Habakkuk 2:20

Translations

Modern

But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.

Traditional

But the Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.

Literal

And YHWH is in the temple of His holiness; let all the earth be silent before Him.

Latin

Dominus autem in templo sancto suo: sileat a facie ejus omnis terra!

Original

Hebrew

English

But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.

Notes

Habakkuk 2:20

The taunt songs end with a statement: The ruler of all nations is not a Babylonian idol but God who is holy (Habakkuk 2:18–20). Unlike the lifeless Babylonian idols, the living God resides in his holy temple. God's presence fills his heavenly sanctuary (Isaiah 6:1–5). During Habakkuk's time, God's presence filled the temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:10–11). God controls all the earth and expects people to worship him in humble submission (Psalm 63:1–4; Jeremiah 10:1–10; Micah 7:16; Zechariah 2:13).

Habakkuk 2:18–20

In the fifth taunt song, the Babylonians face criticism for worshiping idols. Whether people carve or cast idols, they cannot save or teach their worshipers (Isaiah 42:17). Only the Lord truly deserves worship (Habakkuk 2:20; Exodus 20:2–6; compare Ecclesiastes 5:1–2).

Habakkuk 2:6–20

Five taunt songs describe God's future judgment on the Babylonians and others who act violently and unjustly (Habakkuk 2:6–8, 9–11, 12–14, 15–17, 18–20). God lets them bring about their own destruction. Those who suffer will repeat these taunts when the wicked face judgment (see Habakkuk 1:14–17). Each taunt includes:

a statement of sorrow,
a judgment, and
the reason for God's judgment.

Habakkuk 2:2–20

God answers Habakkuk's second complaint (Habakkuk 1:12–2:1) but does not explain why he chose the Babylonians. Instead, he assures Habakkuk that he will punish all violence and injustice.

Theme notes and profiles

Human Confusion and God’s Purpose Temple Worship

Events

Prophecies of Habakkukc. 607 BC

Related verses

Zechariah 2:13
Be silent before the LORD, all people, for He has roused Himself from His holy dwelling.”
Zephaniah 1:7
Be silent in the presence of the Lord GOD, for the Day of the LORD is near. Indeed, the LORD has prepared a sacrifice; He has consecrated His guests.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”
Psalm 11:4
The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men.
Isaiah 6:1
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple.
Jonah 2:7
As my life was fading away, I remembered the LORD. My prayer went up to You, to Your holy temple.
Micah 1:2
Hear, O peoples, all of you; listen, O earth, and everyone in it! May the Lord GOD bear witness against you, the Lord from His holy temple.
Psalm 76:8–9
From heaven You pronounced judgment, and the earth feared and was still
Psalm 132:13–14
For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His home:
Ephesians 2:21–22
In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
Psalm 115:3
Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.
Isaiah 66:1
This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be?

Glossary

Book of Habakkuk Muteness Zechariah, Book of

Topics

Church: Holy Temple Silence Worship: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Habakkuk 2:20

Translations?

Original?

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Events?

Related verses?

Glossary?

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Translations

Original

Notes

Events

Related verses

Glossary

Topics