Habakkuk 1:11
Arabic Bible ERV 2009
ثُمَّ يَتَغَيَّرُ اتِّجاهُها كَما يَتَغَيَّرُ اتِّجاهُ الرِّيحِ، وَتُغادِرُ. فَقُلْتُ فِي دَهشَتِي: «بابِلُ تَعتَبِرُ قُوَّتَها إلَهاً لَها!»
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Habakkuk describes a situation where someone in power will change their mind and act offensively, attributing their strength to their god. The speaker is Habakkuk, who is warning about the consequences of this arrogance.
Explained for Children
Imagine if your friend got really good at a game and started thinking they were better than everyone else because of their favorite toy. They might start acting mean or unfair because they think their toy makes them special. That's what Habakkuk is talking about here, but with grown-ups who have lots of power.
Historical Background
Habakkuk wrote this prophecy around 600 BC during the reign of King Jehoiakim in Judah. He was addressing the people and leaders of Judah who were facing threats from Babylonian forces. The cultural setting was one of political instability and moral corruption.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, think about a powerful CEO who starts making bad decisions after achieving success, believing their power comes from themselves or some personal deity. This verse reminds us that humility is important even when we are successful.
Topics
powerarrogancehumilityconsequences of prideworship of false godsprophets
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is 'he' in Habakkuk 1:11?
'He' refers to the Babylonian ruler or military leader whom Habakkuk is addressing, who attributes his power and success to false gods rather than to God.
What does it mean that he 'imputes this his power unto his god'?
This means that instead of acknowledging the true source of his power, he falsely believes and claims that his strength comes from a deity other than the one true God.
How can we avoid the pride described in Habakkuk 1:11?
To avoid pride, we should remember to give credit where it is due to God for our abilities and successes. Regularly acknowledging our dependence on Him helps maintain humility.
What warnings can be found in this verse for today's leaders?
Leaders are warned against attributing their success to themselves or false idols rather than God, as pride often leads to poor decision-making and harmful consequences.