Habakkuk’s First Prayer

How long,(A) Lord, must I call for help(B)
and you do not listen
or cry out to you about violence(C)
and you do not save?
Why do you force me to look at injustice?(D)
Why do you tolerate[a] wrongdoing?
Oppression and violence are right in front of me.
Strife is ongoing, and conflict escalates.
This is why the law is ineffective
and justice never emerges.
For the wicked restrict(E) the righteous;
therefore, justice(F) comes out perverted.

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Footnotes

  1. 1:3 Lit observe, also in v. 13

Habakkuk’s First Prayer

How long,(A) Lord, must I call for help(B)
and You do not listen
or cry out to You about violence
and You do not save?
Why do You force me to look at injustice?(C)
Why do You tolerate[a] wrongdoing?
Oppression and violence are right in front of me.
Strife is ongoing, and conflict escalates.
This is why the law is ineffective
and justice never emerges.
For the wicked restrict(D) the righteous;
therefore, justice(E) comes out perverted.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Habakkuk 1:3 Lit observe