Persuading Others to Sin

Habakkuk 2:15–20
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Two more woes are pronounced on the Babylonians:

1. This fourth woe is pronounced upon them because of their treatment of their neighbors.  “Woe unto him that giveth his neighbor drink.” (vv 15-17).
2. This fifth woe is pronounced upon the Chaldeans because of their idolatry. “Woe unto him that saith to the wood, awake; to the dumb stone, arise.” (vv 18-20).

The thoughts portrayed in this passage are that the Babylonians are going forth to conquer and entice other nations to join them in their sinful activities. Not only did they take advantage of the ones they conquered, but also of those they could persuade to join in an alliance with them.

Such deceit on the part of the Babylonians caused them to be held in contempt by all. Those who gloated over the shame of their drunken victims would some day be filled with shame. The Babylonians had caused others to drink and be shamefully exposed (v. 15); later the tables would be turned and they would be drunk and naked (v. 16). One big shame was the violence done to Lebanon as they cut down the forests and killed their wild animals (v. 17).

The final woe emphasizes the utter futility of idol worship. It is futile because it is a product of man’s own hands (v. 18). Man makes it and man worships it but the idol is dumb. It cannot hear or speak as it is lifeless (v. 19).

Application

Idolatry is not just bowing down to idols, it is trusting in ones own power. If I say I worship God but put my trust in my bank accounts, or my home I am really an idolater.