Habakkuk 2:12

Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood.

A curse denounced against bloodshed

I. The ground or cause of this curse. The crying, crimson sin of bloodshed. In all generations it has been the care of providence, both by civil and religions means, to extinguish all principles of savageness in the minds of men, and to make friendship and tenderness over men’s lives a great part of religion. By nothing has this been so highly endeavoured as by the rules and constitution of Christianity.

II. The condition of the person against whom this woe or curse is denounced. He was such an one as had actually established a government and built a city with blood. As soon as Cain had murdered his brother he presently betook himself to the building of a city. Bloodiness has usually a connection with building, which represents the setting up of government. Nebuchadnezzar seems to be the person here spoken of.

III. The latitude and extent of this woe or curse, and what is comprehended in it. It includes the miseries of both worlds, present and future.

1. It fastens a general hatred and detestation upon such men as persons. Cruelty alarms and calls up all the passions of human nature, and puts them into a posture of hostility and defiance. The tyrant is universally hated and scorned.

2. The torment of continual jealousy and suspicion.

3. The shortness and certain dissolution of the government that endeavours to establish itself with blood.

4. The sad and dismal end that usually attends such persons.

IV. The reasons why a curse or woe is so peculiarly denounced against this sin.

1. It makes the most direct breach upon human society.

2. Because of the malignity of those sins that go in conjunction with it.

V. Apply to the present occasion. All unjust bloodshed is twofold. Either public, and acted by or upon a community, as in a war. Or personal, in the assassination of any particular man. (R. South, D. D.)