Habakkuk 2:1-2

2:1 I will stand at my watch post;

I will remain stationed on the city wall. ¹ 

I will keep watching, so I can see what he says to me

and can know ²  how I should answer

when he counters my argument. ³ 

The Lord Assures Habakkuk

2:2 The Lord responded: ⁴ 

“Write down this message! ⁵  Record it legibly on tablets,

so the one who announces ⁶  it may read it easily. ⁷ 

¹ sn Habakkuk compares himself to a watchman stationed on the city wall who keeps his eyes open for approaching messengers or danger.

² tn The word “know” is supplied in the translation for clarification.

³ tn Heb “concerning my correction [or, “reproof”].”

⁴ tn Heb “the Lord answered and said.” The redundant expression “answered and said” has been simplified in the translation as “responded.”

⁵ tn Heb “[the] vision.”

⁶ tn Or “reads from.”

⁷ tn Heb “might run,” which here probably means “run [through it quickly with one’s eyes],” that is, read it easily.