THE EVIL, GODLESS, HEATHEN CHALDEANS WERE USED AS AGENTS OF CORRECTION.

HABAKKUK

THE CHALDEANS

“…Look among the nations! Watch! Be horrified! Be frightened speechless!
For I am accomplishing a work in your days—
You would not believe it even if you were told! For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, That grim and impetuous people Who march throughout the earth, To take possession of dwelling places that are not theirs. They are terrifying and feared; Their justice and authority originate with themselves. Their horses are faster than leopards, And quicker than wolves in the evening. Their horsemen charge along, Their horsemen come from afar; They fly like an eagle swooping down to devour. All of them come for violence. Their horde of faces moves forward They gather captives like sand. They make fun of kings, And dignitaries are an object of laughter to them. They laugh at every fortress,
Then heap up dirt and capture it. Then they fly along like the wind and pass on. But they will be held guilty, They whose strength is their god…” (Habakkuk 1:5-11 NASB).

 

 

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“…For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, That grim and impetuous people …” (Habakkuk 1:5-11 NASB). After God reassures Habakkuk, his JUSTICE will be served, he tells him the plan. He told him the CHALDEAN (also known as the BABYLONIANS) nation, of that time, would RISE UP and COME TO POWER.

The Chaldeans were coming from a lower status or position, under another nation, and were, at one time, allies with God’s people. They were perceived as a friend, who was on their side.

This group of Chaldeans, however, were wicked, EVIL, godless, unrepentant, and CRUEL. They ATTACKED the FAITH of God’s people.

God’s word says: “… I am raising up the Chaldeans…” (Habakkuk 1:5-11 NASB). The Chaldeans were already a nation, a Semitic race, primeval (they dated back to Abraham), and a conquering people. Thus, God is NOT establishing them, but merely raising them up into power against Judah.

They’d come into the region after being transplanted there by the Assyrians. They settled there and GREW into this conquering nation of people.

Habakkuk describes these people negatively. “grim and impetuous people Who march throughout the earth, To take possession of dwelling places that are not theirs. They are terrifying and feared; Their justice and authority originate with themselves. Their horses are faster than leopards, And quicker than wolves in the evening. Their horsemen charge along, Their horsemen come from afar; They fly like an eagle swooping down to devour. All of them come for violence. Their horde of faces moves forward They gather captives like sand. They make fun of kings, And dignitaries are an object of laughter to them. They laugh at every fortress, Then heap up dirt and capture it. Then they fly along like the wind and pass on…” (Habakkuk 1:5-11 NASB).

The Chaldeans’ violence was their CHOICE, not God’s. They were heathens with their OWN laws and not God’s laws. They conducted themselves according to their OWN standards, and not God’s. They, on their own volition, placed themselves in positions of eminence, over other nations, and not God.

They made themselves lords through force or violence and not by God’s powerful Spirit. They were intensively EVIL (horrifying), animal-like (wolves), savage (violent) heathens (without God) with POWERFUL, earthly weaponry (horses, horsemen, a marching army, eagle-like strength, etc.) and equipment (to capture their prey in a stronghold).

The Chaldeans, advantageously, HELD the POWER to overthrow kings and their kingdoms with their violent, fierce, ferocious, bitter, hasty, grim, impetuous, and EVIL behavior. Therefore, God’s JUDGEMENT is announced upon them:  “…But they will be held guilty, They whose strength is their god…” (Habakkuk 1:5-11 NASB).

The Chaldeans made their OWN power their god. This HOSTILE people filled the land with its wicked people and their wicked behaviors. However, “…they fly along like the wind and pass on…” (Habakkuk 1:5-11 NASB).

The Chaldeans won’t be around long, they are described as WIND that will “soon” PASS ON. “…Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over…” (Habakkuk 1:11 KJV). “…They’ll all be blown away by the wind…” (Habakkuk 1:11 MSG).

