Habakkuk 1:12
Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction.
Habakkuk 1:12 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Habakkuk, the prophet is expressing his trust and faith in God's eternal nature and His role as the Holy One. The statement "Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One?" highlights the belief in God's infinite existence and holiness. The prophet declares that because of God's eternal nature, His people will not perish but will be protected by His judgment and correction. The phrases "O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment" and "O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction" convey the idea that God's divine plan includes both judgment for wrongdoing and correction for His people's benefit.
Overall, this verse reassures believers of God's eternal presence and His role as a just and caring God. It conveys a sense of hope and trust in God's ultimate wisdom and authority in guiding His people towards righteousness. By acknowledging God as the Holy One and recognizing His power to judge and correct, the verse encourages believers to remain faithful and obedient to His will, knowing that He will ultimately bring about justice and restoration in their lives.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the idea of God's eternal nature and sovereignty is highlighted through the question, "Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God?" This rhetorical question emphasizes the timeless existence of God, highlighting His eternal nature. The term "mine Holy One" further underscores the purity and holiness of God. The affirmation "we shall not die" emphasizes the assurance of God's protection and provision for His people. The use of the term "ordained" reveals God's authority and control over judgment, while the term "established" emphasizes His power in bringing correction. This verse points to the divine attributes of God, including His eternal nature, holiness, sovereignty, authority, and power in judgment and correction. Through theological interpretation and word studies, we gain a deeper understanding of God's character and His role in guiding and disciplining His people.
Habakkuk 1:12 in other translations
American Standard Version
Art not thou from everlasting, O Jehovah my God, my Holy One? we shall not die. O Jehovah, thou hast ordained him for judgment; and thou, O Rock, hast established him for correction.
World English Bible
Aren’t you from everlasting, Yahweh my God, my Holy One? We will not die. Yahweh, you have appointed him for judgment. You, Rock, have established him to punish.
Douay-Rheims
Wast thou not from the beginning, O Lord my God, my holy one, and we shall not die? Lord, thou hast appointed him for judgment: and made him strong for correction.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Art thou not of olde, O Lord my God, mine holy one? we shall not die: O Lord, thou hast ordeined them for iudgement, and O God, thou hast established them for correction.