Habakkuk 2:8

Of the land, of the city, etc.] RV 'done to the land, to the city,' etc. The city] perhaps Jerusalem.

9-11. The third woe.

9. RV 'Woe to him that getteth an evil gain for his house.' The plunder was stored for security in great high buildings, but the very stone and timber cried out against the rapacity which had accumulated it. Their silent tongues were eloquent; accusing voices were everywhere. Considering the range of Habakkuk 2:10, however, it is possible, if not probable, that the whole passage has a larger meaning: for in Habakkuk 2:10 it seems best to interpret the house not as a literal house, but—as often in Hebrew—of the dynasty. In that case, the ruin of the Chaldean dynasty is predicted as the consequence of their cruel and unscrupulous ambitions.