27 – 28 August 2023
Behold, you despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which you shall in no wise believe, though a man declares it unto you.
The above verse, Acts 13:41, as often discussed, is quoted from Habakkuk 1:5, as Paul is speaking to the Jews, the believers of that time, and spiritually speaks presently to believers (Christian and Jew) to beware of the same coming, now come, upon this generation.
Before going on, it must be understood that we have reached a point of inflection, a time when the idleness of God’s people must end: when this word from His mouth is embraced as His and acted upon.
The “wonder” in the title verse, the basis of inaction, concerns what is “declared.” In Habakkuk, the words are rendered “wonder marvelously” and “it be told you,” the first from the word tamahh twice and the second from caphar.
The name Habakkuk is from the word chabaq (twice), meaning “to clasp (the hands or in embrace),” in idleness or taking hold. In this word, the LORD refers us to its uses in Ecclesiastes 3:5 (twice) & 4:5, and Proverbs 4:8.
The passage mentioned from Ecclesiastes 3 says there is “a time to embrace [chabaq – to take hold of wisdom and understanding], and a time to refrain from embracing [chabaq – refrain from folding your hands in idleness, and work this work of the LORD];” so we understand what is stated in verse 1, saying “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”
Ecclesiastes 3
9 What profit has he that works in that wherein he labors?
10 I have seen the travail [the labor to bring forth wisdom and understanding], which God has given to the sons of men to be exercised [working out corruption] in it. [2 Timothy 2:5 Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.]
11 He [the LORD’s work] has made every thing beautiful in his time: also he has set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out [without His work revealing it to us] the work that God makes from the beginning to the end [of the old corrupt world].
12 I know that there is no good in them [the corrupt], but for a man to rejoice [in the LORD’s work making all thing beautiful again, in His time], and to do good in his life.
13 And also that every man should eat and drink [of the gift, this feast of charity], and enjoy the good of all his labor [exercising himself from corruption], it is the gift [grace] of God.
14 I know that, whatsoever God does, it shall be forever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God does it, that men should fear before him.
15 That which has been is now; and that which is to be has already been; and God requires that which is past.
16 And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.
17 I said in my heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
18 I said in my heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts [without His Spirit with us, alive in us].
Ecclesiastes 4
1 So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter [nacham – no one to lead them into all truth]; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they [the oppressed] had no comforter [nacham].
2 Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.
3 Yea, better is he than both they, which has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
4 Again, I considered all travail [of the oppressed], and every right work, that for this a man is envied [qin’ah – raged against] of his neighbor. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
5 The fool folds his hands together [chabaq – and is idle], and eats his own flesh [because he refuses this feast of charity, and consumes himself by not working out corruption].
6 Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
Proverbs 4
1 Hear, you children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake you not my law.
3 For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let your heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve you: love her, and she shall keep you.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she shall promote you: she shall bring you to honor, when you do embrace [chabaq] her.
9 She shall give to your head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to you.
10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of your life shall be many.
11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths.
12 When you go, your steps shall not be straitened [you shall have liberty and not be oppressed]; and when you run, you shall not stumble.
13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is your life.
14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, pass [‘abar – Passover into life] not by it, turn from it, and pass away [‘abar – Passover into life].
16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the just is as the shining light [showing the way of understanding], that shineth [showing wisdom and giving understanding] more and more unto the perfect day.
19 The way of the wicked is as darkness [ignorance]: they know not at what they stumble.
20 My son, attend to my words; incline your ear unto my sayings.
21 Let them not depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart.
22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
Habakkuk 1
1 The burden which Habakkuk [taking hold of what has taken hold of him] the prophet did see.
2 O LORD, how long shall I cry, and you will not hear! even cry out unto you of violence, and you will not save!
3 Why do you show me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.
4 Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment does never go forth: for the wicked does compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceeds.
5 Behold you among the heathen, and regard, and wonder [tamahh] marvelously [tamahh]: for I will work a work in your days which you will not believe, though it be told you [caphar, from where comes cepher, meaning writing and book].
6 For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans [those using the words to manipulate and control], that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land [‘erets – the earth], to possess the dwelling-places that are not theirs.
7 They are terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of themselves [creations of their mind, when in reality it’s the same old evil that been forever present in their ilk].
