Habakkuk 2:5
Arabic KEH Ketab El Hayat (كتاب الحياة)
وَكَمَا أَنَّ الْخَمْرَ غَادِرَةٌ، كَذَلِكَ تَأْخُذُ الْمُغْتَرَّ نَشْوَةُ الانْتِصَارِ فَلاَ يَسْتَكِينُ، فَإِنَّ جَشَعَهُ فِي سَعَةِ الْهَاوِيَةِ، وهُوَ كَالْمَوْتِ لاَ يَشْبَعُ. لِهَذَا يَجْمَعُ لِنَفْسِهِ كُلَّ الأُمَمِ وَيَسْبِي جَمِيعَ الشُّعُوبِ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Habakkuk describes a person who is greedy and proud because of their love for wine. This person always wants more, like a bottomless pit that can never be filled. They will do anything to gather wealth or power from other people.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a friend who loves candy so much they eat it all the time. But no matter how many candies they eat, they still want more and more until they take all the candies from everyone else. This verse talks about someone like that but with money or power instead of candy.
Historical Background
Habakkuk wrote this around 600 BC to the people of Judah during a turbulent time when Babylon was rising as a dominant force. The book addresses questions about divine justice and God's sovereignty over history.
Living It Out Today
Consider someone you know who is always striving for more money or power, believing that these will make them happy. This verse warns us to be careful not to fall into the trap of constant dissatisfaction and greed, which can lead to harming others in our pursuit of personal gain.
Topics
greedpridedivine justicesovereignty of Godsinful desireswarning
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is wine mentioned in this verse?
Wine symbolizes excess and the loss of control, which leads to a person's pride and greed. The context suggests that indulgence can lead someone to transgress boundaries.
What does it mean 'enlargeth his desire as hell'?
This metaphor means that the person’s desires grow without limit, similar to how Hell or a bottomless pit has no end. It indicates an insatiable appetite for more.
How can this verse apply in today's society?
It warns against the dangers of greed and pride, particularly in leadership positions where leaders might exploit others to satisfy their own desires, reflecting issues seen in corporate or political contexts today.
What does 'heapeth unto him all people' suggest?
This suggests that such a person tries to gather wealth and power by taking from many sources. It highlights the broad reach of greed and its impact on various communities.