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Why are you forcing me to look at iniquity
    and to stare at wickedness?
Social havoc and oppression are all around me;
    there are legal conflicts, and disputes abound.
Therefore, the Law has become paralyzed,
    and justice never comes about.
Because criminals outnumber[a] the righteous,
    whenever judgments are issued, they come out crooked.”

God’s Response: The Coming Chaldean Invasion

“Look out at the nations and pay attention!
    Be astounded! Be really astounded!
Because something is happening in your lifetime
    that you won’t believe, even if it were described down to the smallest detail.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. Habakkuk 1:4 Lit. are surrounding
  2. Habakkuk 1:5 The Heb. lacks down to the smallest detail

Why do you make me look at injustice?
    Why do you tolerate(A) wrongdoing?(B)
Destruction and violence(C) are before me;
    there is strife,(D) and conflict abounds.
Therefore the law(E) is paralyzed,
    and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
    so that justice(F) is perverted.(G)

The Lord’s Answer

“Look at the nations and watch—
    and be utterly amazed.(H)
For I am going to do something in your days
    that you would not believe,
    even if you were told.(I)

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