8 Their horses also are swifter [to the prey] than the leopards, and are more fierce [ravening] than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hastes to eat.
9 They shall come all for violence: their faces shall sup up [mgammah – what gathering? only appearing here] as the east wind, and they shall gather [‘acaph] the captivity as the sand.
10 And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.
11 Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over [‘abar – from life into death], and offend, imputing this his power unto his god.
12 Are you not from everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, you have ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, you have established them for correction.
13 You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and can not look on iniquity: wherefore look you upon them that deal treacherously, and hold your tongue [why are your people who call themselves by your not speaking your words] when the wicked devour the man that is more righteous than he [because they are silent about Your presence]?
14 And make men [caught] as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler [because they reject Him and refuse to obey His leading] over them?
15 They [the wicked] take up all of them with the angle, they catch them in their net, and gather [‘acaph] them in their drag: therefore they rejoice and are glad.
16 Therefore they sacrifice unto their net [the deceptions in which they are caught], and burn incense unto their drag [their power to deceive]; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous.
17 Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations?
As we know, the name Chaldeans tells of these men as the wisest on the earth (the so-called experts of our time) and astrologers (those understanding the movement of the stars). We know them (by their fruits) to be those now using their positions as “experts,” replacing knowledge with specious opinions, knowingly misleading the world to advance their selfish agendas (manipulation aimed at control).
Habakkuk 2 tells of the LORD’s answer to the above questions, which His people will not believe because they are still wondering (tamahh) what they are seeing through their deceived eyes, even though He has sent me to declare it (caphar), reveling the power from His hand (cepher) plainly writing it, as His watchman, on this wall.
Habakkuk 2
1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved [towkechah – as in Proverbs 3:11 & 12, saying “My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction {towkechah}: For whom the LORD loves he corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delights.”].
2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that read it.
3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time [mow’ed – Daniel’s time and times appointed, of Abram’s deep sleep], but at the end [qeuts – the end of days, the end of the sleep, when the book is opened, and Daniel, God’s judgment, stands again] it shall speak [the mouths of God’s people shall again speak His life, light, understanding, to the world], and not lie: though it tarry [mahahh – though His people remain hesitant and reluctant], wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry [‘achar – referring us to its uses in Ecclesiastes 5:5, the passage saying, 4 When you vow a vow unto God {to obey His voice and keep His commands}, defer not to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools: pay that which you have vowed. 5 Better is it that you shouldest not vow, than that you shouldest vow and not pay. 6 Suffer not your mouth {speaking your own words and refuse to speaks His} to cause your flesh to sin; neither say you before the angel {His messenger, I Am the one He’s sent}, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For in the multitude of dreams {the creations of you wandering minds} and many words there are also divers vanities {many worthless words}: but fear you God. 8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel {tamahh – wonder not at what you are seeing, because He has plainly declared it through His messenger} not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regards {seeing it all and telling the world of it}; and there be higher than they. 9 Moreover the profit {this profiting from remaining with the Father and keeping His commands} of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field {the work into which He send you}.].
4 Behold, his [the wicked’s] soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his [own] faith [that this is the LORD presence manifested with, in us, as we speak in His name: as His identity].
5 Yea also, because he transgresses by wine [consuming the deceptions and misleading of the world, which have corrupted and change their sound mind into insanity], he is a proud man [they are swelled with pride in their words that have, as the Jordan, carried all in the descent into death and hell], neither keeps at home [not caring for his own family, house], who enlarges his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied [but desires to consume until there is nothing left alive], but gathers [‘acaph – gathers by their power to deceive: the insanity they violently force] unto him all nations, and heaps unto him all people:
The following, ending with Psalms 127, is from the post of 1 – 5 February 2023, with additions in double brackets.
Therefore, this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking comes suddenly at an instant.
As we understand, the word “therefore” (above in Isaiah 30:13) joins the following effect (result) to the previously mentioned cause.
Pardon me while I digress: what Isaiah is experiencing as the above is spoken is Israel (Ephraim, Samaria – the ten northern tribes), at the time (under king Pekah) already joined with its (northern – the darkness over them) enemies, was now preparing to attack Judah (the elect remnant in our time). This (replacing God with the idols of darkness, led by leaders, in church and state, controlled by foreign enemies) was what hastened Israel’s desolation (as we now see in our large cities) and full end under king Hosea.
