Habakkuk 3:13

KJV

Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, [even] for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou wentest forth {H3318} for the salvation {H3468} of thy people {H5971}, even for salvation {H3468} with thine anointed {H4899}; thou woundedst {H4272} the head {H7218} out of the house {H1004} of the wicked {H7563}, by discovering {H6168} the foundation {H3247} unto the neck {H6677}. Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You come out to save your people, to save your anointed one; you crush the head of the house of the wicked, uncovering its foundation all the way to the neck.

Berean Standard Bible

You went forth for the salvation of Your people, to save Your anointed. You crushed the head of the house of the wicked and stripped him from head to toe. Selah

American Standard Version

Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, For the salvation of thine anointed; Thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked man, Laying bare the foundation even unto the neck. [Selah

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 3:13 is a powerful declaration within the prophet's prayer, portraying God as a divine warrior who decisively intervenes in history for the deliverance of His covenant people. It vividly describes the Lord's active "going forth" to bring salvation in conjunction with His "anointed," while simultaneously executing a comprehensive and devastating judgment upon the forces of wickedness, utterly dismantling their power and exposing their very foundations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Habakkuk 3:13 is situated within Habakkuk's profound prayer, a majestic hymn found in [Habakkuk 3](/habakkuk/3 "Habakkuk 3 - The Prophet's Prayer"). This prayer marks a significant shift from the prophet's initial laments and questioning of God's justice in [Habakkuk 1](/habakkuk/1 "Habakkuk 1 - Habakkuk's Complaint and God's Answer") and [Habakkuk 2](/habakkuk/2 "Habakkuk 2 - God's Response and Woes"). Having received God's revelation concerning the impending judgment of Judah by the Babylonians, and the subsequent judgment of Babylon itself, Habakkuk responds not with despair but with a triumphant affirmation of faith. The prayer recalls God's mighty acts of salvation in the past, particularly the Exodus, and anticipates His future deliverance, casting God in the role of a divine warrior who fights on behalf of His people. Verse 13 specifically highlights the dual nature of God's intervention: salvation for His own and destruction for their enemies.
* **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 rapidly rising to prominence and threatening Judah's existence. The prophet grapples with the theological problem of evil and divine justice, specifically how a holy God could use a wicked nation like Babylon to punish His own people. Within this context, the imagery of God "going forth" and "wounding the head" resonates with ancient Near Eastern concepts of divine warfare, where deities were depicted leading armies and conquering foes. The reference to "thine anointed" would have immediately brought to mind the Davidic king, God's chosen representative, or perhaps a broader understanding of a consecrated leader. The "house of the wicked" would likely refer to the oppressive powers of the day, such as Babylon, or more generally, any nation or entity that stands in opposition to God's righteous rule.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Habakkuk and the broader Old Testament. The central theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**, emphasizing God's active and powerful intervention to save His people, as seen throughout Israel's history, from the [Exodus deliverance](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea") to future restoration. This salvation is not merely physical rescue but a comprehensive victory that demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant. Another crucial theme is the **Identity and Role of God's Anointed One**. The phrase "thine anointed" (Hebrew: _mashiach_) carries profound significance, pointing to God's chosen instrument of deliverance. While it could refer to a contemporary king or leader in Habakkuk's immediate context, its theological weight powerfully foreshadows the ultimate [Messiah, Jesus Christ](/john/1-41 "John 1:41 - Andrew finds the Messiah"), through whom God achieves the ultimate and eternal salvation for humanity. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Decisive Judgment of Evil**. God's act of "wounding the head out of the house of the wicked" vividly depicts a crushing, decisive defeat of oppressive and ungodly forces, demonstrating that God will not tolerate wickedness indefinitely but will bring about its complete dismantling and ruin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yeshaʻ_):** This word (H3468) denotes a broad sense of liberty, deliverance, prosperity, safety, and saving. It signifies God's comprehensive act of rescuing His people from distress, danger, or oppression, bringing them into a state of security and well-being. It is a powerful term that encapsulates God's redemptive activity throughout history.
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _mâshîyach_):** The term (H4899) refers to someone consecrated or set apart by anointing, typically a king, priest, or prophet. In this context, it points to God's chosen representative or instrument through whom He accomplishes His redemptive purposes, highlighting a divinely commissioned agent in the work of deliverance.
* **Woundedst (Hebrew, _mâchats_):** This verb (H4272) conveys a strong sense of violent impact, meaning to dash asunder, crush, smash, or violently plunge. Figuratively, it implies to subdue or destroy. It vividly portrays the decisive and destructive nature of God's judgment against His enemies, indicating a complete and forceful overthrow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people":** This clause emphasizes God's active and intentional movement. The verb "wentest forth" (H3318, _yâtsâʼ_) signifies a purposeful departure or emergence, indicating that God is not a passive observer but an engaged, dynamic agent who initiates action specifically for the deliverance and well-being of His chosen people (H5971, _ʻam_).
* **"even for salvation with thine anointed":** This phrase specifies the means or companion of God's saving activity. The "anointed" (H4899, _mâshîyach_) is God's chosen instrument, whether a king (like David), a deliverer, or ultimately the Messiah, through whom God's salvation (H3468, _yeshaʻ_) is effected. This suggests a partnership in divine action, where God works through a designated agent.
* **"thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked":** This vivid imagery describes God's decisive and destructive judgment. "Woundedst" (H4272, _mâchats_) implies a crushing blow. The "head" (H7218, _rôʼsh_) represents leadership, authority, or the very source of power. The "house of the wicked" (H1004, _bayith_ of H7563, _râshâʻ_) symbolizes the stronghold, system, or lineage of those morally wrong and actively bad. God's action is aimed at dismantling the very core of evil's power.
* **"by discovering the foundation unto the neck":** This clause further elaborates on the thoroughness of God's judgment. "Discovering" (H6168, _ʻârâh_) means to make bare, empty, or uncover, implying a complete exposure. The "foundation" (H3247, _yᵉçôwd_) refers to the base or underlying structure, while "unto the neck" (H6677, _tsavvâʼr_) suggests a complete stripping away, from the very bottom up to the point of total collapse or decapitation. It signifies a judgment that leaves nothing hidden or intact, leading to utter ruin.
* **"Selah":** This term (H5542, _çelâh_), frequently found in the Psalms, is a musical or liturgical instruction. It likely indicates a pause for reflection, contemplation, or a musical interlude, inviting the reader to meditate on the profound truth just declared, allowing its weight and significance to sink in.

