The mountains saw you, and were afraid. The storm of waters passed by. The deep roared and lifted up its hands on high.
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 mountains--repetition with increased emphasis of some of the tremendous phenomena mentioned in Hab 3:6. overflowing of the water passed by--namely, of the Red Sea; and again, of the Jordan. God marked His favor to His people in all the elements, causing every obstacle, whether mountains or waters, which impeded their progress, to "pass away" [CALVIN]. MAURER, not so well, translates, "torrents (rains) of water rush down." lifted . .
The mountains saw thee, and they trembled,.... At the power and presence of God, as Sinai of old; See Gill on Hab 3:6 by which are signified mighty people and nations, kings and great men, struck with terror at the amazing providence of God in the world, on the behalf of his own people, and against their enemies; see Rev 6:14, the overflowing of the...