Commentary on Habakkuk 2:15

Text of the Verse: "Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!" (Habakkuk 2:15, KJV)

Introduction

This verse from Habakkuk is a striking proclamation against the sin of seduction and exploitation. Within the context of the prophet’s lament over the injustices prevalent in his society, this verse serves as a vivid illustration of moral degradation caused by the unrestrained indulgence of the powerful over the weak.

Contextual Analysis

The book of Habakkuk presents a dialogue between the prophet and God, where Habakkuk grapples with the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous. The context of chapter 2 involves a series of woes pronounced against various forms of oppression, idolatry, and moral failures. Here, the specific sin of leading others into drunkenness stands as a representative act of moral decay.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry's Commentary

• Social Injustice: Henry identifies that this verse underscores a profound moral issue where the powerful exploit the vulnerable. The act of giving drink signifies aiding someone in their perdition; it symbolizes the act of leading them into sin.
• The Nakedness: The reference to nakedness indicates a lack of dignity and respect. When one gets another drunk, they are stripped of their self-control and virtue, leading to shame and vulnerability.
• Woe as a Warning: The repeated use of “woe” serves as a divine warning, highlighting the serious repercussions of such actions — that those who exploit others will face God’s judgment.

Albert Barnes' Notes

• Literal Interpretation: Barnes interprets the verse literally, noting that giving someone drink in excess has a twofold effect; it leads to drunkenness and the resulting disgrace that follows. It dramatizes how indulgence can cause spiritual and social harm.
• Cultural Implications: He emphasizes the cultural context, explaining that the practice of drinking in ancient times often culminated in debauchery, and those who participated were at risk of losing their honorable standing in society.
• Divine Consequences: Barnes concludes that the outcome for such exploitative behavior is not only dire but inevitable; God’s justice will manifest against those who lead others to ruin.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

• Spiritual Corruption: Clarke speaks to the broader implications of spiritual corruption that arises from the actions described. He equates the act of giving drink symbolically to tempting someone to sin in any form.
• Responsibility of the Strong: He points out that there is a moral obligation for those who are stronger or more capable to protect those who are weak, rather than exploiting their vulnerabilities.
• Contrast of Judgment: Clarke contrasts the immediate pleasures that come from intoxication with the supreme judgment that awaits those who engage in such sins. There is a temporal sense of gain but eternal consequences.

Theological Reflection

This verse calls for deep theological reflection on the issues of responsibility, morality, and judgment. The act of intoxicating another person speaks not just to social justice but to a broader spiritual reality. It invites pastors, students, theologians, and scholars to consider:

• The Ethics of Leadership: How do leaders in both secular and religious spheres bear the responsibility for their influence over others?
• The Impact of Sin: What are the ramifications of leading others into sin, and how does this reflect our understanding of communal and individual accountability?
• God’s Justice: How does the assurance of divine justice shape our understanding of social justice in today’s context?

Conclusion

Habakkuk 2:15 serves as a powerful reminder of the moral obligations we hold, particularly toward those who are vulnerable. The insights from the public domain commentaries elucidate the implications of exploiting others, inviting careful consideration of our actions and their consequences. As one reflects on this verse, it is vital to recognize the character of God, who is both aware of injustice and committed to addressing it through His righteous judgment.