This is the pattern written and sent to give understanding to our modern Democrat Party who’ve repeated it (and thereby already all but destroyed themselves). Those leading it are allied with foreign enemies (Godless communists and other destroyers of self-government) whose idols they worship, bowing to abortion, accepting evil as good, attacking good as evil, all for a promised utopia where they don’t have to work for anything. Even if they do work or don’t believe in these idols, they vote to give them power, and together they (believers and agnostics) force their evil upon all. They do all this believing (because their false teachers teach it to them) by it (forcing others to fund their oppressive regime), they absolve themselves of their responsibility to be (all) their brothers’ keepers and instead learn that part of their “new morality” is an obligation to dehumanize and destroy any who don’t (worship devils).
In Isaiah 30, Judah (the two southern tribes – representing our corrupt leaders and the elect remnant) makes the same mistake, departing (ethically) to foreign enemies, and in church and state, following their worldly and relativistic nature (following idols they put in God’s place, becoming estranged from His ways and ideas). This is a warning to “conservatives,” traditionalists who say they believe (know) God and follow His traditional teaching (the laws of nature and nature’s God). They (God’s people), led by those (Machiavellians) who disregard the immutability of these laws, denying historical realities to which they (by choice) become blind, thinking they are the wise of the temporal world, leading us consistently by surrender (sleepwalking), put their trust in them and hopelessly (without another choice) follow.
Isaiah 30
1 Woe to the rebellious children, says the LORD, that take counsel [‘etsah], but not of me; and that cover [nacak – a pouring out, referring to use in Isaiah 29:10 thru 14, saying [[after verse 9 tells us this is the tamahh]] “For the LORD has poured out {nacak} upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers has he covered. And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray you: and he says, I cannot; for it is sealed: And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray you: and he says, I am not learned. Wherefore the LORD said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among {‘eth – near} this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden.] with a covering [of ignorance: blinded to My word], but not of my spirit [by which I reveal it: opening the book to you], that they may add sin to sin:
2 That walk to go down into Egypt [into oppression], and have not asked at my mouth [not harkening to this word]; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh [the house of oppressive leaders], and to trust in the shadow of Egypt [thinking they can there hide from what is actually the wrath of God: their own choices coming upon their own heads]!
3 Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your [blinding] confusion.
4 For his princes were at Zoan [the place of departure: into following the shepherds of oppression], and his ambassadors [mal’ak – evil angels: messenger with intentionally misleading advice] came to Hanes [and thereby fled from the grace of God found in His good advice: counsel in His word].
5 They were all ashamed of a people that could not profit them, nor be a help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.
6 The burden of the beasts of the south [the words of Judah, her misleaders without My Spirit]: into the land of trouble [tsarah – into tribulation: the time of Jacob’s trouble] and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures [the worldly advice they say has value] upon the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them [because there is no value in their advice].
7 For the Egyptians [the foreign ways and ideas of oppression] shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still [shebeth – cessation, while the LORD is calling to join Him in His ONE BODY, to the battle in the war raging against us].
8 Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book [[cepher]], that it may be for the time to come [[‘acharown]] forever and ever:
9 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:
10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.
12 Wherefore thus says the Holy One of Israel, Because you despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon:
13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking comes suddenly [pith’own] at an instant [petha’ – a seven times used keyword]. [This refers to these words’ use in Isaiah 29:5, described in the following verse, saying “You shall be visited {paqad – by the Chief Overseer} of the LORD of hosts with thunder {the sound of the light heard from the cloud in heaven}, and with earthquake {see Hebrews 12}, and great noise {qowl – the voice of the LORD heard}, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire. Hebrews 12:21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) 22 But you are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels {messengers of God, sent speaking His word to those who’ve become heirs of salvation}, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn {among God’s many children}, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 And to Jesus {Jehovah’s Salvation manifested in the flesh} the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel. 25 See that you refuse not him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from {the cloud, thundering with the full understanding of} heaven: 26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he has promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things {the corruption men added} that are shaken, as of things that are made {by men}, that those things which cannot be shaken {the pure truth} may remain. 28 Wherefore we {as the heirs of salvation} receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire.]
