HABAKKUK
Unlike the other prophets, Habakkuk does not deliberately rebuke Israel, but instead addresses God directly. During the final years of the kingdom of Judah, Habakkuk questions God’s motive and reasoning for the upcoming Babylonian invasion.
Habakkuk asks questions that many wrestle with while processing their faith, including why God would allow rebellious and wicked people to prosper. Habakkuk trusts God and realizes the purpose of temporary suffering that leads to ultimate redemption.
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The problem of evil
God’s character
The importance of faith
God’s glory
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Habakkuk
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Author: Habakkuk
Date: 610-605 BC
Intended Audience: God
HABAKKUK 1
GOD RESPONDS TO HABAKKUK’S CONCERNS
The prophet Habakkuk cries out to God, highlighting the desperation of Judah. Specifically, Habakkuk is concerned with violence and injustice that has consumed Judah. God responds to Habakkuk, telling him that the dreaded and fearsome Babylonians are coming to destroy Judah. Although God has sent many prophets to warn the Israelites, the people have not listened to their reproof.
Habakkuk is not satisfied with this answer and wonders why God would use an especially corrupt nation to take out Judah. Habakkuk questions how God could choose a nation famous for sinful disobedience to reveal His plans for Judah. Habakkuk is perplexed by God's utilization of the morally corrupt Babylonians, who are even worse than the Israelites, in apparent contrast with God's holiness.
HABAKKUK 2
GOD’S PLAN + PURPOSE FOR BABYLON
Habakkuk eagerly awaits God’s reply to his questions regarding Babylon. God responds by providing Habakkuk with a vision that explains Babylon’s eventual destruction because of their inherent corruption and wrongdoing.
God shares five characteristics of unjust nations, all of which are warnings against Babylon. God is angered by oppressive or predatory economic systems, abuse of power, gluttonous drunken leaders, and worship of false gods. The Babylonians will not be spared from God’s judgment and will eventually experience God’s wrath.
God does not approve of the Babylonians’ behavior, but still uses them for His ultimate purpose for Judah. Although it seems like God is bringing triumph for those who are the most wicked and rebellious, God has a bigger plan in action. This chapter serves as a reminder that God is sovereign despite short-term hardships and adversity.
HABAKKUK 3
HABAKKUK’S PRAYER
Habakkuk responds to God’s revelation in both fear and awe of God’s plan to renew His great works for Judah. Habakkuk recalls God’s provision and protection for Israel, specifically His ability to split the sea and bring freedom to captives. Habakkuk hopes for a future Exodus, where God brings the Israelites out of exile and brings justice to the Babylonians.
Although the Babylonian invasion is impending, Habakkuk remains hopeful and praises God. Habakkuk’s response is a reminder that God is steadfast and worthy of trust, regardless of the current circumstances. This book, although it brings news of destruction and devastation, ends on a note of trusting God’s sovereignty and ultimate deliverance.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 - Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.