Habakkuk 2:13
Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity? Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?
The verse belongs to the prophecy of Habakkuk 2:1-20, also given as Habakkuk 2:3-20, which will not tarry beyond the time appointed for it. It describes scenes of destruction and desolation that will soon come, that will be universal in reach, and that will soon be witnessed just as clearly described. Its description is only faint compared with the reality that shall become a living reality when the end is near.
It will be fulfilled as surely as the desolation of San Francisco was seen, showing that the judgments of God are coming upon the cities in the last day. It is the word of the Lord for the last days, calling for readiness because the Son of man comes in an hour not expected and in an hour not thought of. For the time when the end is near, it points to Satan drilling his army every year to develop strong parties ready for the great battle of the last great conflict, to evil springing forth so that wisdom is needed, to men in high places who suppose themselves wise blocking the way, and to the need to clear the King's highway.