Habakkuk 3:11

“The sun [and] moon stood still in their habitation, etc.] This is generally thought to refer to the miracle in the times of Joshua, (<061012>Joshua 10:12,13) but a different word is there used, especially of the standing still of the sun; nor are the sun and moon said there to stand in their habitation; nor will the series of the history of times past, or the thread of prophecy of things to come, admit of this reference; nor do the words express the clear shining of the sun and moon at their standing still, but the reverse; for the phrase, “in their habitation”, may be rendered, “within their tent”f135, or pavilion; (see Gill on “<191904>Psalm 19:4”); which is no other than their being…”

“sun . . . moon stood still--at Joshua's command (Jos 10:12-13). MAURER wrongly translates, "stand" (withdrawn, or hidden from view, by the clouds which covered the sky during the thunders). light of thine arrows--hail mixed with lightnings (Jos 10:10-11). they went--The sun and moon "went," not as always heretofore, but according to the light and direction of Jehovah's arrows, namely, His lightnings hurled in defense of His people; astonished at these they stood still [CALVIN]. MAURER translates, "At the light of Thine arrows (which) went" or flew.”

“Sun and moon stood still (as one act retiring into) in their habitation - They withdrew, as it were, in the midst of the great tempest, wherein Joshua 10:11-13. “God cast down great stones from heaven upon” His enemies and they died; and “the sun stood still, and the moon stayed.” The sun too withdrew itself in the great darkness at the crucifixion, as not bearing to look upon the death of its Maker, when the majesty of the Sun of Righteousness was darkened o’er; and signs in the sun and in the moon there shall be to the end. At the light of Thine arrows they went - A. E.: “There was no need of the sun by day, nor of the moon by night; for by the light of Thine arrows can the sons of men…”

“Stood still - At the prayer of Joshua. In the light - Which was most miraculously continued. Habakkuk 3:13”

“3:11 sun and moon: See Josh 10:12-13.”

“sun: Jos 10:12, Jos 10:13; Isa 28:21, Isa 38:8 habitation: Psa 19:4 at the light of thine arrows they went: or, thine arrows walked in the light, Jos 10:11; Psa 18:12-14, Psa 77:17, Psa 77:18, Psa 144:5, Psa 144:6 Habakkuk 3:12”

“The chaotic condition into which the earth has been brought is heightened by the darkness in which the heaven clothes itself. Sun and moon, which give light to day and night, have put themselves, or entered, into their habitation. זבוּל with ה local, a dwelling-place, is, according to oriental view, the place from which the stars come out when they rise, and to which they return when they set. Nevertheless it is not actual setting that is spoken of here, but simply their obscuration, which is not the effect of heavy clouds that pour out their water in showers of rain, but is caused by the shining of the arrows of God (ל in לאור and לנגהּ denoting the outward cause or occasion). It is not,…”