5 Plague went before him; pestilence followed his steps.
5 Before him went pestilence, and plague followed at his heels.
5 Plague marches before him, pestilence at his heels!
5 Before Him went pestilence, And fever followed at His feet.
5 Pestilence marches before him; plague follows close behind.
31 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet. On shigionoth.
31 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth.
31 A prayer of the prophet Habakkuk, with orchestra:
31 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, on Shigionoth.
31 This prayer was sung by the prophet Habakkuk :
(Read Habakkuk 3:1-2)
The word prayer seems used here for an act of devotion. The Lord would revive his work among the people in the midst of the years of adversity. This may be applied to every season when the church, or believers, suffer under afflictions and trials. Mercy is what we must flee to for refuge, and rely upon as our only plea. We must not say, Remember our merit, but, Lord, remember thy own mercy.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Habakkuk 3:5
Commentary on Habakkuk 3:3-15
(Read Habakkuk 3:3-15)
God's people, when in distress, and ready to despair, seek help by considering the days of old, and the years of ancient times, and by pleading them with God in prayer. The resemblance between the Babylonish and Egyptian captivities, naturally presents itself to the mind, as well as the possibility of a like deliverance through the power of Jehovah. God appeared in his glory. All the powers of nature are shaken, and the course of nature changed, but all is for the salvation of God's own people. Even what seems least likely, shall be made to work for their salvation. Hereby is given a type and figure of the redemption of the world by Jesus Christ. It is for salvation with thine anointed. Joshua who led the armies of Israel, was a figure of Him whose name he bare, even Jesus, our Joshua. In all the salvations wrought for them, God looked upon Christ the Anointed, and brought deliverances to pass by him. All the wonders done for Israel of old, were nothing to that which was done when the Son of God suffered on the cross for the sins of his people. How glorious his resurrection and ascension! And how much more glorious will be his second coming, to put an end to all that opposes him, and all that causes suffering to his people!