“…PASSING ON, like the WIND…” is the consequence of both their offensive actions and choices as well as God’s judgement.

God ALLOWED the Chaldeans to become RAISED UP “over” his
“own” people. He tells Habakkuk his reasons WHY. “…I’m about to raise up Babylonians to punish you…” (Habakkuk 1:6 MSG).

“…They will march across the world and conquer other lands…” (Habakkuk 1:6 NLT). “…who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwellings not their own…” (Habakkuk 1:6 NIV). “…which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwelling places that are not their's…” (Habakkuk 1:6 KJV).

“…For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, That grim and impetuous people …” (Habakkuk 1:5-11 NASB). 

Remember, prior, to God’s announcement about the CHALDEANS Habakkuk made his complaint about the current contention of JUDAH, where God’s people resided. “…How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted…” (HABAKKUK 1:1-4 NIV).

God ALLOWED the CHALDEANS to be RAISED UP, for a while, to PUNISH “his” rebellious children that had been taken into exile. “...I am raising up the Babylonians (Chaldeans), that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwellings not their own...” (Habakkuk 1:6 NIV). “...I’m about to raise up Babylonians to punish you, Babylonians, fierce and ferocious—World-conquering Babylon, grabbing up nations right and left...” (Habakkuk 1:5-12 MSG).

God KNEW the CHALDEANS were wicked, evil, and godless people. “...They are a feared and dreaded people; they are a law to themselves and promote their own honor...” (Habakkuk 1:7 NIV).  “...A dreadful and terrible people, making up its own rules as it goes...” (Habakkuk 1:7 MSG).

Because God, the Holy Spirit, “...careth for you (his people)...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV), he will CORRECT them. “...For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).   

 “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).

God disciplines his children so “…that [they] might be partakers of his holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV). “…Be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “…I am the Lord who makes you holy…” (Leviticus 20:8 NLT).

“… [God allows corrections]…for [their] profit...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV). “…No chastening (discipline) for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised (trained) thereby...” (Hebrews 12:11 KJV).

If a good parent SEES their child going the wrong way, they will CORRECT them and so does God, the Holy Spirit, do the same for each of his children.  “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of DEATH...” (Proverbs  14:20 KJV).  “…the way is broad that leads to destruction, …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB). “… the way of the ungodly shall perish…” (Psalms 1:6 KJV).  “… Good men and women travel right into life; sin’s detours take you straight to hell…” (Proverbs 12:28 MSG). “… Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die…” (Proverbs 15:10 KJV). There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of DEATH...” (Proverbs  14:20 KJV).

God’s children have been given HOLY STANDARDS of conduct while upon this earth. Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…"This is the way; walk in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV). “…THE WAY is narrow that LEADS TO LIFE, and there are few who find it…” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB). Jesus saith…I am THE WAY …” (John 14:6 KJV).

JESUS (God’s WORD) IS THE “ONLY” WAY, for his people, to walk, while upon this earth. Jesus saith…I am THE WAY …” (John 14:6 KJV).  “…Enter through the narrow gate ...THE WAY is narrow that LEADS TO LIFE…” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB).

“….Apart from Me (Jesus, the WORD), you can do nothing (YOU CANNOT GO THE NARROW WAY)…” (John 15:5 NIV).  “…This makes it clear that our great power (TO LIVE RIGHTEOUS) is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

 “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ  (THE WAY; THE PATH)….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

Therefore, "… Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.…” (Matthew 7:14 KJV).

One of the SINFUL practices of THOSE who have willfully and voluntarily CHOSEN to LEAVE THE WAY is UNBELIEF. UNBELIEF can LEAD to a hardened HEART.  “... [to] ... those who were once enlightened ... who have ... experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,  who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the power of the age to come— and who then turn away from God. … [AGAIN]... who  [chooses to]...turn away from God... It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God...” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

“...Take heed, BRETHREN, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God...” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV).

“... encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin...” (Hebrews 3:13 NASB).

