Habakkuk 2:7

KJV

Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them?

KJV (with Strong's)

Shall they not rise up {H6965} suddenly {H6621} that shall bite {H5391} thee, and awake {H3364} that shall vex {H2111} thee, and thou shalt be for booties {H4933} unto them?

Complete Jewish Bible

Won't your own creditors suddenly stand, won't those who make you tremble wake up? You will become their spoil.

Berean Standard Bible

Will not your creditors suddenly arise and those who disturb you awaken? Then you will become their prey.

American Standard Version

Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booty unto them?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 2:7 is a powerful declaration of divine retribution, forming the climax of the first "woe" pronounced against the oppressive Chaldeans (Babylonians). It prophesies a sudden and inescapable reversal of fortune for the nation that has plundered and exploited others, asserting that those who unjustly enrich themselves will inevitably become prey for their own former victims or new adversaries, experiencing the very suffering they inflicted.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Habakkuk 2:7 concludes the first of five "woes" (Habakkuk 2:6-20) directed by God against the arrogant and rapacious Chaldean empire. The preceding verses in chapter 2 establish the prophet's posture of waiting for God's response (Habakkuk 2:1) and God's command to record the vision clearly (Habakkuk 2:2-3). The vision itself begins with a foundational principle: "the righteous shall live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4). This sets the stage for the condemnation of the proud and greedy Babylonians, whose insatiable appetite for conquest and wealth is contrasted sharply with the patient trust of the faithful. Verse 5 describes the Chaldean's arrogance and greed, leading directly into the first woe in Habakkuk 2:6, which denounces their accumulation of "thick clay" (ill-gotten gain) and their practice of making others indebted to them. Verse 7 then delivers the punchline, revealing the inevitable consequence of such injustice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Habakkuk is set during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, likely in the late 7th century BCE, as the Neo-Babylonian Empire (Chaldeans) was rising to prominence and threatening regional powers. Judah itself was in moral decline, experiencing internal injustice and violence (Habakkuk 1:2-4). God's initial response to Habakkuk's lament was to declare that He would raise up the fierce and swift Chaldeans to execute judgment upon Judah (Habakkuk 1:6). This revelation deeply troubled Habakkuk, who questioned how a righteous God could use an even more wicked and idolatrous nation to punish His own people (Habakkuk 1:13). The Chaldeans were renowned for their military might, their swift conquests, and their ruthless plundering of conquered territories, often enslaving populations and seizing their wealth. The "woes" in chapter 2, including the one culminating in Habakkuk 2:7, address the specific cultural practices of the Babylonians—their excessive drinking, their idolatry, their violence, and particularly their economic exploitation through usury and plunder, which were common methods of asserting dominance in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** Habakkuk 2:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Retribution** and **Poetic Justice**, demonstrating that God will ultimately hold nations accountable for their actions, particularly for injustice and oppression. The oppressor's fate mirrors the suffering they inflicted, a principle echoed in passages like [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Reaping What You Sow") and [Psalm 7:16](/psalms/7-16 "Psalm 7:16 - The Wicked's Own Trap"). Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty in Judgment**, revealing that even when wicked nations seem to prosper unchecked, they are ultimately under God's control, and He will orchestrate their downfall, often through unexpected means. This reinforces the idea that no power, human or national, can thwart God's ultimate plan for justice. Finally, the verse speaks to the **Consequences of Unjust Gain**, emphasizing that wealth acquired through violence, exploitation, or usury is inherently unstable and will lead to ruin, contrasting sharply with the enduring blessing promised to those who live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bite (Hebrew, _nâshak'_):** From H5391, this primitive root means to strike with a sting (as a serpent) or, figuratively, to oppress with interest on a loan. In the context of Habakkuk 2:7, it vividly portrays the predatory nature of the Chaldeans, who metaphorically "bit" their victims through harsh exploitation, usury, and the violent seizure of resources, leaving them wounded and impoverished.
* **Awake (Hebrew, _yâqats'_):** From H3364, this primitive root means to awake (intransitive). Its use here suggests a sudden, unexpected rousing of those who will retaliate against the oppressor. It implies a state of dormancy or slumber from which these avengers will suddenly emerge, catching the Chaldeans off guard and unprepared for the reversal of their fortunes.
* **Booties (Hebrew, _mᵉshiççâh'_):** From H4933, this noun derives from a root meaning "to plunder" and refers to plunder or spoil. The repetition of this concept from the Chaldeans taking "booties" to becoming "booties" themselves is a striking example of poetic justice, underscoring the precise nature of God's judgment: the oppressor will suffer the very fate they inflicted on others.
* **Vex (Hebrew, _zûwaʻ'_):** From H2111, this primitive root means to shake off, or figuratively, to agitate (as with fear); to move or tremble. Here, it describes the profound distress, agitation, and terror that will befall the Chaldeans when their own oppressors rise up against them, a direct echo of the fear and trouble they inflicted upon their victims.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee":** This rhetorical question anticipates an affirmative answer, emphasizing the certainty and unexpectedness of the Chaldean's downfall. The "they" refers to the nations or peoples previously plundered and exploited by Babylon, who will now "rise up" (H6965, _qûwm'_, to stand up, rise against) with unexpected swiftness ("suddenly," H6621, _pethaʻ_). The phrase "that shall bite thee" (H5391, _nâshak'_) directly parallels Babylon's own predatory actions, signifying that their victims will now turn on them with similar ferocity and exploitation.
* **"and awake that shall vex thee":** This clause further elaborates on the nature of the impending judgment. The "awake" (H3364, _yâqats'_) reinforces the idea of a sudden, unforeseen emergence of adversaries, perhaps nations that were previously subdued or seemed insignificant. These awakened ones will "vex thee" (H2111, _zûwaʻ'_), meaning they will cause agitation, terror, and profound distress, mirroring the turmoil and fear Babylon inflicted upon its conquests.
* **"and thou shalt be for booties unto them?":** This concluding rhetorical question delivers the ultimate consequence. The Chaldeans, who have made countless others their "booties" (H4933, _mᵉshiççâh'_, plunder or spoil), will themselves become the spoil. This is the culmination of the poetic justice, where the oppressor experiences the exact fate they imposed on their victims, losing their wealth, power, and even their very existence as an independent entity to those who rise against them.

