1-4. The problem as God gave Habakkuk to see it:God, how long do I have to cry out for helpbefore you listen?How many times do I have to yell, “Help! Murder! Police!”before you come to the rescue?Why do you force me to look at evil,stare trouble in the face day after day?Anarchy and violence break out,quarrels and fights all over the place.Law and order fall to pieces.Justice is a joke.The wicked have the righteous hamstrungand stand justice on its head.
12-13. God, you’re from eternity, aren’t you?Holy God, we aren’t going to die, are we?God, you chose Babylonians for your judgment work?Rock-Solid God, you gave them the job of discipline?But you can’t be serious!You can’t condone evil!So why don’t you do something about this?Why are you silent now?This outrage! Evil men swallow up the righteousand you stand around and watch!
14-16. You’re treating men and womenas so many fish in the ocean,Swimming without direction,swimming but not getting anywhere.Then this evil Babylonian arrives and goes fishing.He pulls in a good catch.He catches his limit and fills his creel—a good day of fishing! He’s happy!He praises his rod and reel,piles his fishing gear on an altar and worships it!It’s made his day,and he’s going to eat well tonight!