Habakkuk 2 & Isaiah 14: Understanding the Antichrist

Isaiah 14 is one of the better-known Bible prophecy chapters in the Bible. The chapter describes the fall of the end time king of Babylon (the Antichrist) from power. Few people realize that Isaiah 14 is a chapter that also relates to Habakkuk 2. In this article, I will discuss Habakkuk 2 and how it relates to Isaiah 14.

Habakkuk 2 Overview

Habakkuk 2 is an intriguing chapter because it appears to have some relevance to the end times as verse 3 states that the vision shall speak at “the end”:

“(2) And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (3) For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” (Habakkuk 2:2-3)

Habakkuk 2 is also an interesting chapter because it references an individual, but does not provide the name of the individual. However, several Bible commentators, including Keil & Delitzsch and Albert Barnes, believe that Habakkuk 2 concerns the Chaldaean/king of Babylon. Barnes specifically mentioned in his notes on Habakkuk 2:5 that the prophecy concerns the Antichrist.

“This general rule the prophet goes on to apply in words which belong in part to all oppressors and in the first instance to the Chaldaean, in part yet more fully to the end and to antichrist”.

What really stands out about Habakkuk 2 is that there are several verses in the chapter that parallel Isaiah 14; a chapter that many people believe is a chapter about the end times king of Babylon’s/Antichrist’s downfall. Here are some examples of the similarities between Habakkuk 2 and Isaiah 14:

An Arrogant Leader

Habakkuk 2:5 describes the unnamed individual as a “proud man”. Isaiah 14:13-14 describes the king of Babylon as an extremely arrogant individual:

“Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:” (Habakkuk 2:5)

“(13) For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: (14) I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” (Isaiah 14:13-14)

Taking Up a Proverb

Habakkuk 2:6 suggests that a taunting proverb should be taken up against this unnamed individual. Isaiah 14:4 suggests that a proverb shall be taken up against the king of Babylon after his downfall:

“Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!” (Habakkuk 2:6)

“That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!” (Isaiah 14:4)

Responsible for Much Violence

Habakkuk 2:8 mentions that this unnamed individual spoiled many nations and inflicted a lot violence “on the land”. According to the Strong Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries, the Hebrew word for the word “land” is “erets”, which means “earth”.[1]

Isaiah 14:16-17 mentions that the king of Babylon inflicted violence on the earth also.

“Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men’s blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.” (Habakkuk 2:8)

“(16) They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; (17) That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?” (Isaiah 14:16-17)

I believe these parallels serve as strong evidence that Habakkuk 2 is talking about the end time king of Babylon like Isaiah 14 talks about him. Furthermore, I believe Habakkuk 2 can help us to understand what is going on in Jeremiah 50, Jeremiah 51, and other related chapters/verses. For instance, Jeremiah 50 and Jeremiah 51 predict that Babylon will be spoiled:

“And Chaldea shall be a spoil: all that spoil her shall be satisfied, saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 50:10)

“Then the heaven and the earth, and all that is therein, shall sing for Babylon: for the spoilers shall come unto her from the north, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 51:48)

Habakkuk 2:8 suggests that this unnamed individual- the end times king of Babylon based on the parallels between Habakkuk 2 and Isaiah 14-will be spoiled by “the remnant of the people” because this individual has spoiled many nations and inflicted a lot of violence on the earth.

“Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men’s blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.” (Habakkuk 2:8)

Also, the idea that this unnamed individual will inflict a lot of violence on the earth may help explain why Babylon has the reputation of being “hammer of the whole earth”.

“How is the hammer of the whole earth cut asunder and broken! how is Babylon become a desolation among the nations!” (Jeremiah 50:23)

I hope you found this article informative. You can learn more about the Antichrist by reading my article on the characteristics to look for in the Antichrist.

Note

1. H776 ‘erets. Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries: G1909 ↩