The Simplicity and Freeness of the Gospel Salvation
W. Lindsay Alexander, D. D. Habakkuk 2:2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain on tables, that he may run that reads it. The vision was to be written upon tables, and made plain, that every one who read it might run. He who gave the vision commanded that it should be made plain upon tables, that the way of escape might be at once learned by those that were in peril, and that without a moment's delay they might run in that way and be delivered. What was the danger with which the people were threatened, and from which this vision was to indicate the way of escape? It is usually thought to be an anticipated invasion of the Chaldeans. It seems to me the danger is that to which all men as sinners are exposed; and that the way of escape indicated is that which is revealed to us by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I regard the prophet as here commissioned to announce to his countrymen, and ultimately, through the volume of inspiration, to the world at large, the folly, sin, and danger of rebellion against God, and forgetfulness of Him; and having thus warned them of the evil and peril of their ways, to urge upon them the importance of running in that way which has been opened for their escape. In favour of this interpretation the following considerations may be adduced — 1. Look at the circumstances in which the prophet tells us this com mission was delivered to him. 2. In verse 4 is a passage three times quoted by the apostle Paul, as applicable to the salvation of the Gospel — to the enjoyment of eternal life. 3. Peter (Acts 10:43) tells Cornelius that all the prophets preached the doctrine of salvation by faith through Christ. 4. The interpretation proposed seems to give greater unity and appropriateness to the prophet's subsequent declarations. The commission, then, which the prophet received from God was a commission to declare plainly and faithfully to men their guilt and danger as sinners against God, and to point them to that salvation in connection with which God has revealed Himself to them, that they may escape the calamities to which their iniquity has exposed them. It is plain, then, that in order to ascertain correctly the way of salvation we must go to the written records of God's will, and read. (W. Lindsay Alexander, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. WEB: Yahweh answered me, "Write the vision, and make it plain on tablets, that he who runs may read it.