Habakkuk 1:8

“Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, etc.] Creatures remarkable for their swiftness: these are creatures born of the mating of a he panther and a lioness, and not of a lion and a she panther, as some have affirmed; and which adultery is highly resented by the lion; nor will he suffer it to go unrevenged, as Plinyf20 and Philostratusf21 observe: those thus begotten differ from common lions in this, that they have no manes: the panthers are the creatures here meant, which are very swift, as Bochartf22 from various authors has observed. Lucanf23 calls this creature “celerem pardum”, “the swift panther”; and Jerom saysf24 nothing is swifter than the panther; and Aelianusf25 observes…”

“swifter than the leopards--OPPIAN [Cynegeticks, 3.76], says of the leopard, "It runs most swiftly straight on: you would fancy it was flying through the air." more fierce--rather, "more keen"; literally, "sharp." evening wolves--wolves famished with fasting all day and so most keen in attacking the fold under covert of the approaching night (Jer 5:6; Zep 3:3; compare Gen 49:27). Hence "twilight" is termed in Arabic and Persian "the wolf's tail"; and in French, entre chien et loup. spread themselves--proudly; as in Jer 50:11, and Mal 4:2, it implies strength and vigor. So also the Arabic cognate word [MAURER]. their horsemen . . . come from far--and yet are not wearied by the long journey.”

“Their horses are swifter - literally, lighter, as we say “light of foot” Than leopards - The wild beast intended is the panther, the lightest, swiftest, fiercest, most bloodthirsty of beasts of prey “It runs most swiftly and rushes brave and straight. You would say, when you saw it, that it is borne through the air.” Cyril: “It bounds exceedingly and is exceedingly light to spring down on whatever it pursues.” More fierce - o Than the evening wolves - Compare Jeremiah 5:6, i. e., than they are when fiercest, going forth to prey when urged to rabidness by hunger the whole day through. Such had their own judges been Zephaniah 3:3, and by such should they be punished. The horse partakes of the…”

“The evening wolves - Which with fasting in the day, came out in the evening, fierce and ravenous. Shall spread - All over the land. Habakkuk 1:9”

“1:8 The vivid images of cheetahs, wolves, and eagles depict the speed, ferocity, and predatory nature of the Babylonian attacks against Judah (see Jer 4:13; 48:40; 49:22).”

“horses: Deu 28:49; Isa 5:26-28 fierce: Heb. sharp evening: Jer 5:6; Zep 3:3 they: Jer 4:13; Lam 4:19; Eze 17:3, Eze 17:12; Hos 8:1; Mat 24:28; Luk 17:37 Habakkuk 1:9”