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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Habakkuk 3:9 You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows. Selah You split the earth with rivers.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/habakkuk/3-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/35_Hab_03_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Habakkuk 3:9 - Habakkuk's Prayer" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows. 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You split the earth with rivers;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/habakkuk/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You brandished your bow and your quiver of arrows. You split open the earth with flowing rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/habakkuk/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />You stripped the sheath from your bow, calling for many arrows. Selah You split the earth with rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/habakkuk/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows. Selah You split the earth with rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/habakkuk/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thy bow was made quite naked, <i>according</i> to the oaths of the tribes, <i>even thy</i> word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/habakkuk/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Your bow was made quite ready; Oaths were sworn over <i>Your</i> arrows. Selah</i> You divided the earth with rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/habakkuk/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You removed Your bow <i>from its holder,</i> The arrows of <i>Your</i> word were sworn. Selah You divided the earth with rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/habakkuk/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Your bow was made bare, The rods of chastisement were sworn. Selah. You cleaved the earth with rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/habakkuk/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Thy bow was made bare, The rods of chastisement were sworn. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/habakkuk/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Your bow was made bare; Rods were sworn <i>unto battle</i> by word. Selah. You split the earth with rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/habakkuk/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Your bow was made bare; The rods of chastisement were sworn. Selah (pause, calmly think of that). You split the earth with rivers [bringing waters to dry places].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/habakkuk/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You took the sheath from your bow; the arrows are ready to be used with an oath. Selah You split the earth with rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/habakkuk/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You took the sheath from Your bow; the arrows are ready to be used with an oath. Selah You split the earth with rivers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/habakkuk/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thy bow was made quite bare; The oaths to the tribes were a sure word. [Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/habakkuk/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Your arrows were ready and obeyed your commands. You split the earth apart with rivers and streams; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/habakkuk/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thy bow was made quite bare; the oaths to the tribes were a sure word. Selah Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/habakkuk/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You get your bow ready for action, for the arrows [you] promised. [Selah] You split the land with rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/habakkuk/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You got ready to use your bow, ready to shoot your arrows. Your lightning split open the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/habakkuk/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Your bow was exposed, and your arrows targeted by command. Interlude You split the earth with rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/habakkuk/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows. Selah You split the earth with rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/habakkuk/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Your bow is ready for action; you commission your arrows. Selah. You cause flash floods on the earth's surface. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/habakkuk/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You uncovered your bow. You called for your sworn arrows. Selah. You split the earth with rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/habakkuk/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/habakkuk/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You uncovered your bow. You called for your sworn arrows. Selah. You split the earth with rivers. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/habakkuk/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You make Your bow utterly naked, "" The tribes have sworn, saying, “Pause!” You cleave the earth [with] rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/habakkuk/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Utterly naked Thou dost make Thy bow, Sworn are the tribes -- saying, 'Pause!' With rivers Thou dost cleave the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/habakkuk/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In nakedness thou shalt raise thy bow, the oaths of the tribes, he said. Silence. Thou wilt divide the earth with rivers.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/habakkuk/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou wilt surely take up thy bow: according to the oaths which thou hast spoken to the tribes. Thou wilt divide the rivers of the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/habakkuk/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Being stirred up, you will take up your bow, the oaths you have spoken to the tribes. You will split apart the Rivers of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/habakkuk/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You readied your bow, you filled your bowstring with arrows. <i>Selah</i> You split the earth with rivers; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/habakkuk/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You brandished your naked bow, sated were the arrows at your command. Selah You split the earth with rivers.