Habakkuk 2:6–20 is a taunt or mocking song directed at the wickedness of Babylon consisting of five stanzas. Each stanza contains a woe oracle—a denunciation of the evil committed and a notice of impending judgment. The first woe speaks against those who acquire their wealth dishonestly (vv. 6–8). The second tackles those who build luxurious houses dishonestly (vv. 9–11), while the third woe is directed against those who build cities and towns dishonestly (vv. 12–14). The fourth woe pictures Chaldea/Babylon as someone who uses liquor to manipulate his neighbors to expose them to shame (vv. 15–17). The last woe condemns those who practice idolatry (vv. 18–20).
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