#### Literary Devices
Habakkuk 3:13 is rich in **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, painting a vivid picture of God's intervention. The description of God "going forth" (an **Anthropomorphism**) portrays Him as an active, dynamic warrior. The most striking imagery is the depiction of God "wounding the head out of the house of the wicked" and "discovering the foundation unto the neck." These are powerful **Metaphors** for total and irreversible defeat. "The head" symbolizes the leadership or vital center of the enemy, while "the house of the wicked" represents their entire system or stronghold. "Discovering the foundation unto the neck" is a graphic metaphor for a complete and devastating overthrow, where the very basis of the enemy's power is exposed and destroyed, leading to their utter collapse. The inclusion of **Selah** at the end serves as a liturgical or musical instruction, functioning as a deliberate pause for emphasis and reflection, inviting the reader to internalize the profound theological truth of God's decisive victory and judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Habakkuk 3:13 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people and His absolute sovereignty over evil. Theologically, it underscores the consistent biblical theme of God as both a compassionate Deliverer and a righteous Judge. His "going forth for salvation" reflects His covenant faithfulness, a promise woven throughout the Old Testament narratives of rescue and redemption. The mention of "thine anointed" is profoundly significant, serving as a prophetic bridge to the ultimate Messiah. While in Habakkuk's immediate context it might refer to a king or a divinely appointed leader, it carries the broader theological weight of God's chosen agent for salvation, culminating in Jesus Christ. God's act of "wounding the head" and "discovering the foundation" of the wicked reveals His uncompromising justice, assuring believers that evil will not ultimately prevail but will be thoroughly exposed and vanquished. This divine action demonstrates that God is actively involved in history, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes of salvation for His own and judgment for His adversaries.