14 And he shall break it [the wall of lies in which men trust] as the breaking of the potters’ vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit [into which corrupt men have led the world].
15 For thus says the LORD God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning [shuwbah – to Jehovah] and rest shall you be saved; in quietness [making peace – Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.] and in confidence [in the LORD doing this] shall be your strength: and you would not [put your trust in Him, and trusted men].
16 But you said, No; for we will flee upon horses ; therefore shall you flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.
17 One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall you flee: till you be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign [nec – when the LORD’s voice, from the son of man lifted up, is exalted above all others] on a hill.
18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.
19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: you shall weep no more: he will be very gracious unto you at the voice of your cry; when he shall hear it [exalting this word of God, as the word from the mouth of God to the heirs], he will answer you.
20 And though the LORD give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not your teachers be removed into a corner any more, but your eyes shall see your teachers:
21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk you in it, when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left.
22 You shall defile also the covering [tsippuwy – the words in which you put your trust] of your graven images of silver, and the ornament of your molten images of gold: you shall cast them away as a menstruous cloth; you shall say unto it, Get you hence.
23 Then shall he give the rain [this word from heaven] of your seed [to bring life again to the earth], that you shall sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall your cattle feed in large pastures.
24 The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat clean provender [this pure food from heaven], which has been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan.
25 And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.
26 Moreover the light of the moon [the new civil government] shall be as the light [understanding] of the sun [of the LORD’s ONE BODY], and the light [the understanding] of the sun [Church] shall be sevenfold [perfected], as the light of seven days [the understanding of the full creation completed], in the day that the LORD binds up the breach of his people, and heals the stroke of their wound.
27 Behold, the name of the LORD comes from far [merchaq – recognized in His manner as long ago], burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation [[za’am]], and his tongue as a devouring fire:
28 And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err.
29 You shall have a song [this word to be repeated as received], as in the night [in this time of darkness] when a holy solemnity [qadash – this time of cleansing] is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goes with a pipe [with this music] to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel.
30 And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall show the lighting [understanding] down of his arm [by His works], with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones [this word frozen in heaven, sent against the current corrupt crop of leaders].
31 For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian [the communists in power] be beaten down, which [He will] smote with a rod [this just law from My mouth].
32 And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the LORD shall lay upon him, it shall be with tabrets and harps: and in battles of shaking [as in Hebrews 12] will he fight with it.
33 For Tophet [this place of fires] is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he has made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD [whose words are a consuming fire], like a stream of brimstone, does kindle it.
Proverbs 6
9 How long will you sleep, O sluggard? when will you arise out of your sleep?
10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands [[chibbuq – a twice use word, from chabaq]] to sleep:
11 So shall your poverty come as one that travels, and your want as an armed man.
12 A naughty [bliya’al – rejecting discipline] person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth [twisting and perverting truth].
13 He winks with his eyes [signaling in evil intentions to his evil allies], he speaks with his feet [misleading those following his evil advice], he teaches with his [false accusing] fingers;
14 Frowardness is in his heart [the foundation of his mind is upon twisted and perverted truth], he devises mischief continually; he soweth discord [madown – dividing those opposing his evil].
15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly [pith’own]; suddenly [petha’] shall he be broken without remedy [marpe’].
16 These six things does the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him [nephesh – dividing His ONE BODY]:
17 A proud look [one], a lying tongue [two], and hands that shed innocent blood [three],
18 A heart that devises wicked imaginations [four], feet that be swift in running to mischief [five],
19 A false witness that speaks lies [six], and he that soweth discord [mdan – from madown, evil judgment {that follows the other six}] among brethren [seven – the abomination].
20 My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of your mother:
21 Bind them continually upon your heart, and tie them about your neck.
22 When you go, it shall lead you; when you sleep, it shall keep you; and when you awake, it shall talk with you.
Proverbs 29
1 He, that being often reproved hardens his neck, shall suddenly [petha’] be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn.
3 Whoso loves wisdom rejoices his father: but he that keeps company with harlots [the unfaithful churches] spends his substance.
4 The king by [good] judgment establishes the land [‘erets – the earth]: but he that receives gifts [as does Bandon from the communists] overthrows it [with unjust evil judgment repaying his gift – now when the {balloon} payment is due].