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/habakkuk/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Thy bow was made ready, the arrows were abundant at the command of thy glorious word. Thou didst furrow the earth with rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/habakkuk/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Your bow will wake up to awake and the arrows will be filled with your glorious Word, and you ploughed the Earth with rivers!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/habakkuk/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Thy bow is made quite bare; Sworn are the rods of the word. Selah. Thou dost cleave the earth with rivers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/habakkuk/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Surely thou didst bend they bow at scepters, saith the Lord. Pause. The land of rivers shall be torn asunder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/habakkuk/3-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ryPix4COoVE?start=513" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/habakkuk/3.htm">Habakkuk's Prayer</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>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? <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6181.htm" title="6181: ‘er·yāh (N-fs) -- Nakedness. For ervah; nudity.">You brandished</a> <a href="/hebrew/5783.htm" title="5783: ṯê·‘ō·wr (V-Nifal-Imperf-3fs) -- To be exposed or bare. A primitive root; to bare."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7198.htm" title="7198: qaš·te·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- A bow. From qashah in the original sense of bending: a bow, for shooting or the iris.">Your bow;</a> <a href="/hebrew/562.htm" title="562: ’ō·mer (N-ms) -- Promise, speech, thing, word. The same as 'emer.">You called for</a> <a href="/hebrew/7621.htm" title="7621: šə·ḇu·‘ō·wṯ (N-fp) -- An oath, curse. Feminine passive participle of shaba'; properly, something sworn, i.e. An oath."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4294.htm" title="4294: maṭ·ṭō·wṯ (N-mp) -- Or mattah; from natah; a branch; figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising, ruling, throwing, or walking.">many arrows.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5542.htm" title="5542: se·lāh (Interjection) -- To lift up, exalt. From calah; suspension, i.e. Pause.">Selah</a> <a href="/hebrew/1234.htm" title="1234: tə·ḇaq·qa‘- (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To cleave, break open or through. A primitive root; to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open.">You split</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ā·reṣ (N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">the earth</a> <a href="/hebrew/5104.htm" title="5104: nə·hā·rō·wṯ (N-mp) -- A stream, river. From nahar; a stream; figuratively, prosperity.">with rivers.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>The mountains saw You and quaked; torrents of water swept by. The deep roared with its voice and lifted its hands on high.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/7-12.htm">Psalm 7:12-13</a></span><br />If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow. / He has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows with fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/45-3.htm">Psalm 45:3-5</a></span><br />Strap your sword at your side, O mighty warrior; appear in your majesty and splendor. / In your splendor ride forth in victory on behalf of truth and humility and justice; may your right hand show your awesome deeds. / Your arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s foes; the nations fall beneath your feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-2.htm">Isaiah 49:2</a></span><br />He made My mouth like a sharp sword; He hid Me in the shadow of His hand. He made Me like a polished arrow; He hid Me in His quiver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-41.htm">Deuteronomy 32:41-42</a></span><br />when I sharpen My flashing sword, and My hand grasps it in judgment, I will take vengeance on My adversaries and repay those who hate Me. / I will make My arrows drunk with blood, while My sword devours flesh—the blood of the slain and captives, the heads of the enemy leaders.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-14.htm">Psalm 18:14</a></span><br />He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/77-17.htm">Psalm 77:17</a></span><br />The clouds poured down water; the skies resounded with thunder; Your arrows flashed back and forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/34-5.htm">Isaiah 34:5-6</a></span><br />When My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens, then it will come down upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction. / The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood. It drips with fat—with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/9-13.htm">Zechariah 9:13-14</a></span><br />For I will bend Judah as My bow and fit it with Ephraim. I will rouse your sons, O Zion, against the sons of Greece. I will make you like the sword of a mighty man. / Then the LORD will appear over them, and His arrow will go forth like lightning. The Lord GOD will sound the ram’s horn and advance in the whirlwinds of the south.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/6-2.htm">Revelation 6:2</a></span><br />So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-11.htm">Revelation 19:11-15</a></span><br />Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. / He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. / He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-17.htm">Ephesians 6:17</a></span><br />And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a></span><br />For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4</a></span><br />The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-1.htm">Isaiah 63:1-6</a></span><br />Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.” / Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? / “I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/47-6.htm">Jeremiah 47:6-7</a></span><br />‘Alas, O sword of the LORD, how long until you rest? Return to your sheath; cease and be still!’ / How can it rest when the LORD has commanded it? He has appointed it against Ashkelon and the shore of its coastland.