Were You angry at the rivers, O LORD? Was Your wrath against the streams? Did You rage against the sea when You rode on Your horses, on Your chariots of salvation?
This passage draws its language throughout from earlier revelations of God in Israel's history, especially Moses' song in Deuteronomy and the Psalms. Habakkuk is not merely recalling past wonders as comfort; he is predicting a future coming of the Lord to judge the nations, as the future tense at the head of the description makes clear.
AI summary
Commenting on Habakkuk 3:3-15
The faithful in distress stir up their faith by remembering what God wrought in old time, the plagues of Egypt, the crossing of the wilderness, the entrance into Canaan against mighty foes. He that brought them through such difficulties then can bring them from Babylon now, however great the present straits.
AI summary
Commenting on Habakkuk 3:3-15
The Lord's wrath was not against the rivers or the sea themselves; His anger was against the Egyptians who drowned Israelite infants in those waters. By dividing the Red Sea and Jordan, He punished His enemies while saving His people through what He rode upon as His chariots of salvation.
AI summary