Habakkuk 1:2-3

Habakkuk’s First Prayer

^{Tools
2}

How long,^(A) Lord, must I call for help^(B)
and You do not listen
or cry out to You about violence
and You do not save?

^{Tools
3}

Why do You force me to look at injustice?^(C)
Why do You tolerate^(a) wrongdoing?
Oppression and violence are right in front of me.
Strife is ongoing, and conflict escalates.

Footnotes:

a. Habakkuk 1:3: Lit observe

Cross references:

A. Habakkuk 1:2: Psalm 4:2; Psalm 6:3; Psalm 13:1

B. Habakkuk 1:2: Job 19:7; Psalm 5:2

C. Habakkuk 1:3: Job 4:8; Psalm 5:5; Isaiah 5:7