#### Literary Devices
Habakkuk 2:7 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The verse opens with a **Rhetorical Question** ("Shall they not rise up suddenly...?") which, by its very nature, expects a resounding affirmative answer, thereby emphasizing the absolute certainty and inevitability of the prophesied events. This technique engages the reader directly and underscores the divine decree. Furthermore, the verse is saturated with **Poetic Justice** and **Inversion**, as the actions inflicted by the oppressor are precisely mirrored in their own downfall. The Chaldeans "bite" and "vex" others, and then others rise to "bite" and "vex" them. They take "booties," and then they become "booties." This precise reversal highlights God's righteous character and His commitment to equity. The use of verbs like "rise up" and "awake" also introduces an element of **Dramatic Irony** and **Surprise**, suggesting that the retribution will come unexpectedly and swiftly, catching the arrogant oppressor off guard, much like a predator being ambushed by its seemingly helpless prey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Habakkuk 2:7 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical principle of divine retribution, asserting that no nation or individual can perpetually prosper through injustice and exploitation without facing the consequences. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice, demonstrating that He is not indifferent to the suffering of the oppressed, nor will He allow the wicked to escape accountability indefinitely. The verse reveals that God often uses unexpected instruments to execute His judgment, turning the tables on the proud and powerful. This reversal of fortunes serves as a stark warning against greed, violence, and the accumulation of ill-gotten gain, while simultaneously offering a profound message of hope and vindication for those who have been victims of oppression. Ultimately, it reinforces the truth that God's moral order will prevail, and His justice, though sometimes delayed, is always certain and perfectly executed.