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Your bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even your word. Selah. You did split the earth with rivers.</p><p class="hdg">bow.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-23.htm">Deuteronomy 32:23</a></b></br> I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/7-12.htm">Psalm 7:12,13</a></b></br> If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/35-1.htm">Psalm 35:1-3</a></b></br> <i>A Psalm</i> of David. Plead <i>my cause</i>, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me… </p><p class="hdg">according.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/15-18.htm">Genesis 15:18-21</a></b></br> In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/17-7.htm">Genesis 17:7,8</a></b></br> And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/22-16.htm">Genesis 22:16-18</a></b></br> And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only <i>son</i>: … </p><p class="hdg">Selah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/habakkuk/3-9.htm">Habakkuk 3:9</a></b></br> Thy bow was made quite naked, <i>according</i> to the oaths of the tribes, <i>even thy</i> word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/143-6.htm">Psalm 143:6</a></b></br> I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul <i>thirsteth</i> after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.</p><p class="hdg">Thou.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/17-6.htm">Exodus 17:6</a></b></br> Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/20-11.htm">Numbers 20:11</a></b></br> And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts <i>also</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/78-15.htm">Psalm 78:15,16</a></b></br> He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave <i>them</i> drink as <i>out of</i> the great depths… </p><p class="hdg">the earth with rivers.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/39-9.htm">Arrows</a> <a href="/micah/1-6.htm">Bare</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-6.htm">Bow</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-12.htm">Chastisement</a> <a href="/daniel/11-34.htm">Cleave</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-8.htm">Cleaved</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-10.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-6.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-15.htm">Naked</a> <a href="/jonah/2-9.htm">Oaths</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-3.htm">Pause</a> <a href="/hosea/12-11.htm">Quite</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-8.htm">Rivers</a> <a href="/ezekiel/19-14.htm">Rods</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-3.htm">Selah</a> <a href="/daniel/7-15.htm">Sheath</a> <a href="/micah/1-4.htm">Split</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-4.htm">String</a> <a href="/nahum/3-16.htm">Strip</a> <a href="/hosea/6-3.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/micah/7-20.htm">Sworn</a> <a href="/micah/6-9.htm">Tribes</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-16.htm">Uncovered</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-5.htm">Utterly</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-2.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/habakkuk/3-11.htm">Arrows</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-13.htm">Bare</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-5.htm">Bow</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-32.htm">Chastisement</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-4.htm">Cleave</a> <a href="/luke/10-11.htm">Cleaved</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-17.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-12.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/matthew/25-36.htm">Naked</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-5.htm">Oaths</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-9.htm">Pause</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-17.htm">Quite</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-10.htm">Rivers</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Rods</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-13.htm">Selah</a> <a href="/john/18-11.htm">Sheath</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-4.htm">Split</a> <a href="/mark/7-35.htm">String</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-4.htm">Strip</a> <a href="/matthew/17-11.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Sworn</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-1.htm">Tribes</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-14.htm">Uncovered</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-2.htm">Utterly</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-1.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Habakkuk 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/habakkuk/3-1.htm">Habakkuk, in his prayer, trembles at God's majesty.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/habakkuk/3-17.htm">The confidence of his faith.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/habakkuk/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/habakkuk/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/habakkuk/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You brandished Your bow;</b><br>This phrase depicts God as a divine warrior, a common motif in the Old Testament. The imagery of God wielding a bow symbolizes His readiness to execute judgment and deliverance. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the bow was a powerful weapon, representing strength and authority. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages where God is portrayed as a warrior, such as in <a href="/exodus/15-3.htm">Exodus 15:3</a>, "The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is His name." The bow also signifies God's covenant promises, as seen in <a href="/genesis/9-13.htm">Genesis 9:13</a>, where the rainbow is a sign of God's covenant with Noah.<p><b>You called for many arrows.</b><br>The calling for many arrows suggests an abundance of divine intervention and judgment. Arrows in the Bible often symbolize God's swift and precise judgment, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/32-23.htm">Deuteronomy 32:23</a>, "I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend my arrows against them." This phrase emphasizes God's control over creation and His ability to summon His forces to accomplish His purposes. It also reflects the idea of God as a commander, orchestrating events according to His will.