Habakkuk 1:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Therefore, he proclaims, he shall serve his troops, which facilitated the capture of nations and the downfall of Israel, expressing gratitude for his fortunes. He proceeds to declare that he will not relent in vanquishing peoples, subjugating tribes, and showing no mercy whatsoever.

Satan has conducted himself likewise, ensnaring all of humanity, particularly Israel, with a single trap—the net of sin. This is especially true concerning iniquities committed against Christ and specifically against Israel, whom he considers his chosen prey. The Jews appear to him more advantageous than others, for it is said, “when the Most High divided the nations, when he scattered the children of Adam, he set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the angels of God. But the Lord's portion is his people, Jacob, his allotted inheritance” (Deuteronomy 32:8-9). Thus, Israel was selected above all others, like a firstborn among children, stemming from a sacred lineage, receiving the law as a beacon, and being called to an understanding of the one true God. However, despite these elevated privileges of glory and grace, they, along with others, fell into bondage—some due to straying and aligning with the devil, and others because they rejected the true God, who became incarnate as a Son and assumed our human likeness, suffering a wicked demise—betrayed into his snare. His intent is to annihilate all who inhabit the earth.

Through these idols, he grew prosperous and acquired his inheritance—wealth and dominion over many leaders and kings, likened to grand fish, which the prophet refers to as fine delicacies. Once he has feasted on this plentiful catch and filled his nets, namely his armies, he does not cease to wage war upon the nations, continuously subjugating them.

In this context, the Seventy interpret that the malevolent adversary, who oppresses the just and treats humanity like sea creatures and brings desolation like reptiles without a guide, has cast his net—a similar one to that with which the Apostle Peter caught the first fish containing a coin (Matt. 17:27). Adam fell victim to this net, and the devil extracted him from paradise with his snares, ensnaring him through various cunning deceptions. Thus, he rejoices, valuing his trickery above God’s commandments, offering sacrifices not to his own mouth, which signifies corrupt speech, but to his net, through which he captures the most substantial offerings. As Scripture affirms, “Through one man very many became sinners” (Rom. 5:19), and in Adam, all faced death (1 Cor. 15:22), leading all saints to be expelled from Paradise alongside him. Consequently, the devil's provisions seem appealing, as he, in accordance with the Psalmist's words, “thou shalt seek food for thyself from God” (Ps. 103:21), strives to conquer the prophets and apostles. Having deceived humanity since the dawn of time, he persistently seeks to destroy the entire human race.

This passage may also reflect the numerous distorted doctrines of heretics, who similarly ensnare many through their wit and deceptions, triumphing over their victims. They elevate their own persuasive words to the status of God’s authority while simultaneously corrupting it, using their schemes to ensnare many innocent souls, including esteemed and holy individuals, designated in Scripture as the choicest offerings. Thus, like predatory animals, ever hungry for blood, they cast their nets, aiming not merely to claim a few souls, but to ensnare countless others. One who observes the multitude of heresies and distorted beliefs ensnared by the devil will have no qualms about causing the downfall of entire nations. Yet, the result of these captures is ultimately destruction.

The devil’s targets are not merely those who lack belief or are outside the Church—whose bodies the king of Assyria once burned for light; rather, his true aim is to rob the Church of Christ. As described by the prophet Habakkuk, “His food is chosen” (Abb. 1:16). He aims to bring Job down and, after having consumed Judas, seeks to scatter the other apostles.

10:14), and he further warns, "under thee they will put rottenness, and thy covering will be worm" (Is. 14:11). Additionally, the blessed prophet Habakkuk foretold, "He shall devour his bosom, and show his net, as by those he shall divide his portion, and his chosen food."

Therefore, I assert, this is the life of the saints, who remain in peril in this conflict until their earthly journey concludes. In the end, during their glorious victory, what do the saints proclaim? Death, where is your struggle? This will be the declaration of the victorious. Death, where is your sting? (Hosea 13:14; 1 Corinthians 15:55). The sting of death is sin, which brings about death. Sin resembles a scorpion; it strikes, resulting in our demise. But when can it be affirmed, Death, where is your victory? This promise is fulfilled not in this life but following the resurrection, when the saints shall receive the gift of not desiring or being able to sin.