Book of Habakkuk - Chapter 2 - Verse 13

The verse "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?" from the book of Habakkuk in the Bible speaks to the futility of human efforts when not aligned with God's will. In this verse, the prophet Habakkuk is questioning the point of people toiling and wearing themselves out for ultimately meaningless pursuits. The phrase "labour in the very fire" suggests a strenuous and fruitless effort, with the "vanity" serving as a reminder that without God at the center, human endeavors are ultimately in vain. This verse serves as a poignant reminder for believers to seek God's guidance and purpose in all their actions, rather than exhausting themselves in pursuits that do not align with His will. It challenges us to reflect on our own lives and ensure that our labor is directed towards things of eternal significance rather than fleeting worldly pursuits.

In this verse, the phrase "the people shall labour in the very fire" is a metaphorical description of the hardships and struggles that the people will face. The imagery of laboring in fire suggests that their efforts will be met with intense challenges and difficulties. The use of fire in this context can also symbolize purification or testing, indicating that the people will be tested by their trials. The following phrase, "and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity," highlights the futility and emptiness of their labor. Despite their efforts, they will not achieve lasting success or fulfillment. This verse underscores the idea that without the guidance and blessing of the LORD of hosts, human endeavors are ultimately in vain. It serves as a reminder of the importance of relying on God's strength and wisdom in all our pursuits.