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.

Because thou hast spoiled {H7997} many {H7227} nations {H1471}, all the remnant {H3499} of the people {H5971} shall spoil {H7997} thee; 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.

Because you plundered many nations, all the rest of the peoples will plunder you; because of the bloodshed and violence done to the land, the city and all who live there.

Because you have plundered many nations, the remnant of the people will plunder you— because of your bloodshed against man and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers.

Because thou hast plundered many nations, all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder thee, because of men’s blood, and for the violence done to the land, to the city and to all that dwell therein.

Commentary

Habakkuk 2:8 is a powerful declaration of God's impending judgment against the oppressive nation of Babylon, detailing the specific reasons for its downfall.

Context

The prophet Habakkuk wrestled with God's apparent inaction in the face of Judah's wickedness and, more profoundly, His decision to use the even more ruthless Chaldeans (Babylonians) as an instrument of judgment. In this chapter, God responds to Habakkuk's lament, revealing a series of woes against Babylon. Verse 8 is part of the first woe, which condemns Babylon for its insatiable greed and violent conquests. It assures Habakkuk and the Israelites that though Babylon is currently triumphant, its cruelty will ultimately lead to its own destruction, illustrating the principle of divine retribution.

Key Themes

  • Divine Retribution: The verse clearly articulates the principle of "an eye for an eye," where Babylon's plundering of many nations will result in its own plundering by "the remnant of the people." This highlights God's justice in reversing the fortunes of the oppressor. As one sows, so shall one reap.
  • Consequences of Violence: The primary reasons for Babylon's judgment are explicitly stated: "men's blood" and "the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein." This emphasizes that God takes note of and punishes widespread bloodshed and oppression, whether on the battlefield or within occupied territories.
  • Justice for the Oppressed: This prophecy offers a message of hope and vindication for those who suffered under Babylon's brutal reign, assuring them that their oppressors would not escape justice. It underscores God's concern for the victims of injustice.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "spoiled" (shalal) used twice in this verse, means to plunder, take spoil, or devastate. Its repetition creates a strong sense of poetic justice, emphasizing that Babylon will suffer the very fate it inflicted upon others. The term "violence" (hamas) is also significant, describing not just physical aggression but a deep moral corruption, injustice, and cruelty that pervaded Babylon's actions and rule.

Practical Application

Habakkuk 2:8 serves as a timeless reminder that actions have consequences, particularly when they involve injustice, oppression, and violence against others. It assures believers that God is sovereign and just, and that He will ultimately hold all nations and individuals accountable for their deeds. Even when evil seems to triumph, God's ultimate plan includes divine vengeance and the restoration of justice. This verse encourages patience and faith in God's perfect timing and righteous judgment.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 33:1

    ¶ Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou [wast] not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; [and] when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.

  • Habakkuk 2:17

    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.

  • Jeremiah 27:7

    And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.

  • Zechariah 12:2

    Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah [and] against Jerusalem.

  • Zechariah 12:4

    In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

  • Habakkuk 2:10

    Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people, and hast sinned [against] thy soul.

  • Jeremiah 51:55

    Because the LORD hath spoiled Babylon, and destroyed out of her the great voice; when her waves do roar like great waters, a noise of their voice is uttered:
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