“...I’m about to raise up Babylonians (CHALDEANS) to punish you (OR CORRECT YOU), Babylonians (Chaldeans), fierce and ferocious—World-conquering Babylon, grabbing up nations right and left...” (Habakkuk 1:5-12 MSG).

“... Stand fast (keep living by God’s Word) therefore in the liberty (freedom from sin and freedom to OBEY) wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage...” (Galatians 5:1 KJV).

“my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

 “…for years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).“…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT).

“…The Lord replies, “This (the rising up of the Chaldeans) has happened because my people have ABANDONED MY INSTRUCTIONS; they have refused to obey what I said….” (JEREMIAH 9:13 NLT).

“...For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).   “...God SEES NOT as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART…” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “…No one needed… to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT). “…Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men…” (Acts 1:24 KJV). “… He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked…” (Psalm 11:4-5 NLT).

The heart (the information center of the SOUL) “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  "… out of the abundance of the heart (information center of the SOUL) the mouth speaks. The good man, out of his good treasure, brings forth good things, and the evil man, out of his evil treasure, brings forth evil things." (Matthew 12:34-35).

“...I’m about to raise up Babylonians (CHALDEANS) to punish you (OR CORRECT YOU), Babylonians (Chaldeans)...” (Habakkuk 1:5-12 MSG). “...And now, O our God, what can we say after all of this? For ONCE AGAIN we have ABANDONED your commands!” (Ezra 9:10 NLT).

“…sin’s detours take you straight to hell…” (Proverbs 12:28 MSG). “… Correction is grievous unto him (or her) that forsaketh the way: and he (she) that hateth reproof shall die…” (Proverbs 15:10 KJV).

God’s USE of the Chaldeans was to CORRECT his wayward children. CORRECTION is always SAD and GRIEVOUS.

When God’s chosen people, holy nation, royal priesthood, or New Creations are divided against each other, double-minded in their devotion to him, lukewarm, half-hearted children, or have become too WORLDLY or CARNAL God will MOVE, heaven and HELL, to correct his people however HE “chooses.”

The CHALDEANS became a common enemy among God’s people, but when and if his people chose to come together in fellowship and prayer, they will “all” appeal to a COMMON VICTOR, which is God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ.

When God’s people began to LOSE their positions and nation, upon earth, to the Chaldeans, God got their ATTENTION.

God had DONE everything to get their attention so they would REPENT, but they continued to do what they wanted. “...I gave you empty stomachs in every city and lack of bread in every town, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the Lord.  “I also withheld rain from you when the harvest was still three months away. I sent rain on one town, but withheld it from another. One field had rain; another had none and dried up. People staggered from town to town for water but did not get enough to drink, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the Lord. “Many times I struck your gardens and vineyards, destroying them with blight and mildew. Locusts devoured your fig and olive trees, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the Lord. “I sent plagues among you as I did to Egypt. I killed your young men with the sword, along with your captured horses. I filled your nostrils with the stench of your camps, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the Lord. “I overthrew some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. You were like a burning stick snatched from the fire, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the Lord...” (Amos 4:6-11 NIV).

However, “…My people would not listen to me. They kept (CHOOSING TO DO) ...whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “… The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to (CHOOSE TO) live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

 “…They (MY PEOPLE) broke [THEIR] ... covenant [WITH ME BY CHOICE], though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord…” (Jeremiah 31:32 NASB).

“…. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him ....Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT). “...And now, O our God, what can we say after all of this? For ONCE AGAIN we have ABANDONED your commands!” (Ezra 9:10 NLT).

“...I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

"…REPENT  AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). “…The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes ...Your servant is warned. …” (Psalm 19:7-11 NASB).

“...Again and again [God] rescued them, but they [continually]... chose to rebel against him... [until]... they were finally destroyed by their sin…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT). “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

The Chaldeans were INSTRUMENTS of EVIL and wicked destruction who openly and brazenly acted unrighteous.