<p><b>Selah</b><br>The term "Selah" is a musical or liturgical pause found frequently in the Psalms and occasionally in other poetic books like Habakkuk. Its exact meaning is uncertain, but it is generally understood as a pause for reflection or emphasis. In this context, it invites the reader to pause and consider the majesty and power of God as a divine warrior. It serves as a moment to reflect on the preceding imagery and its implications for understanding God's nature and actions.<p><b>You split the earth with rivers.</b><br>This phrase highlights God's sovereignty over nature and His ability to reshape the earth. The imagery of splitting the earth with rivers may allude to the creation narrative, where God separates waters and forms dry land (<a href="/genesis/1-9.htm">Genesis 1:9-10</a>). It also recalls the miraculous events during the Exodus, such as the parting of the Red Sea (<a href="/exodus/14-21.htm">Exodus 14:21</a>) and the provision of water from the rock (<a href="/exodus/17-6.htm">Exodus 17:6</a>). These acts demonstrate God's power to provide and protect His people. The splitting of the earth with rivers can also symbolize the transformative power of God's word and presence, bringing life and renewal to creation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/h/habakkuk.htm">Habakkuk</a></b><br>A prophet in the Old Testament who dialogues with God about the justice and sovereignty of God amidst the suffering of His people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, depicted as a divine warrior preparing for battle.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/bow_and_arrows.htm">Bow and Arrows</a></b><br>Symbolic of God's power and readiness to execute judgment and deliverance.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/earth_and_rivers.htm">Earth and Rivers</a></b><br>Represent the natural world, which responds to God's mighty acts.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment_and_deliverance.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment and Deliverance</a></b><br>The imagery of God brandishing a bow signifies His control over history and His ability to bring about justice and deliverance for His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a></b><br>Just as arrows are sent forth with purpose, God's word accomplishes His will, reminding us of the power and effectiveness of Scripture in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/n/nature's_response_to_god's_authority.htm">Nature's Response to God's Authority</a></b><br>The splitting of the earth with rivers illustrates the natural world's submission to God's command, encouraging us to recognize His authority in all creation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/selah--a_call_to_reflect.htm">Selah - A Call to Reflect</a></b><br>The term "Selah" invites us to pause and reflect on the majesty and power of God, encouraging deeper meditation on His works and character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_ultimate_plan.htm">Trust in God's Ultimate Plan</a></b><br>Despite current circumstances, we can trust in God's ultimate plan for justice and redemption, as He is actively working in the world.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_habakkuk_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Habakkuk 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_arrogance.htm">In what location was Jesus baptized?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_habakkuk_3_8-10_align_with_records.htm">In Habakkuk 3:8-10, can the dramatic imagery of raging waters and trembling mountains be reconciled with known geological or historical records?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_habakkuk_3_11_conflict_with_joshua_10.htm">In Habakkuk 3:11, does the claim that the sun and moon stood still indicate a literal astronomical anomaly, and does it conflict with other biblical passages like Joshua 10?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_jonathan's_signals_in_1_sam_20_verifiable.htm">Are the clandestine signals used by Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:19-22 verifiable through any parallel ancient Near Eastern texts or historical records?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/habakkuk/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">Thy bow was made quite naked.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">Thy bow shall be bared, even the chastisements sworn by Thy word. Selah. With rivers shalt thou cleave the earth.</span> God's chastisements, which are compared in <a href="/psalms/21-12.htm" title="Therefore shall you make them turn their back, when you shall make ready your arrows on your strings against the face of them.">Psalm 21:12</a> to arrows fitted to the string, are here represented as a bow taken out of the case, and so "made naked," or "bared." The word <span class= "ital">matteh, </span>"rod," "stem" (hence, also, "tribe"), used to denote an instrument of chastisement in <a href="/micah/6-9.htm" title="The LORD's voice cries to the city, and the man of wisdom shall see your name: hear you the rod, and who has appointed it.">Micah 6:9</a>, <a href="/isaiah/30-32.htm" title="And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the LORD shall lay on him, it shall be with tabrets and harps: and in battles of shaking will he fight with it.">Isaiah 30:32</a>, here apparently means the <span class= "ital">punishment,</span> or <span class= "ital">chastisement,</span> of heathen iniquities, which God has sworn (see <a href="/context/deuteronomy/32-40.htm" title="For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.">Deuteronomy 32:40-41</a>) to execute. On the term <span class= "ital">Selah</span> see <a href="/psalms/3-4.htm" title="I cried to the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.">Psalm 3:4</a> note. <span class= "ital">With rivers shalt thou cleave the earth, i.e.,</span> the rocks shall send forth new watercourses at Jehovah's bidding, so that "rivers run in the dry places." (See <a href="/exodus/17-6.htm" title="Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.">Exodus 17:6</a>; <a href="/numbers/20-11.htm" title="And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.">Numbers 20:11</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/habakkuk/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - The prophet continues his description of the Lord as "a man of war" (<a href="/exodus/15-3.htm">Exodus 15:3</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Thy bow was made quite naked.