Right Words

Habakkuk 2:6-9

No need to guess and certainly no need to check a Hebrew lexicon (ALL of which are flawed; see Hazardous Materials by G.A. Riplinger). Trust the King James’ built-in system of self-explanation by comparing verses (cross-referencing). That’s how it defines its own terms also – see my 1-28-26 post on this.

Charles Wesley applies this phrase to Christ in the familiar holiday hymn, “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” While he was correct in a general sense, he was not in a specific one. Here’s what I mean:

Both v. 6 and v. 7 mention a supernatural shaking of the nations like the world has never seen (cf. Mt. 24:21, Rev. 16:18). Following that, what do you think that the nations would desire the most? I believe that v. 9 supplies the answer: peace. That peace will come after the Lord receives glory (vv. 7, 9). Remember what the angels proclaimed to the shepherds in Luke 2:14 as they announced the birth of Christ: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

So the desire of nations in this context is a thing and not a person, though that Person is the bringer of that thing!