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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 1:17 Will he, therefore, empty his net and continue to slay nations without mercy?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/habakkuk/1-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/35_Hab_01_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Habakkuk 1:17 - Habakkuk's Second Complaint" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Will he, therefore, empty his net and continue to slay nations without mercy?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/habakkuk/1-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/habakkuk/1-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/habakkuk/">Habakkuk</a> > <a href="/habakkuk/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/habakkuk/1-16.htm" title="Habakkuk 1:16">◄</a> Habakkuk 1:17 <a href="/habakkuk/2-1.htm" title="Habakkuk 2:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/habakkuk/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/habakkuk/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Is he to keep on emptying his net, destroying nations without mercy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/habakkuk/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Will you let them get away with this forever? Will they succeed forever in their heartless conquests?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/habakkuk/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Is he then to keep on emptying his net and mercilessly killing nations forever?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/habakkuk/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Will he, therefore, empty his net and continue to slay nations without mercy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/habakkuk/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/habakkuk/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Shall they therefore empty their net, And continue to slay nations without pity?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/habakkuk/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Will they therefore empty their net, And continually slay nations without sparing?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/habakkuk/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Will they therefore empty their net And continually slay nations without sparing?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/habakkuk/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Will they therefore empty their net And continually slay nations without sparing? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/habakkuk/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Will they therefore empty their net And continually kill nations without sparing?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/habakkuk/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Will they continue to empty their net And [mercilessly] go on destroying nations without sparing?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/habakkuk/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Will they therefore empty their net and continually slaughter nations without mercy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/habakkuk/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Will they therefore empty their net and continually slaughter nations without mercy? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/habakkuk/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Shall he therefore empty his net, and spare not to slay the nations continually?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/habakkuk/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Will he keep hauling in his nets and destroying nations without showing mercy? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/habakkuk/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Shall he therefore empty his net, and not spare to slay the nations continually?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/habakkuk/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Will they keep on emptying their nets and always kill nations without mercy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/habakkuk/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Are they going to use their swords forever and keep on destroying nations without mercy? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/habakkuk/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Is he to continue to empty his fishing net? Will he ever stop killing entire nations without mercy?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/habakkuk/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Will he, therefore, empty his net and continue to slay nations without mercy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/habakkuk/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Will he then continue to fill and empty his throw net? Will he always destroy nations and spare none? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/habakkuk/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Will he therefore continually empty his net, killing the nations without mercy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/habakkuk/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/habakkuk/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Will he therefore continually empty his net, and kill the nations without mercy? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/habakkuk/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Does he therefore empty his net, "" And continually not spare to slay nations?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/habakkuk/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Doth he therefore empty his net, And continually to slay nations spare not?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/habakkuk/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For this, will he empty his net; and he will not spare to slay the nations continually.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/habakkuk/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For this cause therefore he spreadeth his net, and will not spare continually to slay the nations. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/habakkuk/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Because of this, therefore, he expands his dragnet and will not be lenient in continually putting to death the peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/habakkuk/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Shall they, then, keep on drawing his sword to slaughter nations without mercy? