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Habakkuk 1:16

Old Testament Minor Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Habakkuk 1:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Therefore he sacrificeth unto his net, and burneth incense unto his drag; because by them his portion is fat, and his food plenteous.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Therefore he sacrificeth unto his net, and burneth incense unto his drag; because by them his portion is fat, and his food plenteous.
Habakkuk 1:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Habakkuk 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13Thou that art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and that canst not look on perverseness, wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy peace when the wicked swalloweth up the man that is more righteous than he;
14and makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them?
15He taketh up all of them with the angle, he catcheth them in his net, and gathereth them in his drag: therefore he rejoiceth and is glad.
16Therefore he sacrificeth unto his net, and burneth incense unto his drag; because by them his portion is fat, and his food plenteous.
17Shall he therefore empty his net, and spare not to slay the nations continually?
← Habakkuk 1:15Habakkuk 1:17 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag, etc.] Either to their idols, to fortune and the stars, as Aben Ezra; imagining they gave them success, and prospered them in the arts and methods they used: or to their arms, as the Targum; nor was it unusual with the Heathens to worship their spears, sacrifice to them, and swear by themf55. So Justin saysf56, originally the ancients worshipped spears for gods, in memory of whose religion spears are still added to the images of the gods. Lucianf57 asserts that the Scythians sacrificed to a scimitar; and Arnobiusf58 says the same; and Ammianus Marcellinusf59 reports, that the Quadi worship their swords or daggers…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“sacrifice unto their net--that is, their arms, power, and military skill, wherewith they gained their victories; instead of to God. Compare Hab 1:11, MAURER'S interpretation. They idolize themselves for their own cleverness and might (Deu 8:17; Isa 10:13; Isa 37:24-25). by them--by their net and dragnet. their portion--image from a banquet: the prey which they have gotten.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag - literally he sacrifices unto his, etc. Whatever a man trusts in is his god. If a man relies to compass his end by his strength, or his wisdom, or his forethought, or his wealth, his armies or navies, these his forces are his God. So the Assyrian said Isaiah 10:13, Isaiah 10:15, “By the strength of my hand I did it; and by my wisdom, for I am prudent;” and God answered, “Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith?” The coarse forms of idolatry only embody outwardly the deep inward idolatry of the corrupt human mind. The idol is Ezekiel 14:4 “set up in the heart” first. There have not indeed been…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“They sacrifice - Ascribe the praise of their victories. Their net - To their own contrivances, diligence, and power. Habakkuk 1:17”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:16 See study note on 1:11; cp. 1 Jn 5:21.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“they: Hab 1:11; Deu 8:17; Isa 10:13-15, Isa 37:24; Eze 28:3, Eze 29:3; Dan 4:30, Dan 5:23 plenteous: or, dainty, Heb. fat Habakkuk 1:17”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification