HABAKKUK BOOK OVERVIEW
OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY: HABAKKUK QUESTIONS GOD
Unlike the other prophets, Habakkuk did not deliberately rebuke Israel; instead, the prophet addressed God directly. During the final years of the kingdom of Judah, Habakkuk questioned God’s motive and reasoning for the upcoming Babylonian invasion.
Habakkuk asked questions that many wrestle with while processing their faith, including why God would allow such rebellious and wicked people to prosper. Habakkuk trusted God and realized the purpose of temporary suffering that leads to ultimate redemption.
God’s response to Habakkuk alluded to the impending Babylonian invasion, but Habakkuk remained hopeful and praised God. Habakkuk’s response serves as 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 faithfulness as Habakkuk trusted God’s sovereignty and ultimate deliverance.
MAIN IDEAS: HABAKKUK TRUSTS GOD’S SOVEREIGN PLAN
Habakkuk questioned God, asking why He allows evil, injustice, and violence. (Habakkuk 1:1-4)
God revealed His plan to use Babylon as a source of judgment against Judah. (Habakkuk 1:5-11)
God promised to judge the Babylonians for their sin, revealing His desire for justice. (Habakkuk 2:2-20)
Habakkuk prayed in awe of God’s power, trusting His deliverance despite hardships. (Habakkuk 3:1-19)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: RULER OF ALL CREATION
God shared with Habakkuk that He would use Babylon as part of His plan to overthrow Judah, but He wouldn’t let Babylon’s sin go unchecked. God’s judgment on both nations shows that He is fair and just; nothing escapes His notice.
Habakkuk 3 highlights God’s power over all creation, describing mountains trembling, rivers parting, and the sun standing still— pointing back to moments in Israel’s history when God parted the Red Sea or made the sun stand still in Joshua’s time.
God’s sovereignty and power are not limited by rebellious nations, corrupt leaders, or forces of nature. Even when things look chaotic, God is working out His plan for good. For Habakkuk, that meant trusting God’s bigger picture, even when trouble was on the horizon.
JESUS IN HABAKKUK: THE RIGHTEOUS LIVE BY FAITH
When Habakkuk questioned God about the chaos around him, God reminded him that faith is the foundation for the righteous life. Habakkuk 2:4 states that “the righteous shall live by his faith.” This idea is repeated throughout the New Testament (see Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, and Hebrews 10:38) as a reminder that we are made right with God through faith and called to live faithfully.
Jesus is the ultimate example of this faith. He perfectly trusted God, even when facing the cross. Because of Jesus, believers are invited to live a life of faith, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Just like Habakkuk, we can trust that God is in control and that His promises are true.
