as pure, power as concentrated, may be found elsewhere; but the extended colloquy between God and the prophet, and the exquisitely beautiful ode which forms the conclusion of the prophecy, are unique. The introduction of the majestic theophany is as bold in conception as it is sublime in diction. We know not whether most to admire the idea set forth, or the images under which it is developed. How terrible are the threatenings and announcements ! how bitter the derision ! how sweet and tender the promises of mercy and love ! The past; the present, and the future are pre- sented in vivid colours. Difficult, almost impossible, as it was for a prophet, confined to one circle of ideas, to be original, Habakkuk has given a new form to old conceptions, and brightened the notions of earlier seers with the splendour of imagery all his own~d with harmonious diction which is surpassed by no other s~cred poet. The final ode may be set beside the two grand psalms, the eighteenth and the sixty-eighth, and will not suffer by the comparison.
§ V. LITERATURE, Among the works specially devoted to the elucidation of the prophecy of Habakkuk WCI may note the following: The Jeu Abarbanel, whose commentary was translated into Latin by Sprecher (1709); Agellius (1597); De Thou ; Jansen d'Ypres, 'Analecta in Habac.;' Dugue, 'Explication' (1734). The above are Roman Catholic commenta- tors. Among Protestants ma.y be mentioned Capito (1526); Chyrtaius, 'Lectiones' (1592); Marbury, 'A Commentarie' (1650); Tarnovius, 'Comm.' (1623); Ka.linsky; Monra.d (1759); Kofod (1792); Faber (1779); Wahl, Tra.nslation and Notes (li90); Wolff (1822); Delitzsch, 'Der Proph. Ha.b. ausgelgt' (1843); Gll.Illpach (1860); Reinke, 'Der Proph. Hab.' (1870).
§ VI. ARRANGEMENT IN SECTIONS. The book consists of two pa.rts. Part I. (Ch. i., ii.) Judgment upon the evil, in the form of a colloquy between the prophet and God. § 1. (Ch. i. 1.) The inscription of the book. § 2. (Ch. i. 2-4.) The prophet complains to God of the iniquity rife in the land, o.nd its consequences,· § 3. (Ch. i. 5-11.) God answers that he will send the Chaldeans to punish the ill-doers with a terrible vengeance; but these, his instruments, shall themselves offend by pride and impiety. § 4. (Ch. i. 12-17.) The prophet beseeches the Lord not to suffer his people to perish, seeinii: that he is in covenant with them, but to remember ruercy even during the affliction at the band of these rapacious oppressors. § 5. (Ch. ii. 1-3.) The prophet, waitinii: for his answer, is bidden write the oracle in plain characters, because its fulfilment is certain. § 6. (Ch. ii. 4.) The great principle is taught tho.t the proud shall not continue, but the just shall Jive by faith. § 7. (Ch. ii. 6.) The character of the Chaldeans in some particulnrs is intimated; their destruction is announced under the form of five " woes.'' § 8. (Ch. ii. 6-8.) For rapacity. § 9. {Ch. ii. 9-11.) For avarice, violence, and cunning. § 10. ~Cb. ii. 12-14.) For founding power on blood and dcvast,'ltion. § 11. Ch. ii. 15-17.) For base treat-ment of subject nations. § 12. Oh. il. 18-20.) For idolatry, vi INTRODUCTION 'l'O •rHE BOOK OF HA.BA.KKUK.
Part II. (Cb. iii.) Psalm or pr&yer of m~bakkuk. § 1. (Ch. iii. 1.) The title. § 2. (Ch. iii. 2.) The procemium, in which the prophet expresses bis fear nt the coming judgnwnt, and prays God in bis wrath to remember mercy. § 3. (Ch. iii. 3-15.) He depicts in a majestic theophany the coming of God to judge the world, and its effect, symbolically on materi~l nature, and properly on evil men. § 4. (Ch. iii. 16, 17.) It produces in the people of God, first, fear and trembling e.\ the prospect of chastisement. § 5. (Ch:iil. 18, 19.) And next, hope of salvation and joy in God. 'rHE BOOK OF HA.BAKKUK.
EXPOSITION.