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Yahweh continues to answer Habakkuk. He refers to the Chaldeans as though they are one person.
people
The word "people" refers to the Israelites.
take up
This can mean 1) "begin to use" a proverb of their own or 2) "begin repeating" someone else's proverb
a taunting proverb
A statement meant to make someone angry or point out their faults.
For how long will you increase the weight of the pledges you have taken?
"At some time you will no longer be able to take pledges from people." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion) This can mean 1) the Chaldeans are like robbers who are carrying around pledges they have forced other people to sign or 2) Yahweh is keeping an account of what the Chaldeans have stolen and will someday require them to pay it back. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)
pledges
promise notes given for a debt that is owed, often written on clay
Won't the ones gnashing at you rise up suddenly, and the ones terrifying you awaken
This question was asked in order to make the Chaldeans think about the answer. "The ones who are angry at you will come against you, the ones you are afraid of will begin to attack" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)
gnashing
biting or pressing their teeth together to show anger or sorrow
rise up
"become more numerous" or "become more powerful"
plundered
stolen or taken by force.
on account
"because"