Definition: [Art] thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Habakkuk 1:12 together. It's a really interesting and complex passage, so we’ll go through it step-by-step. Here's the basic meaning: This verse is from a prophet named Habakkuk who was incredibly worried about the world around him. He’s asking God why He’s allowing evil and suffering to exist. Let's unpack it: “Habakkuk 1:12 [Art] thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One?” – This is a big question. Habakkuk is saying, “God, are you really eternal? Do you really have a future that won’t end?" It's a sense of profound questioning and disbelief. “we shall not die.” - This isn't just about him surviving physically. It means he’s not going to be crushed or destroyed by the things happening around him. He’s not facing imminent death. “O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction.” – This is where it gets more complicated. Habakkuk is saying that God has already decided that these things – the bad things happening – are going to be corrected. He’s not just letting it happen randomly. He's setting it up for a specific purpose: “ordained them for judgment” : This means God has chosen to punish or correct these things. It's like He's making something right – fixing something that is wrong. “established them for correction” : This implies that God isn’t just punishing; He’s actively working to make things right and to bring about a better outcome. Overall Interpretation - A Sense of Waiting & Divine Purpose: The verse paints a picture of God being involved in the world, not just passively watching it. It suggests that God is actively working towards something – perhaps a greater good – even if it involves hardship and suffering. It’s a sense of waiting for a divine plan to unfold. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a call to trust in God, even when we don't understand why things are happening badly. It suggests that God has a bigger picture than just our immediate concerns and that He’s working towards something ultimately good. Important Note: The Bible often deals with complex ideas and can be open to interpretation. This explanation is a simplified understanding of the verse’s meaning, drawing on common biblical interpretations. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context (when was it written)? Explore different theological perspectives on this passage?