They meant their ACTIONS for BAD, but God, the Holy Spirit meant them for the GOOD of his people by allowing his PLAN of PUNISHMENT to CORRECT the unrighteous behaviors of his sons and daughters.

The Chaldeans were to become a SCOURGE for God’s people. The Chaldeans STAYED risen for a period of TIME. It is God’s TIMING that make his righteous people WONDER and sometimes QUESTION what HE is DOING.

Long periods of TIME that involve watching or witnessing the activities of the WICKED are MOST challenging. “…I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity…” (John 12:24-25 NLT). “…Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal…” (John 12:24-25 KJV).

Even through there is an expiration date, for the WICKED, that ONLY God knows, WAITING is HARD. God’s people have given up everything to follow HIM and now they must endure the Chaldeans? “…‘We’ve given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). And Jesus said to him, “…I assure you that EVERYONE who has given up [SELF & STUFF] ….for my sake and for the Good News, will receive NOW in return a hundred times ….And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

God has a SET TIME, but it is NOT always easy to ACCEPT his PLAN when so much wickedness is happening and seem to be prevailing. “….And the Lord appointed A SET TIME, saying, To morrow the Lord shall do this thing in the land. And the Lord did that thing on the morrow…” (Exodus (9:5-6 KJV). “…At the PROPER time [you]… WILL reap a HARVEST if [you]… do not give up…” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). “…The LORD [is] good unto them that WAIT FOR HIM…” (Lamentations 3:25 KJV). “…WAIT ON the LORD: …WAIT, I say, on the LORD…” (Psalms 27:14 KJV). “…THOUGH IT TARRY, WAIT FOR IT….” (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV).

God’s CORRECTION, however, and whoever he uses to execute it, is a GIFT. God is STILL in control through it ALL. “…God is mighty, but he does not despise anyone! He is mighty in both power and understanding. He does not let the wicked live but gives justice to the afflicted. He never takes his eyes off the innocent, but he sets them on thrones with kings and exalts them forever. If they are bound in chains and CAUGHT UP in a web of trouble, HE SHOWS THEM THE REASON. HE SHOWS THEM THEIR SINS OF PRIDE. HE GETS THEIR ATTENTION AND COMMANDS THAT THEY TURN FROM EVIL…” (Job 36:6-10 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, is trying to get the ATTENTION of his people. “…But by means of their suffering, he rescues those who suffer. For he GETS THEIR ATTENTION through adversity…” (Job 36:15 NLT).

While he is WORKING his plan, God is not asking for his people’s opinion, approval, or perspective, but simply their FAITH in HIM.

God’s people can complain, or blame, or question God about all the injustices and unfairness around them, but it won’t stop his PERFECT and JUST PLAN. “…the plans [God has]…for you….[are]… plans to prosper

you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

It will appear as if evil and evil people are getting away with their sins, or wicked behavior, or wrongdoing. “…. God is leading you away from danger, …to a place free from distress. He is setting your table with the best food. But you are obsessed with whether the godless will be judged. Don’t worry, judgment and justice will be upheld. But watch out, or you may be seduced by wealth. Don’t let yourself be bribed into sin. Could all your wealth or all your mighty efforts keep you from distress? Be on guard! Turn back from evil, for God sent this suffering to keep you from a life of evil…” (Job 36:16-21 NLT).

While God is WORKING, it can become tempting to lose sight of his sovereignty! “….Look, GOD IS ALL-POWERFUL. Who is a teacher like him? No one can tell him what to do, or say to him, ‘You have done wrong.’ Instead, glorify HIS MIGHTY WORKS, singing songs of praise. Everyone has seen these things, though only from a distance. “Look, God is greater than we can understand. His years cannot be counted. He draws up the water vapor and then distills it into rain. The rain pours down from the clouds, and everyone benefits. Who can understand the spreading of the clouds and the thunder that rolls forth from heaven? See how he spreads the lightning around him and how it lights up the depths of the sea. By these mighty acts he nourishes the people, giving them food in abundance. He fills his hands with lightning bolts and hurls each at its target. The thunder announces his presence; the storm announces his indignant anger…” (Job 36:22-33 NLT). “… there is NONE like unto thee, O LORD; thou art GREAT, and thy name is great in might.…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…There is NONE HOLY as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “… there is NONE GOOD but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).