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/habakkuk/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Is he then to keep on emptying his net, and destroying nations without mercy?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/habakkuk/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Therefore they cast their net continually, they slay peoples without pity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/habakkuk/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because of this, he always casts his net and he kills peoples and he has no pity <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/habakkuk/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Shall they therefore empty their net, And not spare to slay the nations continually?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/habakkuk/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Therefore will he cast his net, and will not spare to slay the nations continually.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/habakkuk/1-17.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=185" 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/1.htm">Habakkuk's Second Complaint</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>Therefore he sacrifices to his dragnet and burns incense to his fishing net, for by these things his portion is sumptuous and his food is rich. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ha·‘al (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">Will he,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">therefore,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7324.htm" title="7324: yā·rîq (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- Arm, cast out, draw out, make empty, pour forth out. A primitive root; to pour out, i.e. Empty.">empty</a> <a href="/hebrew/2764.htm" title="2764: ḥer·mōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A net, a doomed object, extermination. Or cherem; from charam; physical a net; usually a doomed object; abstr. Extermination.">his net</a> <a href="/hebrew/8548.htm" title="8548: wə·ṯā·mîḏ (Conj-w:: Adv) -- From an unused root meaning to stretch; properly, continuance; but used only constant; ellipt. The regular sacrifice.">and continue</a> <a href="/hebrew/2026.htm" title="2026: la·hă·rōḡ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To kill, slay. A primitive root; to smite with deadly intent.">to slay</a> <a href="/hebrew/1471.htm" title="1471: gō·w·yim (N-mp) -- Rarely goy; apparently from the same root as gevah; a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts.">nations</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">without</a> <a href="/hebrew/2550.htm" title="2550: yaḥ·mō·wl (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To spare. A primitive root; to commiserate; by implication, to spare.">mercy?</a> </span><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="/jeremiah/12-1.htm">Jeremiah 12:1-4</a></span><br />Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? / You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts. / But You know me, O LORD; You see me and test my heart toward You. Drag away the wicked like sheep to the slaughter and set them apart for the day of carnage. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/10-8.htm">Psalm 10:8-11</a></span><br />He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless. / He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net. / They are crushed and beaten down; the helpless fall prey to his strength. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-5.htm">Isaiah 14:5-6</a></span><br />The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers. / It struck the peoples in anger with unceasing blows; it subdued the nations in rage with relentless persecution.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-2.htm">Micah 7:2-3</a></span><br />The godly man has perished from the earth; there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; they hunt one another with a net. / Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-26.htm">Jeremiah 5:26-28</a></span><br />For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men. / Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich. / They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-6.htm">Psalm 73:6-8</a></span><br />Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them. / From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. / They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-13.htm">Isaiah 10:13-14</a></span><br />For he says: ‘By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, for I am clever. I have removed the boundaries of nations and plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their rulers. / My hand reached as into a nest to seize the wealth of the nations. Like one gathering abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/28-16.htm">Ezekiel 28:16-18</a></span><br />By the vastness of your trade, you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mountain of God, and I banished you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. / Your heart grew proud of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor; so I cast you to the earth; I made you a spectacle before kings. / By the multitude of your iniquities and the dishonesty of your trading you have profaned your sanctuaries. So I made fire come from within you, and it consumed you. I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the eyes of all who saw you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/94-3.htm">Psalm 94:3-7</a></span><br />How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked exult? / They pour out arrogant words; all workers of iniquity boast. / They crush Your people, O LORD; they oppress Your heritage. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/33-1.htm">Isaiah 33:1</a></span><br />Woe to you, O destroyer never destroyed, O traitor never betrayed! When you have finished destroying, you will be destroyed. When you have finished betraying, you will be betrayed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/13-7.htm">Revelation 13:7</a></span><br />Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-4.htm">James 5:4-6</a></span><br />Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. / You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter. / You have condemned and murdered the righteous, who did not resist you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Matthew 23:25-28</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. / Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well. / Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-2.htm">Luke 18:2-5</a></span><br />“In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men. / And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ / For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect men, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-15.htm">Romans 3:15-18</a></span><br />“Their feet are swift to shed blood; / ruin and misery lie in their wake, / and the way of peace they have not known.” ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations?</p><p class="hdg">and.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/habakkuk/1-9.htm">Habakkuk 1:9,10</a></b></br> They shall come all for violence: their faces shall sup up <i>as</i> the east wind, and they shall gather the captivity as the sand… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/habakkuk/2-5.htm">Habakkuk 2:5-8,17</a></b></br> Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, <i>he is</i> a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and <i>is</i> as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/14-16.htm">Isaiah 14:16,17</a></b></br> They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, <i>and</i> consider thee, <i>saying, Is</i> this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/habakkuk/1-15.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/nahum/3-19.htm">Continually</a> <a href="/joel/1-4.htm">Destroying</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-3.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/nahum/2-10.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-1.htm">Emptying</a> <a href="/nahum/3-9.htm">End</a> <a href="/nahum/2-12.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-14.htm">Mercilessly</a> <a href="/micah/7-20.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-5.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-16.htm">Net</a> <a href="/nahum/3-13.htm">Open</a> <a href="/amos/9-4.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-9.htm">Slaying</a> <a href="/jonah/4-11.htm">Spare</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-21.htm">Sparing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/habakkuk/2-10.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">Continually</a> <a href="/mark/3-6.htm">Destroying</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-17.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/zechariah/4-12.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/genesis/42-35.htm">Emptying</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-3.htm">End</a> <a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-14.htm">Mercilessly</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-2.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-5.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/matthew/4-18.htm">Net</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-13.htm">Open</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-5.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/acts/22-20.htm">Slaying</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-5.htm">Spare</a> <a href="/acts/20-29.htm">Sparing</a><div class="vheading2">Habakkuk 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/habakkuk/1-1.htm">Unto Habakkuk, complaining of the iniquity of the land,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/habakkuk/1-5.htm">is shown the fearful vengeance by the Chaldeans.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/habakkuk/1-12.htm">He complains that vengeance should be executed by them who are far worse.</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'; 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The imagery of a net suggests a methodical and relentless approach to conquest. In the ancient Near East, fishing was a common occupation, and the net was a symbol of entrapment and capture. This metaphor highlights the Babylonians' efficiency and ruthlessness in their military campaigns. The net imagery is also used in other parts of Scripture, such as in <a href="/ezekiel/12-13.htm">Ezekiel 12:13</a>, where God speaks of capturing rebellious Israel in His net, indicating divine judgment.<p><b>and continue to slay nations</b><br>The Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar, were known for their military prowess and expansionist policies. Historically, they conquered many nations, including Assyria, Egypt, and Judah, establishing themselves as a dominant empire in the 6th century BC. This phrase reflects the historical reality of Babylon's aggressive campaigns and their impact on the ancient world. The continual slaying of nations underscores the theme of unchecked power and the moral questions it raises, which are central to Habakkuk's dialogue with God.<p><b>without mercy?</b><br>The lack of mercy shown by the Babylonians is a significant concern for Habakkuk. In the ancient world, mercy was often seen as a virtue of the divine, and its absence in human rulers was troubling. This phrase raises questions about justice and the character of God, as Habakkuk struggles with the idea of a righteous God allowing such merciless actions. The theme of divine justice and mercy is echoed throughout Scripture, notably in the New Testament, where Jesus embodies mercy and calls His followers to do the same (<a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a>). The absence of mercy in Babylon's conquests contrasts with the biblical call for justice tempered with compassion.<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 injustices he sees in the world. He is known for his deep questioning and seeking understanding of God's ways.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/chaldeans/babylonians.htm">Chaldeans/Babylonians</a></b><br>The empire that God is raising up to execute judgment on Judah. They are depicted as ruthless and merciless in their conquests.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, which is facing impending judgment due to its disobedience and idolatry.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The sovereign Lord who is in control of the nations and uses them to fulfill His purposes, even when His methods are not immediately understood by His people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/n/nations.htm">Nations</a></b><br>Refers to the various peoples and kingdoms that the Babylonians conquer and oppress without mercy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_sovereignty.htm">Understanding God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>God is in control even when the wicked seem to prosper. His plans are beyond our understanding, and He uses nations and events to fulfill His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_problem_of_evil.htm">The Problem of Evil</a></b><br>Habakkuk's question reflects a timeless struggle with the presence of evil and suffering. Believers are encouraged to bring their questions to God, trusting in His ultimate justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_mercy.htm">God's Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>While God uses the Babylonians as an instrument of judgment, He does not overlook their cruelty. God's justice will ultimately prevail, and His mercy is available to those who repent.