NET Bible
"They mock kings and laugh at rulers. They laugh at every fortified city; they build siege ramps and capture them."
— Habakkuk 1:10, NET Bible
“And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.”
“Yea, he scoffeth at kings, and princes are a derision unto him; he derideth every stronghold; for he heapeth up dust, and taketh it. ”
“Yes, he scoffs at kings, and princes are a derision to him. He laughs at every stronghold, for he builds up an earthen ramp, and takes it.”
“And their prince shall triumph over kings, and princes shall be his laughingstock: and he shall laugh at every strong hold, and shall cast up a mount, and shall take it.”
“He makes little of kings, rulers are a sport to him; all the strong places are to be laughed at; for he makes earthworks and takes them.”
“And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.”
They are frightening and terrifying; they decide for themselves what is right.
Their horses are faster than leopards and more alert than wolves in the desert. Their horses gallop, their horses come a great distance; like vultures they swoop down quickly to devour their prey.
All of them intend to do violence; every face is determined. They take prisoners as easily as one scoops up sand.
They mock kings and laugh at rulers. They laugh at every fortified city; they build siege ramps and capture them.
They sweep by like the wind and pass on. But the one who considers himself a god will be held guilty.”
Habakkuk Voices Some Concerns LORD, you have been active from ancient times; my sovereign God, you are immortal. LORD, you have made them your instrument of judgment. Protector, you have appointed them as your instrument of punishment.
You are too just to tolerate evil; you are unable to condone wrongdoing. So why do you put up with such treacherous people? Why do you say nothing when the wicked devour those more righteous than they are?