Habakkuk 2:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Yet, those who tirelessly contend with him—namely, the heralds of gospel truth—arise, as if they are gnawing away at his very essence, sharing in the same mindset and feelings; just as ‘he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him’ (1 Cor. 6:17), so too, those who unite with the devil become one body with him. Consequently, those who conspire against him will find encouragement, for they will realize that he has ultimately been subdued beneath the feet of the saints, for Christ explicitly states: ‘I give you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy’ (Luke 10:19). They will then seize those who are aligned with him and guide them toward the truth, teaching them who the true God is and revealing the mystery of Christ, who is the first to conquer him. Thus, we must heed His words: ‘Or how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house’ (Matthew 12:29). From the moment He was born of the blessed Virgin, He started to take from his possessions; for wise men arrived from the east, inquiring, ‘Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him’ (Matthew 2:2). They bowed down to Him, honoring Him with gifts and marking the initiation of the nations' inheritance. Being vessels of the devil, and among the most esteemed of all his members, they turned their hearts to Christ. The prophet Isaiah also foreshadowed that He would seize the vessels of the strong; it is written regarding him: ‘For before the boy knows how to say ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria’ (Isaiah 8:4). It appears to me that the essence of these words hints at a historical event. Samaria was laid waste by the king of Assyria, yet within this stands a spiritual mystery, for the prophetic declaration assures us that the strength of the Savior will prevail over those who have devastated His people.

In the end, will not all nations bear witness against him, reflecting upon his previous greatness now turned to ruin, as he lies intoxicated by the cup of divine retribution? Woe to the one who exhausts the world yet remains unsatisfied, continuing to pillage the vulnerable while drowning in his own iniquity. He adorns his amassed wealth with the filth of greed. Will the Medians and Persians not suddenly rise up, ravaging Babylon and dismantling it? Will Nebuchadnezzar not become their spoils, suffering at the hands of nations spared from his tyranny? His judgement will be rendered for the bloodshed of Judah and for the injustices dealt to the land of Israel and particularly the city of Jerusalem.

Reflecting on the Seventy, it can be seen that all references to Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar apply similarly to this world and the devil, who embodies the true essence of arrogance. This being believes itself to be significant, yet all its undertakings lead to destruction. The devil, like death, will not be fulfilled by the deaths he causes; he revels in deceiving nations and drawing tribes to himself. When he is cast into the abyss, the memories of prophetic teachings that had once eluded them will resurface, and the nations will cry out in unison, “Woe to the devil, who has gathered riches that do not belong to him! Woe to the partridge that collects what she has not sown!” “How long?” will be a question echoing both accusers and those awaiting the Last Judgment. The chains that bind the proud will be heavy, forced to bow down that which was once lifted high.

The tormentors will rise unexpectedly—whether they are angels administering justice to the devil or those once held captive by him who return to Christ’s fold. The very ones whom the devil put to sleep will now reclaim their strength to bring his kingdom to ruin. He has plundered many nations, stripping the people of Judah of their dignity and treasures endowed by God. Consequently, those nations that refuse to submit to his rule shall rise against him, denuding him of everything for the blood he has shed and the injustices he has inflicted upon both the land of Judah and the city of Jerusalem. The cries against their Creator, “Crucify Him, crucify Him: His blood be upon us and upon our children,” will fall back upon his head and become a reason for his downfall.

These descriptions can also be interpreted in relation to the Antichrist, who, in his hubris, will take his seat in God’s temple as if he were God, mirroring death’s relentless grasp as he draws in countless souls. Even attempting to deceive God’s chosen ones, he will gather nations under his misleading shadow. However, once the truth prevails and he is slain by the Spirit of Christ's Word, many will recognize the prophecies fulfilled and condemn him accordingly. The nations that have remained faithful to God will plunder him for the wrongs he has inflicted on the world, including the desolation spread in the Church.

In the final days, the Church will face dire desolation and rampant wickedness due to the bold Antichrist and the multiplying iniquity of many. Love will grow cold (Matt. 24:12), leading the Lord, who knows every heart and its secrets, to question if He will find faith on the earth upon His return (Luke 18:8). The Apostle John reminds us that in these latter times, many antichrists will arise (1 John 2:18), thus each heresy and perverse teaching that despises the simplicity of true faith contributes to this dire state. Those who revel in leading many to ruin have indeed gathered rich filth for themselves, preparing their chains of destruction. The nations, representing the faithful of the Church who have resisted the devil’s seduction, will awaken and rise against these corruptions.

Some suggest that the woes pronounced upon those who expand their ill-gotten wealth pertain to the affluent who covet possessions belonging to others, under the illusion that they possess them. The Lord reminds us of this truth when He states, “If you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own?” (Luke 16:12). The entire passage appears to hint at the fate of these rich individuals, yet the connection between the prophet's inquiry and the interpretation offered remains uncertain.