</span> The sheath of the bow was laid aside to make it ready for use. In the Assyrian monuments the bow case forms part of the quiver, and holds only the lower half of the bow (Rawlinson, 'Anc. Mon.,' 2:55, edit. 1864). It was fastened to the side of the chariot or carried at the back of the archer. (For the general sense, comp. <a href="/deuteronomy/32-40.htm">Deuteronomy 32:40</a>, etc.; <a href="/psalms/45-5.htm">Psalm 45:5</a>.) In the Revelation (<a href="/revelation/6-2.htm">Revelation 6:2</a>) he that sits on the white horse has a bow. <span class="cmt_word">According to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> thou doest all this to confirm the promises of deliverance and salvation made to the tribes of Israel This sense is satisfactory; but the Hebrew text is corrupt, and cannot be explained with any certainty. The Revised Version gives," The oaths to the tribes were a sure word;" in the margin, "Sworn were the chastisements (Hebrew, 'rods') of thy word." Thus Dr. Briggs: "Sworn are the rods of thy word." Orelli translates," Oaths, rods of the word," and explains the clause to mean that the Lord comes to execute the denounced punishment, which proceeds from his mouth like chastising rods. The word <span class="accented">mattoth</span> is translated "tribes" (as in <a href="/2_chronicles/5-2.htm">2 Chronicles 5:2</a>) or "rods." Keil contends for the latter, as instruments of chastisement, rendering," Rods are sworn by word" Henderson, taking the words as a military signal, curiously translates, "'Sevens of spears' was the word." Pusey supports the Authorized Version, which, indeed. gives a good sense, and is probably correct It is virtually supported by Jerome, who has, "Suscitans suscitabis arcum tuum, juramenta tribubus quae locutus es," "Thou wilt awaken the oaths," which, so long as the evil prospered, seemed to be forgotten and sleeping. The LXX. emits the word rendered "oaths," and translates <span class="accented">mattoth</span>, <span class="greek">σκῆπτρα</span>, thus: <span class="greek">Ἐντείνων ἐνέτεινας τόξον σου</span> <span class="greek">ἐπὶ σκῆπτρα λέγει Κύριος</span>, "Thou didst surely bend thy bow against sceptres." <span class="cmt_word">Selah</span>. A pause ensues before the introduction of a new series of natural phenomena, accompanying the Lord's epiphany (see on ver. 3). The next clause would be more fitly joined with ver. 10. <span class="cmt_word">Thou didst cleave the earth with</span> (or, <span class="accented">into</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>rivers</span>. This refers to some catastrophe like that which happened at the Flood, when "the fountains of the great deep were broken up" (<a href="/genesis/7-11.htm">Genesis 7:11</a>; comp. <a href="/psalms/77-16.htm">Psalm 77:16</a>). Others think that the allusion is to the miracles at the Red Sea, or Sinai, or Rephidim in the wilderness, as in <a href="/psalms/74.htm">Psalm 74</a>; <a href="/psalms/78.htm">Psalm 78</a>; <a href="/psalms/105.htm">Psalm 105</a>. But though the prophet glances at such particular circumstances, his scope is more general. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/habakkuk/3-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">You brandished</span><br /><span class="heb">עֶרְיָ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘er·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6181.htm">Strong's 6181: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nakedness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Your bow;</span><br /><span class="heb">קַשְׁתֶּ֔ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(qaš·te·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7198.htm">Strong's 7198: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bow, for, shooting, the iris</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You called for</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹ֣מֶר</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_562.htm">Strong's 562: </a> </span><span class="str2">Promise, speech, thing, word </span><br /><br /><span class="word">many arrows.</span><br /><span class="heb">מַטּ֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(maṭ·ṭō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4294.htm">Strong's 4294: </a> </span><span class="str2">A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Selah</span><br /><span class="heb">סֶ֑לָה</span> <span class="translit">(se·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5542.htm">Strong's 5542: </a> </span><span class="str2">Suspension, pause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You split</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּבַקַּע־</span> <span class="translit">(tə·ḇaq·qa‘-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1234.htm">Strong's 1234: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cleave, to rend, break, rip, open</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the earth</span><br /><span class="heb">אָֽרֶץ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with rivers.</span><br /><span class="heb">נְהָר֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(nə·hā·rō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5104.htm">Strong's 5104: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stream, prosperity</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/habakkuk/3-9.htm">Habakkuk 3:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/habakkuk/3-9.htm">Habakkuk 3:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/habakkuk/3-9.htm">Habakkuk 3:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/habakkuk/3-9.htm">Habakkuk 3:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/habakkuk/3-9.htm">Habakkuk 3:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/habakkuk/3-9.htm">Habakkuk 3:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/habakkuk/3-9.htm">Habakkuk 3:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/habakkuk/3-9.htm">Habakkuk 3:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/habakkuk/3-9.htm">Habakkuk 3:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/habakkuk/3-9.htm">Habakkuk 3:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/habakkuk/3-9.htm">OT Prophets: Habakkuk 3:9 You uncovered your bow (Hab Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/habakkuk/3-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Habakkuk 3:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Habakkuk 3:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/habakkuk/3-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Habakkuk 3:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Habakkuk 3:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>