“….Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON THEE…” (Isaiah 26:3 KJV).  “….Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, THINK ON THESE THINGS…” (Philippians 4:8 KJV).

God was letting Habakkuk KNOW the only ONE who would be able to help them STAND against the Chaldeans was HIM. “…If God (WHO IS “JUST”) is for us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB).

God would protect his faithful ONES. “...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…He helps me (his people)…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).   “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer...[your god of justice]…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

“...Don’t worry, judgment and justice will be upheld…”  (Job 36:16-21 NLT). “… entrust yourself] to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).

“….Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, YE HAVE DONE IT TO ME.” (Matthew 25:40 KJV).

 “...Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance (making things JUST) belongeth unto to me (God, the Holy Spirit); I will recompense (make it JUST)," saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19 ASV).

What is discovered, in this chapter about the Chaldeans, is that even though their evil ways only SERVED them, God will turned it ALL around in order to benefit and SERVE HIS PEOPLE!

God may have ALLOWED them to RISE-UP, but, like King Nebuchadnezzar, he also KNOWS how to HUMBLE them by letting them know who is REALLY in POWER and CONTROL.  

GOD TOLD THE KING: “…King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled…” (Daniel 4 NLT).

King Nebuchadnezzar didn’t listen and did what he believed was right in his OWN eyes. “….The way of a fool is right in his own eyes…” (Proverbs 12:15 KJV). “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death...” (Proverbs  14:20 KJV).  “…There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death….” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV).

King Nebuchadnezzar trusted in his OWN way over God’s way. “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe…” (Proverbs 28:26 NIV).

King Nebuchadnezzar’s own POWER and PRIDE were his gods. “… he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

 “…But the people replied, “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

King Nebuchadnezzar kept doing whatever he wanted to do. “…But my people would not listen to me. They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

King Nebuchadnezzar had human will to CHOOSE his own way, but not the consequences. God’s WORD has all authority and power.  “… Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird…” (Daniel 4 NLT).

King Nebuchadnezzar reaped God’s judgement, but God, as always, was merciful.  “…At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven ... Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation …” (Daniel 4 NLT).

 “…Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride (over God’s authority) he is able to humble (Daniel 4 NIV).

God is in control ALWAYS.  “All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).

 “… No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

The SAME fate awaited the wicked CHALDEANS and their wicked allies, which included some of God’s people!

The CHALDEANS were able to TRAP God’s people into a WICKED relationship with them, because of their OWN underlying WICKED WAYS.

Habakkuk’s original complaint was about THEM (God’s so-called people) and their wickedness, backsliding behaviors.

Thus, because of their OWN wicked LUST and common evils, they were DRIVEN into a relationship with the godless and evil CHALDEANS. In addition, they had rejected the covenant relationship with God.

God’s wayward people IGNORED all the SIGNS of the wicked and evil CHALDEANS that “obviously” indicated “any” relationship with them would be TOXIC, UNHEALTHY, UNGODLY, and DANGEROUS in the long run.

The relationship with the CHALDEANS bought God’s people NOTHING, but disappointment, shame, and sadness.

The CHALDEANS didn’t support their CULTURE, their PROPERTY, their NATION, or religious lifestyle. In fact, they sought to undermine, cause harm, and disrespect God’s people.

God’s people, saw their “own” toxic, evil ways through their unhealthy, unequally yoked liaison with the Chaldeans,

They KNEW the SAME fate that awaited the CHALDEANS awaited them too, IF they didn’t repent.