John Calvin Commentary Habakkuk 3:4

"And [his] brightness was as the light; He had rays [coming forth] from his hand; And there was the hiding of his power." — Habakkuk 3:4 (ASV)

He confirms the declaration I have explained: that God, when he intended to make his presence known to his people, gave evidence of his wonderful power, capable of awakening the minds of all. He then says that the brightness was like light. By the word אור, aur, the light that spreads through the whole world and comes from the sun is undoubtedly meant. Then he says that the brightness which appeared on Mount Sinai was equal to the light of the sun, capable of filling the whole world.

He adds that horns were to him from the hand. Some translate it as splendor; but קרן, coren, properly means a horn, and קרנים, corenium, is here in the dual number. It is therefore more probable that the Prophet ascribes horns to God, carried in both hands. This interpretation also corresponds more closely with what immediately follows: that “there was the hiding of his strength,” or that “his power was hidden there.”

Those who translate the word as splendors think that what had been said is repeated—that is, that the brightness was like light. But they are mistaken, for we can gather from the verse that the Prophet expresses two different things: he first speaks of the visible form of God, and then he adds his power, designating it metaphorically by horns, which is common in Scripture. Indeed, this way of speaking occurs often. He then says that God came armed with power when he gave the Law to his people, for he bore horns in his hands, where his strength was hidden.

Regarding the word hiding, some indeed offer this refined view: that God then put forth his strength, which was previously hidden. But this is a very strained explanation. To me it seems evident that the Prophet first says that God’s glory was conspicuous, capable of illuminating the whole world like the light of the sun. Then he adds that this splendor was connected with power, for God carried horns in both his hands, where his strength lay. And he says that it was hidden because God did not intend to make known his power indiscriminately throughout the world, but particularly to his own people, as it is also said in Psalm 31:20:

“the greatness of his goodness is laid up for the faithful alone,
who fear and reverence him.”

As it is said, then, that the goodness of God is laid up for the faithful, for they enjoy it as children and members of the household, so also the power of God is said to be laid up. This is because he testifies that he is armed with power to defend his Church, so that he may keep safe the children of Abraham, whom he has taken under his protection. It then follows—