Habakkuk
1 This is the message that the prophet Habakkuk received in a vision. 2 How long, O LORD, must I call for help? but you do not come to save. 3 Must I forever see these evil deeds? who love to argue and fight. 4 The law has become paralyzed, so that justice has become perverted. 5 The LORD replied, even if someone told you about it. 6 I am raising up the Babylonians, and conquer other lands. 7 They are notorious for their cruelty and do whatever they like. 8 Their horses are swifter than cheetahs Like eagles, they swoop down to devour their prey. 9 “On they come, all bent on violence. sweeping captives ahead of them like sand. 10 They scoff at kings and princes against their walls and capture them! 11 They sweep past like the wind for their own strength is their god.” 12 O LORD my God, my Holy One, you who are eternal— to punish us for our many sins. 13 But you are pure and cannot stand the sight of evil. swallow up people more righteous than they? 14 Are we only fish to be caught and killed? Are we only sea creatures that have no leader? 15 Must we be strung up on their hooks and caught in their nets while they rejoice and celebrate? 16 Then they will worship their nets they will claim. 17 Will you let them get away with this forever? Will they succeed forever in their heartless conquests?