Having voiced his protest against God’s explanation, Habakkuk assumes the position of a prophetic watchman (cf. Isa. 21:8; Jer. 6:17; Ezek. 3:17; 33:2–3). Habakkuk will wait in earnest anticipation for what God will say in response to his latest complaint (2:1–3). Again the language is figurative. As a watchman stands ready at his post to receive news from afar, so Habakkuk will prepare his soul for God’s message to him.

The Lord’s reply is not long in coming. As a preliminary instruction, Habakkuk is told to write down God’s revelation. Just as men write important messages and information plainly on tablets or inscribe them on stelae so that passersby may read them, so the Lord’s prophet is to record God’s word for all to read. This is especially important because the fulfillment of the…