Introduction to Habakkuk 2:6-20 meaning

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).