As the nation of Babylon was rising to power and world dominance, God had some warnings for this nation, which He delivered through the prophet Habakkuk in a series of five “Woes.”
“Woe to him who increases what is not his” (2:6). Think about that. “Woe to him who covets evil gain for his 
house” (2:9). Think about that one, too. “Woe to him who builds a town with bloodshed, who establishes a city by iniquity” (2:12). “Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbor” (2:5). The implications of these are deep. “Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ To silent stone, ‘Arise! It shall teach!'” (2:19). Babylon was a powerful nation, rising to conquer and control more and more. God’s message was plain: Running the universe is His job!
After these five woes is this familiar text in Habakkuk 2:20 — “But the Lord is in His holy temple.” (He is on the throne and in control!). “Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” (Honor, respect, humility, devotion and compliance are the only proper response!) Woe to us (and everyone) if we do not heed His warnings and His throne!