ABSTRACT

This chapter provides the quotations from the Book of Habakkuk which do not follow any one of the current versions of the Bible, but take account of what the author of the interpretations wished to read in Habakkuk's words. The interpreter of Habakkuk comes back to his indictment of the Romans. The Romans bear themselves arrogantly, and lead away captives. The "vultures" of which the prophet spoke are the Roman eagles. The commentator applies Habakkuk's allegory to the Roman fiscal system and draws the conclusion that Rome would never cease to make war, and massacre men, women and children because for Rome it was a way to acquire wealth. One of the outstanding features of the Habakkuk Commentary is the absence of all apocalyptic visions. This is the more remarkable since other manuscripts from Qumran have become known. Many translations of the Habakkuk Commentary have been put forward, and there have been numerous studies published on points of detail.