* [Proverbs 22:16](/proverbs/22-16 "Proverbs 22:16 - Oppressing the Poor")
* [Psalm 9:15-16](/psalms/9-15-16 "Psalm 9:15-16 - The Wicked Caught in Their Own Trap")
* [Revelation 18:6](/revelation/18-6 "Revelation 18:6 - Babylon's Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Habakkuk 2:7 offers timeless lessons for both individuals and communities, urging a reevaluation of our pursuit of wealth and power. It challenges us to consider the means by which we gain, reminding us that any prosperity built on the exploitation or oppression of others is inherently unstable and ultimately cursed. This verse calls us to a deep introspection: Are our gains truly just, or do they come at the expense of others' well-being, dignity, or freedom? It serves as a powerful deterrent against greed and a strong encouragement to pursue righteousness, justice, and generosity in all our dealings. For those who feel oppressed or overlooked, Habakkuk 2:7 provides immense comfort and hope, assuring them that God sees their plight and will, in His perfect timing, bring about a just reversal. It reminds us that while evil may seem to triumph for a season, God's justice is inevitable, and His kingdom is built on principles of righteousness that will ultimately prevail over all forms of human tyranny and exploitation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or the institutions I am part of, be inadvertently "biting" or "vexing" others through unjust practices or unchecked ambition?**
* **How does the certainty of divine retribution expressed in this verse shape my understanding of justice and my commitment to ethical living?**
* **For those experiencing oppression, how does the promise of God raising up avengers bring comfort and strengthen faith?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my prosperity is built on righteous foundations, rather than becoming "booties" for others?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean God always punishes oppressors immediately?**

Answer: Not necessarily immediately, but certainly. Habakkuk 2:7 speaks to the certainty of God's judgment rather than its timing. The phrase "suddenly" (H6621, _pethaʻ_) implies an unexpected and decisive intervention, but this can unfold over generations or within the span of a nation's history. The book of Habakkuk itself grapples with the perceived delay of God's justice (Habakkuk 1:2-4), yet God assures the prophet that the vision "will surely come" (Habakkuk 2:3). The principle is that no injustice goes unnoticed or unaddressed by God; the consequences are inevitable, even if not instantaneous. History, both biblical and secular, provides ample evidence of empires and individuals who rose to power through oppression eventually collapsing under the weight of their own injustices or through the rise of new adversaries, fulfilling this very prophecy.

**Who are the "they" who will rise up and bite the oppressor?**

Answer: The "they" in Habakkuk 2:7 refers to the very nations or peoples that the Chaldeans (Babylonians) had previously plundered, exploited, and made their "booties." It signifies a collective awakening and uprising of the victims against their former tormentors. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled when the Medes and Persians, under Cyrus the Great, rose up suddenly to conquer Babylon in 539 BCE, effectively making Babylon itself the "booty" of a new empire. This demonstrates God's sovereignty in orchestrating the downfall of oppressive powers through the very instruments He chooses, often the very ones they had wronged.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Habakkuk 2:7 directly prophesies the downfall of the Chaldean empire, its deeper theological resonance finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The principle of divine retribution and poetic justice, so vividly portrayed here, points to the ultimate justice executed by God through Jesus Christ. The "biting" and "vexing" of the oppressor, and their subsequent transformation into "booties," foreshadows the triumph of Christ over all oppressive powers—sin, death, and the devil. Jesus, the ultimate victim of human injustice, was "bitten" by the sting of sin and death on the cross (1 Corinthians 15:55-57), yet through His resurrection, He "rose up suddenly" (paralleling the language in Habakkuk 2:7) and "awoke" from the grave, thereby disarming the powers that vexed humanity (Colossians 2:15). He became the "booty" for our salvation, offering His life as a ransom (Mark 10:45), but in doing so, He made a public spectacle of evil, turning the tables on the oppressor. Ultimately, the judgment promised in Habakkuk 2:7 finds its most complete expression in Christ's final judgment, where He will justly recompense all unrighteousness and establish His eternal kingdom of righteousness and peace (Revelation 20:11-15, Revelation 21:1-4), ensuring that all who have oppressed and exploited will face the righteous wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:16-17), and those who have been oppressed will find their ultimate vindication and rest in Him.

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

Proverbs 29:1

¶ He, that being often reproved hardeneth [his] neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Jeremiah 50:21

¶ Go up against the land of Merathaim, [even] against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod: waste and utterly destroy after them, saith the LORD, and do according to all that I have commanded thee.

Jeremiah 50:32

And the most proud shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up: and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all round about him.

Isaiah 47:11

Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, [which] thou shalt not know.

Ecclesiastes 10:8

He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

Daniel 5:25

And this [is] the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

Daniel 5:31

And Darius the Median took the kingdom, [being] about threescore and two years old.