Daily Devotions
Habakkuk
"Woe to him who builds a town with bloodshed"
Text: Habakkuk 2:12
THE THIRD WOE
The third word denouncing the Chaldeans focused on the cruel violence exercised towards their enemies. The Chaldeans struck terror in the hearts of weaker nations by their atrocious and sinful acts.
“Woe to him who builds a town with bloodshed,
Who establishes a city by iniquity!”
Habakkuk 2:12
1. “Woe to him”
a) This is a reference to the Chaldeans.
b) God was revealing to Habakkuk His awareness of the cruelty of the Chaldeans.
c) The Chaldeans would be judged.
d) He will regret all his many wicked misdeeds!
2. “Who builds a town with bloodshed”
a) It is inevitable that blood is shed in a battle.
i) Soldiers are wounded.
ii) Some die in the battlefield.
iii) Others may die from their wounds (in hospitals or at home).
b) Building a town on bloodshed is another consideration.
i) The aftermath of war is always painful for the population that has suffered defeat.
ii) Sometimes the conquerors rebuild the very towns they destroyed.
iii) Some towns are built only at the expense of shedding more blood.
iv) Opposition would be answered with swift and terrible retribution.
3. “Who establishes a city by iniquity”
a) A city is usually much larger than a town (by geographical calculation).
b) It takes much more effort to establish a city.
c) The word “iniquity” may suggest the following:
i) Sinful activities take place.
ii) Corruption may be rife.
iii) Bloodshed may be expected.
iv) Unscrupulous measures may be adopted.
The Chaldeans would adopt any and every measure at their disposal to do whatever they pleased!