying them under the weight of their own destructive actions.
* **"and the spoil of beasts, [which] made them afraid,"**: This phrase extends the imagery of judgment to the natural world. "The spoil of beasts" refers to the plunder taken from animals or, more powerfully, the desolation caused to the animal kingdom through warfare and exploitation. The subsequent phrase, "which made them afraid," suggests that the terror and devastation inflicted upon the natural world (both animals and the environment) will now return upon the oppressor, causing them fear and leading to their downfall. It highlights the comprehensive nature of their cruelty, extending beyond humanity to creation itself.
* **"because of men's blood,"**: This clause explicitly states a primary reason for the impending judgment: the shedding of innocent human blood. The Chaldeans' conquests were marked by widespread slaughter and violence against people. This act, a profound violation of God's covenant and moral law, is a direct cause for their reckoning. It underscores the sanctity of human life and God's ultimate accountability for those who disregard it.
* **"and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein."**: This final clause broadens the scope of the oppressor's sin and the subsequent judgment. "The violence of the land" refers to the desolation of agricultural areas and the general devastation of the territory. "Of the city" points to the destruction and plundering of urban centers. "And of all that dwell therein" encompasses the comprehensive suffering inflicted upon the inhabitants, including their displacement, enslavement, and death. This comprehensive list emphasizes that the judgment is a just recompense for the total and pervasive wickedness committed against every aspect of life within the conquered territories.

#### Literary Devices
Habakkuk 2:17 is rich in **Symbolism**, using "Lebanon" to represent the beauty and natural resources that the oppressor has despoiled, and "beasts" to symbolize both the brutal, predatory nature of the oppressor and the fear they instilled in the natural world. The phrase "violence of Lebanon shall cover thee" employs **Personification**, giving the abstract concept of violence an active, overwhelming quality, as if the very destruction caused by the oppressor rises up to engulf them. There is also a strong sense of **Poetic Justice** or *lex talionis*, where the punishment mirrors the crime—the violence inflicted returns to "cover" the perpetrator. The repetition of "violence" (Hebrew: *chamas*) throughout the verse and the book creates a powerful **Anaphora** and emphasizes the pervasive nature of the oppressor's sin, while the comprehensive listing ("land, city, all that dwell therein") uses **Merism** to convey the totality of the devastation and, by extension, the totality of the impending judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Habakkuk 2:17 powerfully articulates the biblical principle of divine retribution, assuring that God's justice is not only certain but also perfectly tailored to the nature of the offense. It affirms that no act of violence, oppression, or injustice goes unnoticed or unpunished by the sovereign Lord. The Chaldeans, who acted as instruments of God's wrath against Judah, are themselves held accountable for their excessive cruelty and self-serving violence. This passage serves as a profound theological statement on God's moral governance of the world, demonstrating that while He may use wicked nations for His purposes, He never condones their sin and will ultimately judge them for their unrighteousness. It offers a foundational assurance to those suffering under oppression that God sees their plight and will act decisively to bring about righteousness and vindication.

* [Psalm 7:16](/psalm/7-16 "Psalm 7:16 - The Wicked's Mischief Returns on Their Own Head")
* [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - As You Have Done, It Will Be Done to You")
* [Revelation 18:6](/revelation/18-6 "Revelation 18:6 - Babylon's Just Recompense")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Habakkuk 2:17 stands as a timeless and sobering reminder that all actions, particularly those marked by violence, injustice, and exploitation, carry inherent consequences under God's righteous governance. For those who feel overwhelmed by injustice in the world, this verse offers profound comfort and assurance: God is not indifferent to suffering, and His justice, though sometimes delayed from a human perspective, is absolutely certain and perfectly executed. It challenges us to trust in God's timing and methods, even when they are mysterious or involve the use of seemingly unrighteous agents. Furthermore, this passage calls us to a deep self-examination. Are we, in any way, contributing to "violence" in our own spheres, whether through physical harm, verbal abuse, systemic injustice, or the exploitation of others or creation? This verse compels us to align our lives with God's heart for justice, compassion, and peace, actively working against all forms of oppression and striving to be agents of healing and restoration in a broken world, knowing that our actions, both good and ill, have eternal weight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Habakkuk 2:17 challenge our understanding of God's justice in a world where injustice often seems to prevail?**
* **In what ways might we, even subtly, contribute to "violence" or "spoil" in our own lives or communities, and how can we actively work against such patterns?**
* **What comfort or warning does this verse offer to those who are suffering under oppression, or to those who are in positions of power?**
* **How does the comprehensive nature of the judgment ("land, city, all that dwell therein") encourage us to consider the broader impact of our actions on creation and society?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "Lebanon" and "spoil of beasts" in this verse?**

Answer: The imagery of "Lebanon" and "spoil of beasts" is highly symbolic. "Lebanon," famous for its majestic cedars and lush forests, represents the natural beauty, resources, and perhaps even the magnificent structures (like the Temple, built with Lebanese cedars) that the Chaldeans would have ravaged in their conquests. "The violence of Lebanon" thus signifies the comprehensive devastation they inflicted upon the land itself. "The spoil of beasts" refers to the plunder taken from animals, but more profoundly, it speaks to the desolation and terror inflicted upon the natural world and its creatures by the brutal warfare and exploitation of the oppressors. Together, these phrases underscore the comprehensive nature of the Chaldeans' destructive actions, affecting both human society and the natural environment. The verse declares that this very destruction, the fear and desolation they caused, will now "cover" them, becoming the instrument of their own downfall, a powerful example of poetic justice where the punishment fits the crime. It highlights that God's judgment extends to all forms of violence, even against creation, and that the terror inflicted will return upon the inflictor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Habakkuk 2:17, with its pronouncement of divine retribution against the oppressor, finds its ultimate and comprehensive fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse speaks of the Chaldeans being "covered" by their own violence, the New Testament reveals Christ as the one who perfectly embodies God's justice and executes His righteous judgment. He is the one who will ultimately judge all unrighteousness, including every act of violence and oppression, as foretold in passages like [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations") and [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as the Righteous Judge"). However, Christ's fulfillment is not merely in judgment; it is also in salvation. He absorbed the violence and injustice of humanity on the cross, becoming the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He offers a way for humanity to escape the just consequences of their own "violence" and sin, providing forgiveness and reconciliation. Furthermore, Christ inaugurates a new kingdom where true justice and peace will reign, a kingdom where the "violence of Lebanon" and the "spoil of beasts" will be no more, for He is the one who will restore creation and establish a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")). Thus, Habakkuk 2:17 foreshadows not only the certainty of God's judgment but also the ultimate hope found in Christ, who both judges sin and redeems sinners, bringing about the perfect and eternal reign of God's justice and peace.

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 2:8

Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men's blood, and [for] the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.

Psalms 55:23

But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

Zechariah 11:1

¶ Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.

Proverbs 28:17

¶ A man that doeth violence to the blood of [any] person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

Jeremiah 51:24

And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 50:28

The voice of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance of his temple.

Revelation 18:20

Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.