The herald’s task was to announce God’s answer so that they would hear it at his appointed time. His answer “hastens to the end” meant that it would be made known as determined by God. His message would truthfully declare what he had planned to do to them. Although it seemed to be slow in coming to him, Habakkuk was told to wait for it. To him it may seem to take a long time, but God assured him it would not be delayed. God’s answer to the prayers of his people is not always immediate, but it will come.
3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.