Habakkuk 1–3
Common Theme
Habakkuk wrestles with the problem of evil, questioning why God allows wickedness to prosper, but ultimately learns that the righteous live by faith. The book closes with a powerful affirmation of trust in God’s sovereignty and salvation, even amid suffering and loss.
Questions
- How does Habakkuk’s dialogue with God help us understand the place of honest lament in faith?
- What does it mean to live by faith when circumstances seem unjust or overwhelming?
God Shot
God reveals Himself as the holy and sovereign ruler who governs history and will ultimately judge wickedness. He is the God of salvation, worthy of trust and worship, whose power brings both trembling and joy.
Deeper✝
Habakkuk 1
The book of Habakkuk presents a dialogue between the prophet and Yahweh, focusing on the prophet’s questions about the existence of wrongdoing and God’s tolerance of it. In Chapter 1, Habakkuk questions why God allows injustice, receiving a response about the rise of the Babylonians. The text highlights the relevance of Habakkuk’s message in today’s context, addressing themes of loss, cultural displacement, and impending destruction. It illustrates how believers can respond faithfully to dire circumstances, reflecting on the prophet’s struggle with the reality of suffering.
Habakkuk 2
Habakkuk 2 reveals Yahweh’s message about the fall of Babylon and addresses the prophet’s concerns regarding the wicked. God instructs Habakkuk to write down a vision that contrasts two paths: puffed-up desire and faith. The text emphasizes that the righteous will live by their faithfulness, addressing the prophet’s questions about God’s tolerance of evil and the prosperity of the wicked. Key issues include the implications of Jerusalem’s fall, God’s reputation amidst Babylon’s success, and the challenge of idolatry. Yahweh’s responses highlight the eventual downfall of Babylon and the restoration of His people. The chapter offers practical guidance for those facing turmoil, reminding them to seek divine wisdom and participate in worship. It reassures believers that, despite suffering, God is present and will ultimately deliver them. The message encourages faith in God’s promises, emphasizing that the righteous will endure through their trust in Him.
Habakkuk 3
Habakkuk 3 is a song to Yahweh that reflects on His power and ways in the world, serving as a response to earlier revelations about the Babylonians. While differing in form from the rest of the book, it is integral to the overall message. The song transitions from celebrating Yahweh’s visible power to expressing joy despite the absence of basic needs, illustrating Habakkuk’s faith in unseen promises. He anticipates suffering but chooses to be a survivor rather than a victim. The chapter emphasizes the struggle of reconciling personal beliefs with divine revelation, showcasing a matured faith in the concluding verses, which highlight God’s historic deeds and majesty.
✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.