Habakkuk 2:9

9 "How terrible it will be for the Babylonians! They build their kingdom with money they gained by cheating others. They have tried to make the kingdom as secure as possible. After all, they did not want to be destroyed.

Habakkuk 2:9 Meaning and Commentary

Habakkuk 2:9

Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house,
&c.] The bishops of Rome, being enriched by the donations of Constantine, were not satisfied, but coveted more; these are the greedy dogs Isaiah speaks of, that could never have enough, ( Isaiah 56:11 ) but were still seeking and gaping after more for themselves and families, and for their own house or church; which, from the time of their apostasy, became their own house, in distinction from, and in opposition to, the house or true church of God; and of those covetous bishops, or Rome Papal, are these and the following words to ( Habakkuk 2:9-14 ) to be understood: that he may set his nest on high:
in allusion to birds, especially the eagle, which builds its nest in high places, that it may be secure from any that would otherwise disturb it, or take it away: so these covetous and ambitious bishops, getting great wealth and riches, and large dominions into their hands, secular power and authority, as well as ecclesiastical, set themselves up, and advanced their see and seat, not only above all other bishops, but even above the kings and princes of the earth, above all that are called gods, ( 2 Thessalonians 2:4 ) and by such means endeavoured to gain their point, the main thing they had in view: that he may be delivered from the power of evil;
that they might be safe and secure against all worldly power, and be out of the jurisdiction of the princes of the earth, and in no danger of being dispossessed or crushed by them.

Habakkuk 2:9 In-Context

7 Those who owe you money will suddenly rise up. You charge them too much interest. So they will wake up and make you tremble with fear. Then they will take away everything you have.

8 You have robbed many nations. So the nations that are left will rob you. You have spilled man's blood. You have destroyed lands and cities and everyone in them.'

9 "How terrible it will be for the Babylonians! They build their kingdom with money they gained by cheating others. They have tried to make the kingdom as secure as possible. After all, they did not want to be destroyed.

10 They have planned to wipe out many nations. But they have brought shame on their own kingdom. So they must pay with their own lives.

11 The stones in the walls of their homes will cry out. And the wooden beams will echo that cry.