3 is a brilliant description of a Theophany or manifestation of Jehovah for the redemption of His people. The dark background of Israel's redemption is formed by the destruction of its enemies. The poem is based on earlier models, such as Deuteronomy 33; Judges 5, and it is not easy to say whether t... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou didst strike through_ THOU HAST PIERCED THROUGH WITH THY SPEARS THE HEAD OF HIS WARRIORS. The Heb. text reads _his_spears or staves, which would mean that the weapons of the enemy were turned against himself. But though the idea is not uncommon (Ezekiel 38:21; Zechariah 14:13; cf. 1 Samuel 14:... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou didst walk through the sea_ THOU HAST GONE THROUGH THE SEA (Isaiah 11:15). The verse refers to the passage of the Red Sea; and the thought remains unexpressed, though it is understood, that with this was completed the destruction of the enemy and the deliverance of the people. The strophe read... [ Continue Reading ]
It is not easy to say whether Habakkuk 3:17 contains a series of suppositions referring to what may happen in the future, or describes a condition of things actually existing. The latter way of reading the verse is the more natural. The verse does not suggest a condition of scarcity and barrenness a... [ Continue Reading ]
_Yet I will rejoice in the Lord_ Comp. Psalms 5:11; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 33:1; Isaiah 61:10. In spite of calamities the people will joy in God; though earthly blessings perish He remains their portion. The joy is partly a present one in the possession of God, as Psalms 73:23, "Nevertheless I am cont... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord God is my strength_ lit. _Jehovah, the Lord is_, &c. Psalms 73:26, "God is the strength of my heart"; Psalms 18:32, "The God that girdeth me with strength." The strength is an inward one, confidence and assurance and courageousness in the face of all external afflictions. _And he will mak... [ Continue Reading ]