5 A man that flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous does sing [these words of the LORD] and rejoice.
7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor: but the wicked regards not to know it.
8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
The above, Proverbs 29:1, speaking of those often “reproved” (towkechah – corrected; in the LORD’s long-suffering, not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance) refer us to the final use of petha’, in Habakkuk 2:7. There it describes now when the sleeping, those “reproved” by the LORD awaken at the appointed time (mow’ed), the end (qets) when the passage speaks. It says their opened mouths, in parable and taunting, vex the wicked who are laden with “thick clay.”
As previously discussed, “thick clay” (appearing in Habakkuk 2:6) is from the once-used Hebrew word ‘abtiyt, said to mean “something pledged, i.e. (collectively) pawned goods.” The rendering as “thick clay” is said (by Strong) to be from a false etymology, and he gives his meaning based on the statement before: “Woe to him that increases [by] that which is not his! how long [until the sluggard, held under the power that is to sit still, awakens]? and to him that lades himself with thick clay [pawning what isn’t his – or taking bribes for selling out what isn’t his to sell]!”
The rendering as “thick clay” is from the two words’ ab and tiyt, respectively meaning “an envelope, i.e. darkness; specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse [thicket of small trees or shrubs];” and “from an unused root meaning, apparently to be sticky (rath. perb. a demon. from 2894, through the idea of dirt to be swept away); mud or clay; figuratively, calamity.” In this context, it speaks of the calamity of darkness that burdens the people sleeping: unaware of the wickedness at work and, of the experience, asking “how long” the people will remain unaware.
Habakkuk 2
6 Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb [conundrum] against him, and say, Woe to him that increased that which is not his! how long [until the sluggards you’ve put to sleep awakens]? and to him that lades himself with thick clay [that brought the calamity of darkness upon My people and sold them into the hand of their enemies]!
7 Shall they not rise up suddenly [petha’] that shall bite [shall open their mouths against] you, and awake that shall vex you, and you shall be for booties unto them?
8 Because you have spoiled many nations [those who don’t recognize Me], all the [elect] remnant of the people shall spoil you; because of men’s blood [the life you’ve drained from humanity], and for the violence of the land [‘erets – earth], of the city, and of all that dwell therein.
9 Woe to him that covets an evil covetousness to [bring evil upon] his house, that he may set his nest on high [putting himself in My place, resting in heaven], that he may be delivered [natsal – harpazo, raptured {not the false fly away doctrine of false prophets}, pulled from the fire] from the power of evil [of their house: caused by misleading and deception]!
10 You have consulted shame to your house by cutting off many people [from seeing Me], and have sinned against your soul [nephesh – by not joining with Me].
11 For the stone shall cry out of the wall [from your house], and the beam out of the timber shall answer [‘anah – the answer of the LORD heard from those awakened] it.
12 [And they say] Woe to him that builds a town with blood [by draining its life with ways that bring only death], and establishes a city by iniquity!
13 Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts [who is a man {I Am} of war] that the people shall labor in the very fires [these men’s ways and ideas cause], and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity [what is worthless]?
14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters [this pure word of God] cover the sea [all humanity].
15 Woe unto him that gives his neighbor drink [the wine above, that makes the mind ignorant and dysfunctional], that puts your bottle [filled with men’s corruption] to him, and make him drunken also, that you mayest look on their nakedness!
16 You are filled with shame for glory: drink you also, and let your foreskin [your flesh mind in which is hidden your evil intentions] be uncovered: the cup of the LORD’s right hand shall be turned unto you, and shameful spewing shall be on your glory [your wickedness plainly seen, that identifies you {marking your head and hand: your evil ideas and works}].
17 For the violence of Lebanon [the purity that should be seen in high places, which you’ve corrupted] shall cover you, and the spoil of beasts [those without My Spirit leading them], which made them afraid, because of men’s blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.
18 What profits the graven image that the maker thereof has graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusts therein, to make dumb idols?
19 Woe unto him that says to the [known dead] wood, Awake; to the dumb stone [from whom no words of value come], Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver [which the world says have value], and there is no breath [ruwach – it is without My Spirit and therefore not having to power to give life to the dead] at all in the midst of it.