* [Psalm 2:2](/psalms/2-2 "Psalm 2:2 - The Anointed One")
* [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord on the Anointed One")
* [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium: Crushing the Serpent's Head")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Habakkuk 3:13 offers profound comfort and assurance for believers navigating a world often marked by injustice, oppression, and seemingly unbridled wickedness. It reminds us that God is not a passive observer but an active, sovereign God who intervenes powerfully on behalf of His people. In times of personal struggle or global turmoil, this verse calls us to remember that God's ultimate justice and deliverance are certain. Just as He acted decisively for ancient Israel, He continues to work for the salvation of those who trust in Him, ultimately through His Anointed One, Jesus Christ. We can draw immense strength from the promise that God will decisively defeat all forms of wickedness, having already achieved the ultimate victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. This verse encourages us to maintain unwavering faith and hope, even when circumstances seem bleak, knowing that God's plan for salvation and judgment will ultimately prevail, bringing about His righteous kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Habakkuk 3:13 challenge my understanding of God's active involvement in the world today?**
* **In what ways do I need to trust God's "going forth" for salvation in my own life or in the broader world?**
* **How does the imagery of God "wounding the head" and "discovering the foundation" of the wicked provide hope in the face of persistent evil?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Selah" in Habakkuk 3:13?**

Answer: "Selah" (H5542, _çelâh_) is a term found frequently in the Psalms and here in Habakkuk 3. While its exact meaning is debated, it is generally understood as a musical or liturgical instruction, likely indicating a pause for reflection, contemplation, or a musical interlude. In the context of [Habakkuk 3](/habakkuk/3 "Habakkuk 3 - The Prophet's Prayer"), it serves to punctuate the profound declarations of God's power and justice, inviting the reader or listener to pause and deeply meditate on the weighty truth that has just been proclaimed, allowing its spiritual and theological implications to resonate.

**Who is "thine anointed" referring to in Habakkuk's immediate context, and how does it relate to Christ?**

Answer: In Habakkuk's immediate historical context (late 7th century BCE), "thine anointed" (H4899, _mâshîyach_) most likely refers to the reigning king of Judah, a descendant of David, who was God's chosen representative and the leader of His people. Kings were "anointed" with oil as a sign of their divine appointment (e.g., [1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul Anointed King")). However, biblically, the term "anointed" also applies to priests and prophets, and more broadly to any divinely chosen instrument. Theologically, this phrase powerfully prefigures the ultimate "Anointed One," the Messiah, Jesus Christ. While Habakkuk may have had a contemporary figure in mind, the Holy Spirit inspired a word that finds its fullest and most complete fulfillment in Jesus, who is the King of kings, the great High Priest, and the supreme Prophet, through whom God brings ultimate salvation.

**What does "discovering the foundation unto the neck" mean in the context of God's judgment?**

Answer: The phrase "by discovering the foundation unto the neck" (H6168, _ʻârâh_ the H3247, _yᵉçôwd_ unto the H6677, _tsavvâʼr_) is a vivid and somewhat graphic metaphor for the completeness and thoroughness of God's judgment. "Discovering the foundation" implies stripping away everything, exposing the very base or underlying structure of something. "Unto the neck" suggests a complete dismantling, from the ground up to the point of utter collapse or even decapitation. It illustrates that God's judgment is not superficial; He exposes the hidden corruption, the deep-seated evil, and the very source of the enemy's power. It signifies a total and irreversible ruin, leaving no part untouched or concealed, leading to the absolute destruction of the wicked's stronghold and influence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Habakkuk 3:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true and final "Anointed One" (Messiah). God's "going forth for the salvation of thy people" is perfectly embodied in the incarnation of Jesus, who came into the world as God's ultimate act of intervention for humanity's deliverance ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God so loved the world")). Jesus is the divinely appointed agent, the _mashiach_, through whom God's comprehensive salvation is accomplished. His life, sacrificial death on the cross, and glorious resurrection constitute the definitive act of "salvation" for all who believe, delivering them from the power of sin, death, and the devil ([Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8-10 "Romans 5:8-10 - Reconciliation through Christ's Death")). Furthermore, Christ's victory on the cross is the ultimate fulfillment of "thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked." At Calvary, Jesus decisively "crushed the head" of the serpent, Satan, and his dominion ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium") foreshadows this, and [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over Principalities and Powers") declares His triumph over the spiritual powers of darkness). By His death and resurrection, He disarmed and exposed the "foundation" of evil's house, revealing its ultimate futility and ensuring its complete and irreversible ruin. Thus, Habakkuk's prophetic vision of a triumphant God delivering His people and destroying evil is fully realized in the victorious work of Christ, who reigns supreme over all things ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Supremacy")).

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

Psalms 110:6

He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill [the places] with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.

Psalms 105:15

[Saying], Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

Exodus 12:29

¶ And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that [was] in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.

Exodus 12:30

And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for [there was] not a house where [there was] not one dead.

Joshua 10:42

And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel.

Psalms 99:6

¶ Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.

Joshua 10:11

And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, [and] were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: [they were] more which died with hailstones than [they] whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.