For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the {c} end it shall speak, and not lie: though it may tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

(c) Which contained the destruction of the enemy, and the comfort of the Church. And even though God does not execute this according to man's hasty affections, yet the issue of both is certain at his appointed time.

Wesley's Notes

2:3 At the end - When the period appointed of God shall come. Shall speak - Be accomplished, and not disappoint your expectation.

Scofield Reference Notes

[2] appointed time

To the watching prophet comes the response of the "vision" Hab 2:2-20). Three elements are to be distinguished:

(1) The moral judgment of Jehovah upon the evils practised by dispersed Israel (Hab 5-13,15-19).

(2) The future purpose of God that, "the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea" (Hab 2:14). That this revelation awaits the return of the Lord in glory is shown

(a) by the parallel passage in Isa 11:9-12 and

(b) by the quotation of verse 3 in Heb 10:37,38 where the "it" of the "vision" becomes "he" and refers to the return of the Lord. It is then, after the "vision" is fulfilled, that "the knowledge of the glory," etc, shall fill the earth. But

(3) meantime, "the just shall live by his faith." This great evangelic word is applied to Jew and Gentile in Rom 1:17 to the Gentiles in Gal 3:11-14 and to Hebrews (especially) in Heb 10:38. This opening of life to faith alone, makes possible not only the salvation of the Gentiles during the dispersion of Israel "among the nations" Hab 1:5 Gal 3:11-14 but also makes possible a believing remnant in Israel while the nation, as such, is in blindness and unbelief, See Scofield Note: "Rom 11:1" with neither priesthood nor temple, and consequently unable to keep the ordinances of the law. Such is Jehovah! In disciplinary government His ancient Israel is cast out of the land and judicially blinded 2Cor 3:12-15 but in covenanted mercy the individual Jew may resort to the simple faith of Abraham Gen 15:6 Rom 4:1-5 and be saved. But this does not set aside the Palestinian See Scofield Note: "Dt 30:3" and Davidic See Scofield Note: "2Sam 7:16". Covenants, for "the earth shall be filled," etc. (Hab 2:14),and Jehovah will again be in His temple (Hab 2:20). Cf. Hab 2:14,20 Rom 11:25-27

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

3. for-assigning the cause why it ought to be committed to writing: because its fulfilment belongs to the future.

the vision is yet for an appointed time-(Da 10:14; 11:27, 35). Though the time appointed by God for the fulfilment be yet future, it should be enough for your faith that God hath spoken it (La 3:26).

at the end it shall speak-Maurer translates, "it pants for the end." But the antithesis between, "it shall speak," and "not be silent," makes English Version the better rendering. So the Hebrew is translated in Pr 12:17. Literally, "breathe out words," "break forth as a blast."

though it tarry, wait for it-(Ge 49:18).

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

2:1-4 When tossed and perplexed with doubts about the methods of Providence, we must watch against temptations to be impatient. When we have poured out complaints and requests before God, we must observe the answers God gives by his word, his Spirit, and providences; what the Lord will say to our case. God will not disappoint the believing expectations of those who wait to hear what he will say unto them. All are concerned in the truths of God's word. Though the promised favour be deferred long, it will come at last, and abundantly recompense us for waiting. The humble, broken-hearted, repenting sinner, alone seeks to obtain an interest in this salvation. He will rest his soul on the promise, and on Christ, in and through whom it is given. Thus he walks and works, as well as lives by faith, perseveres to the end, and is exalted to glory; while those who distrust or despise God's all-sufficiency will not walk uprightly with him. The just shall live by faith in these precious promises, while the performance of them is deferred. Only those made just by faith, shall live, shall be happy here and for ever.