Definition: When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible passage. It’s a really interesting and complex verse from Habakkuk, a prophet who lived around 210 BC during a time of great political turmoil in Judah. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Habakkuk is deeply worried about the future – specifically, about a time of intense trouble and conflict. He’s feeling overwhelmed and scared by what he sees coming. The verse describes him experiencing a terrifying moment of fear and trembling because he anticipates something incredibly bad happening. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “When I heard…” : This tells us Habakkuk was listening to something – likely a message or warning. “…my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice:” This is a really powerful image. "Trembled" means shook and shuddered. The “voice” suggests it wasn’t just a normal conversation, but a powerful voice that was causing him distress. It's like his heart was racing with fear. “At the time I might rest in the day of trouble:” This is the core of the verse – Habakkuk is anticipating a period of great hardship and danger. He’s bracing himself for something bad to happen. “When he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops:” This is where it gets really dramatic. “He cometh up” means He’s coming – He's about to appear or arrive. "With his troops" suggests a large, overwhelming force of enemies or challenges. Putting it all together: Habakkuk is telling us that he’s feeling incredibly anxious and terrified because he sees a future filled with significant trouble. He anticipates a time when God’s judgment will be revealed, and His people will be attacked by powerful forces. It's a sense of impending doom and a deep fear for the future. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to several themes: Fear of the Unknown: It highlights our natural instinct to worry about what might happen, especially when we don’t fully understand the situation. God's Sovereignty: It shows that God is actively involved in events and isn't passively allowing things to happen. He’s watching over us and preparing for a time of challenge. Trusting God: It also suggests that even when we don’t understand why something bad might occur, it’s important to trust in God’s plan and wisdom. Important Note: The context of the verse is crucial. Habakkuk was writing during a time of political instability and rebellion. He was trying to communicate a warning about the dangers that were looming over Judah. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Compare it to another Bible passage? Discuss its significance within the broader context of the Old Testament?