20 But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him [and exalt His voice above all others].
In Isaiah 30:8 and Habakkuk 2:2, the LORD, through these writers, writes of our experience, giving us the understanding that His presence must be spoken of, as He speaks through those in whose mouths He’s put His words (as I have believed and have spoken). It is now when the earth is filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, which glory is revealed by these waters, His word from our mouths, covering, as the sun shines from the east to the west, all humanity, who by faith comes out of the house of corruption blinding them, into the light.
2 Samuel 22
33 God is my strength and power: and he makes my way perfect.
34 He makes my feet like hinds’ feet: and sets me upon my high places.
35 He teaches my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by my arms.
36 You have also given me the shield of your salvation: and your gentleness [meekness – having the power to destroy, but choosing instead to save] has made me great.
37 You have enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip.
38 I have pursued my enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them.
39 And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet.
40 For you have girded me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me have you subdued under me.
41 You have also given me the necks of my enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.
42 They looked, but there was none to save; even unto the LORD, but he answered [‘anah] them not.
43 Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire [tiyt] of the street, and did spread them abroad.
44 You also have delivered me from the strivings of my people, you have kept me to be head of the heathen [gowy]: a people which I knew not shall serve me.
45 Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear [from my awakened people], they shall be obedient unto me.
46 Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places.
47 The LORD lives; and blessed be my Rock; and exalted be the God of the Rock of my salvation [from who flows His word, which is exalted above all other voices].
48 It is God that avenges me, and that bringeth down the people under me.
49 And that bringeth me forth from my enemies: you also have lifted [His voice in] me up on high above them that rose up against me: you have delivered me from the violent man.
50 Therefore I will give thanks unto you, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto your name.
51 He is the tower of salvation for his king: and show mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.
2 Samuel 23
1 Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,
2 The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and his word was in my tongue.
3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, He that rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
4 And he shall be as the light of the morning [the understanding of the new day], when the sun rises [and shines from the east to the west], even a morning without clouds [even a new day when understanding has fully returned to the earth]; as the tender grass springing out [new life returns to] the earth by of clear shining [of understanding] after rain [this word of God sent from heaven].
5 Although my house be not so with God; yet he has made with me an everlasting covenant [that of my seed shall one come to sit on the throne], ordered [bringing order again] in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he makes it not to grow [until this time].
6 But the sons of Belial [who follow men, idols, as the gods of this dead and corrupt world] shall be all of them as thorns [misleaders] thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:
7 But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron [this law in my hand] and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire [this word as the sword of the LORD from my mouth] in the same place.
1 Thessalonians 4
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep [koima – made still and silent], that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope [of them being reanimated].
14 For if we believe that Jesus died [apothnesko – to die away {from sight}] and rose again [from stillness and silence], even so them also which sleep [koimai – those that are lifeless: still and silent] in Jesus will God bring with [ago – lead by] him [quickening into life].
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the LORD, that we which are alive [zao] and remain unto the coming of the LORD shall not prevent [rise as ONE BODY before] them which are asleep [koimai – the lifeless, in whom His Spirit has not yet been awakened, as it will be by the effectual working of this word once heard and received].
16 For the LORD himself shall descend from heaven [full understanding] with a [an awakening] shout, with the voice of the archangel [His messenger from whom His shout is heard], and with the trump of God [calling all to gather to Him in His ONE BODY]: and the dead [nekros – lifeless {sleeping minds}] in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive [zao – already quickened from death into life] and remain [faithfully speaking His word as received] shall be caught up [harpazo – pulled from the fires] together with them in the clouds [into full understanding], to meet the LORD in the air [cleared of the smoke from the bottomless pit, which darkened the sun: made the church lifeless without light]: and so shall we ever be with the LORD [in heaven, in full understanding on the earth].
18 Wherefore comfort [lead into all truth] one another with these words.
1 Peter 4
1 Forasmuch then as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin;
2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles [those who haven’t known the LORD], when we walked [with the misleading blind gods of this world] in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, reveling, banqueting, and abominable idolatries:
4 Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess [ignorance] of riot, speaking evil of you:
5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick [zao] and the dead [nekros].
6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead [nekros], that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live [zao] according to God in the spirit.
7 But the end of all things is at hand: be you, therefore, sober [of a sound mind], and watch [understanding the experience] unto prayer [conversing with the LORD above His mercy seat].
