Habakkuk 2:17
For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men’s blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein. For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men’s blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.
The verse pronounces judgment for violently destroying Lebanon and for plundering its terrified beasts, because of shed blood and violence done to the land, to the city, and to all who dwell in it. It belongs among the Old Testament prophecies for the last days that portray the coming universal scenes of destruction and desolation that will soon be witnessed and fulfilled. As part of the prophecy of Habakkuk 2:3-20, it will not tarry beyond its appointed time but will soon be seen exactly as described.
The chapter gives only a faint description of the reality now at hand. Its fulfillment is as certain as the desolation seen at San Francisco. The verse signals that the end is near, with Satan every year drilling his army to build up strong parties in preparation for the great battle of the last great conflict, when the springing forth of evil will become a living reality.
That approaching reality demands wisdom in ordering the work. God's work is to be divided and subdivided, with caretakers selected and ordained to carry it out, instead of leaving devising and planning to a few men, and the King's highway is to be cleared because men in high places supposing themselves wise will block the way. It calls everyone to be ready for the coming of the Son of man.