Habakuk 2:1

2:1 I will stand at my watch post;

I will remain stationed on the city wall. ¹ 

I will keep watching, so I can see what he says to me

and can know ²  how I should answer

when he counters my argument. ³ 

Habakuk 3:6

3:6 He takes his battle position ⁴  and shakes ⁵  the earth;

with a mere look he frightens ⁶  the nations.

The ancient mountains disintegrate; ⁷ 

the primeval hills are flattened.

He travels on the ancient roads. ⁸ 

[2:1]  ¹ sn Habakkuk compares himself to a watchman stationed on the city wall who keeps his eyes open for approaching messengers or danger.

[2:1]  ² tn The word “know” is supplied in the translation for clarification.

[2:1]  ³ tn Heb “concerning my correction [or, “reproof”].”

[3:6]  ⁴ tn Heb “he stands.”

[3:6]  ⁵ tn This verb has been traditionally understood as “measure” (from מוּד, mud), but the immediately following context (vv. 6b-7) favors the meaning “shake” from מָוד (mavd; see HALOT 555 s.v.).

[3:6]  ⁶ tn Heb “makes [the nations] jump [in fear].”

[3:6]  ⁷ tn Or “crumbled,” broke into pieces.”

[3:6]  ⁸ tn Heb “ancient ways [or, “doings”] are his.” The meaning of this line is unclear. Traditionally it has been translated, “his ways are eternal.” However, in this context (see vv. 3, 7) it is more likely that the line speaks of the Lord taking the same route as in the days of Moses and Deborah (see Deut 33:2; Judg 5:4). See J. J. M. Roberts, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah (OTL), 154.