8 And above all things have fervent charity [agape – freely giving this word as He has given it] among yourselves: for charity [agape] shall cover the multitude of sins.
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
10 As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace [this gift] of God.
11 If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified [as the giver of the word] through Jesus Christ [through Jehovah’s Salvation manifested in our flesh], to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial [from the world who doesn’t know the LORD and can’t hear Him speaking] which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ’s [long] sufferings [not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance]; that, when his glory [His presence in you] shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy [that those recognizing Him have been made perfect by His word, power, effectually working in them, changing them, opening their eyes and ears to His gospel].
14 If you be reproached for the name [His identity in you] of Christ, happy are you; for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.
16 Yet if any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begins at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear [in the hell they’ve created and chosen]?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator [raising us from death and hell into life in His new heaven and earth].
2 Corinthians 4
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have [at His mercy seat] received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel is hid, it is hidden to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light [understanding] of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the LORD; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light [understanding] to shine out of darkness [ignorance], has shined in our hearts, to give the light [understanding] of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face [presence] of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the LORD Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
14 Knowing that he which raised up the LORD Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
Psalms 127
1 Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman wakes but in vain.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he gives his beloved sleep.
3 Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
5 Happy is the man that has his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
Habakkuk 3
1 A prayer of Habakkuk [taken by {God’s} hand] the prophet upon Shigionoth [to those who have strayed into error].
2 O LORD, I have heard your speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive [quicken – bring to life] your work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known [give us understanding – knowledge]; in wrath remember mercy [and it is so, My wrath is understanding, and those who forsake it reject mercy].
3 God came from Teman [the right hand {power} from looking toward the sun rise {for light}], and the Holy One from mount Paran [the cloud, where understanding of the knowledge is given by the light seen in it – see Numbers 10:11 thru 14 & Job 37:21 & 38:34 thru 38]. Selah [think about it]. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise.
4 And his brightness was as the light [understanding sent]; he had horns [rays of light] coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power.
5 Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet.
6 He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow [all the place that have raised themselves up from the earth]: his ways are everlasting.
7 I saw the tents of Cushan [the houses of darkness] in affliction: and the curtains [separation] of the land of Midian [strife] did tremble [agitation as the product].
8 Was the LORD displeased against the rivers [the means by which the waters of death flowed]? was your anger against the rivers? was your wrath against the sea [the people who became agitated by what flowed into them], that you did ride upon your horses [God’s people become His goodly horse in the battle – see Zechariah 10:3 for who the anger is against] and your chariots of salvation [the product of the LORD’s power raised in His people]?
9 Your bow was made quite naked [see Isaiah 52:10], according to the oaths of the tribes [see Genesis 49:8 thru 12, & 22 thru 26], even your word. Selah [think about it]. You did cleave the earth with rivers [this rightly divided pure word of God, flowing directly from Him].
10 The mountains [the high places of men – see Ephesians 6:12] saw you, and they trembled: the [these] overflowing of the water passed by [‘abar – Passed over raising them from death into life]: the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands [exalting His handiwork, the light coming from His hand, where is His power] on high.
11 The sun and moon [church and civil government] stood still in their habitation: at the light [understanding] of your arrows [Ephraim – God’s children in this generation] they went, and at the shining of your glittering spear [this word coming from the hand of God].
12 You did march through the land in indignation, you did thresh the heathen in anger.
13 You went forth for the salvation of your people, even for salvation with your anointed [I am]; you wounded the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah [think about it].
14 You did strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly.
15 You did walk through the sea with your horses, through the heap of great waters.
16 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 comes up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops [the enemy that has come and why there is no life or fruit, and why the herd is scattered].
17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
The word rendered “stringed instrument” is the Hebrew word ngiynah, a fourteen times used word meaning a taunting song when used to tell of man’s actions, and of the LORD’s smiting the enemies of His people. It is used nine times in the Psalms, mostly as an epilogue, as in Habakkuk. It tells of the LORD striking the enemies as if strings of an instrument, and the strikes together form the song, a tune we recognize.
Psalms 3
1 LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3 But you, O LORD, are a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for you have smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; you have broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8 Salvation belongs unto the LORD: your blessing is upon your people. Selah.
To the chief musician, on ngiynah, (when He has struck down the enemies as if a stringed instrument.)
