Habakkuk 2:1
I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֣י
upon my watch
H4931
מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֣י
upon my watch
Strong's:
H4931
Word #:
2 of 15
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
אֶעֱמֹ֔דָה
I will stand
H5975
אֶעֱמֹ֔דָה
I will stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
3 of 15
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
וְאֶֽתְיַצְּבָ֖ה
and set
H3320
וְאֶֽתְיַצְּבָ֖ה
and set
Strong's:
H3320
Word #:
4 of 15
to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מָצ֑וֹר
me upon the tower
H4692
מָצ֑וֹר
me upon the tower
Strong's:
H4692
Word #:
6 of 15
something hemming in, i.e., (objectively) a mound (of besiegers), (abstractly) a siege, (figuratively) distress; or (subjectively) a fastness
וַאֲצַפֶּ֗ה
and will watch
H6822
וַאֲצַפֶּ֗ה
and will watch
Strong's:
H6822
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
לִרְאוֹת֙
to see
H7200
לִרְאוֹת֙
to see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
8 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יְדַבֶּר
what he will say
H1696
יְדַבֶּר
what he will say
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
10 of 15
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וּמָ֥ה
H4100
וּמָ֥ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
אָשִׁ֖יב
unto me and what I shall answer
H7725
אָשִׁ֖יב
unto me and what I shall answer
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
13 of 15
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
Cross References
Isaiah 21:8And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights:Isaiah 62:6I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,Psalms 85:8I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.2 Samuel 18:24And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.Psalms 5:3My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.Jeremiah 12:1Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?2 Corinthians 13:3Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.Job 31:37I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.2 Kings 9:17And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace?Isaiah 21:5Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield.
Historical Context
Ancient watchtowers served as observation posts where sentinels watched for approaching dangers or messengers. Habakkuk uses this imagery to describe spiritual watchfulness—positioning himself to receive divine communication. Throughout biblical history, prophets often waited for God's word, sometimes extended periods. Habakkuk's patient expectation models the prophet's calling: not speaking presumptuous human opinions but waiting for genuine divine revelation. This contrasts with false prophets who spoke their own thoughts, claiming divine authority. True prophecy requires both boldness to speak and patience to wait for God's actual word.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Habakkuk's patient waiting after voicing complaints model appropriate prayer posture?
- What is the relationship between boldly bringing questions to God and humbly accepting His responses?
- How can believers cultivate spiritual watchfulness, positioning themselves to receive divine guidance?
Analysis & Commentary
After voicing his complaint, Habakkuk assumes a watchful posture: 'I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved' (al-mishmarti a'amodah ve'etyatzevah al-matzor va'atzappeh lir'oth mah-yedabber-bi umah-ashiv al-tokhachti). The prophet positions himself like a sentinel ('upon my watch,' 'upon the tower'), waiting expectantly for divine response. This models appropriate posture after bringing complaints to God: not demanding immediate answer but patiently watching, confident God will respond. 'What he will say unto me' (mah-yedabber-bi)—Habakkuk expects personal response to his questions. 'What I shall answer when I am reproved' (umah-ashiv al-tokhachti)—he anticipates possible correction, showing humility. This demonstrates mature faith: bold enough to question, humble enough to be corrected, patient enough to wait.