Definition: Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful verse from Habakkuk 2:7. It’s a really intense and difficult passage, so we'll go through it step by step. Here’s the basic meaning: This verse is essentially saying that if people are truly evil and causing great suffering, they might suddenly and aggressively attack us. It suggests a terrifying possibility of a swift, overwhelming response. Let’s unpack each part: “Shall they not rise up suddenly…” : This means that the people who are doing this bad thing aren't going to do it slowly or deliberately. They’re about to act, to react, and to take action immediately . It implies a sudden surge of anger or hostility. “…that shall bite thee…” : "Bite you" means to harm, to torment, to upset us deeply. It's a very strong image – it suggests a painful and devastating impact. "...and awake that shall vex thee...” : "Wek thee" means to trouble, to disturb, to worry us greatly. This is the key part - it’s not just about physical harm; it’s about causing great distress and anxiety. “Thou shalt be for booties unto them?” : This is the most shocking part. It suggests that this response – this sudden attack – will be a reward or benefit for those who are evil. It's like saying, "If you’re so wicked, you’ll get something good from us." Overall Interpretation - A Warning and a Plea The verse is a warning to God. Habakkuk is expressing deep frustration and worry about the growing wickedness in the world. He’s asking why God isn't doing more to stop these evil actions. He's essentially saying, "You need to be careful! Don't let people become so bad that they attack us with such fury." It also carries a powerful plea – a request for God to intervene and protect His people. It’s a call for vigilance and perhaps even a change in the world itself. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a metaphorical warning about the potential for evil and a call for justice. It's not necessarily suggesting that people will actually attack us in a literal, physical way. Instead, it speaks to the possibility of devastating consequences resulting from widespread wickedness. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context (when and why was it written)? Explore different interpretations of the verse?