according to the Zwickau manuscript. *)
From Luther's lectures from July 18 to August 2, 1525. Printed in 1886.
Translated from Latin.
About Habakkuk.
First, the question arises about the short epitome of this prophet. Some think that this prophet worked at the time of the Babylonian captivity, when the two tribes were led away by Nebuchadnezzar, and so he directed his prophecy against the king of the Chaldeans etc. This they have from Daniel, but this story does not have sufficient standing since it is not in the Hebrew Canon etc. The matter must be considered simply according to the circumstances. I consider that he was just before the Babylonian captivity.
That is, that he prophesies to the remaining two tribes about the future kingdom of the Chaldeans. Therefore, the prophet now has to deal with announcing the future destruction of the two tribes, and after that: the kingdom of the Chaldeans will not only destroy the two tribes, but also a large part of the earth, because of their sins. Note the history of Hezekiah. He was a godly king, but he turned away etc. - Therefore he threatens the sinners with destruction, both in the people of God and among the other nations.