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_uncertain_times.htm">Faith in Uncertain Times</a></b><br>Like Habakkuk, believers are called to live by faith, trusting in God's character and promises even when circumstances are difficult.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_and_dialogue_with_god.htm">Prayer and Dialogue with God</a></b><br>Habakkuk's example shows the importance of honest prayer and seeking understanding from God. Believers are encouraged to engage in open dialogue with God about their struggles and doubts.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_habakkuk_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Habakkuk 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_create_hell_if_billions_suffer.htm">If Hell is real, why did God create it knowing that billions of people would suffer eternally?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_titus_3_5-6_and_james_2_17_conflict.htm">Does Titus 3:5-6, emphasizing salvation by mercy alone, conflict with James 2:17, which stresses the necessity of good works?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_1_cor_3_17_align_with_mercy.htm">If 1 Corinthians 3:17 insists God will destroy those who destroy His temple, how does this square with passages elsewhere emphasizing mercy and forgiveness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/key_teachings_events_in_matthew.htm">What are the key teachings and events in Matthew?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/habakkuk/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">Shall they therefore empty their net</span>. . . .--Literally, <span class= "ital">Shall he therefore empty his net? i.e.,</span> Shall this voracious Chaldaean plunderer be allowed to consume his prey, and cast in his emptied net again and again?<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/habakkuk/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Shall they therefore empty their net?</span> Because they have had this career of rapine and conquest, shall God allow them to continue it? Shall they be permitted to be continually emptying their net in order to fill it again? The idea is that they carried off their booty and captives and secured them in their own territory, and then set out on new expeditions to acquire fresh plunder. The question is answered in the next chapter, where the judgment on the Chaldeans is pronounced. <span class="cmt_word">And not spare continually to slay the nations?</span> And cease not to send forth his armies and to found his empire in the blood of conquered nations. The Septuagint and Vulgate have no interrogation, the assertion being made by way of expostulation. <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/habakkuk/1-17.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">Will they,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַ֥עַל</span> <span class="translit">(ha·‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">therefore,</span><br /><span class="heb">כֵּ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(kên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> </span><span class="str2">So -- thus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">empty</span><br /><span class="heb">יָרִ֣יק</span> <span class="translit">(yā·rîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7324.htm">Strong's 7324: </a> </span><span class="str2">Arm, cast out, draw out, make empty, pour forth out </span><br /><br /><span class="word">their net</span><br /><span class="heb">חֶרְמ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥer·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2764.htm">Strong's 2764: </a> </span><span class="str2">A net, a doomed object, extermination</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and continue</span><br /><span class="heb">וְתָמִ֛יד</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṯā·mîḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8548.htm">Strong's 8548: </a> </span><span class="str2">Continuance, constant, ellipt, the regular, sacrifice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to slay</span><br /><span class="heb">לַהֲרֹ֥ג</span> <span class="translit">(la·hă·rōḡ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2026.htm">Strong's 2026: </a> </span><span class="str2">To smite with deadly intent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nations</span><br /><span class="heb">גּוֹיִ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(gō·w·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1471.htm">Strong's 1471: </a> </span><span class="str2">A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts</span><br /><br /><span class="word">without</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mercy?</span><br /><span class="heb">יַחְמֽוֹל׃</span> <span class="translit">(yaḥ·mō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2550.htm">Strong's 2550: </a> </span><span class="str2">To commiserate, to spare</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/habakkuk/1-17.htm">Habakkuk 1:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/habakkuk/1-17.htm">Habakkuk 1:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/habakkuk/1-17.htm">Habakkuk 1:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/habakkuk/1-17.htm">Habakkuk 1:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/habakkuk/1-17.htm">Habakkuk 1:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/habakkuk/1-17.htm">Habakkuk 1:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/habakkuk/1-17.htm">Habakkuk 1:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/habakkuk/1-17.htm">Habakkuk 1:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/habakkuk/1-17.htm">Habakkuk 1:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/habakkuk/1-17.htm">Habakkuk 1:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/habakkuk/1-17.htm">OT Prophets: Habakkuk 1:17 Will he therefore continually empty his net (Hab Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/habakkuk/1-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Habakkuk 1:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Habakkuk 1:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/habakkuk/2-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Habakkuk 2:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Habakkuk 2:1" /></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>