Habakkuk
35th Book of the Bible
Author: Habakkuk
Meaning: “to embrace”
Date: about 600 B.C.
The book of Habakkuk is an interesting an enlightening study on God’s sovereignty. The book begins with the prophet questioning God as to why evil, violence, and wickedness are so prevalent.
O LORD, how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not hear?
Or cry to you "Violence!"
and you will not save?
Why do you make me see iniquity,
and why do you idly look at wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
strife and contention arise.
So the law is paralyzed,
and justice never goes forth.
For the wicked surround the righteous;
so justice goes forth perverted. (1:2-4)
God answers the prophet by saying that He is performing a “work in your days
that you would not believe if told.” (1:5). God says that He will raise up the Chaldeans (a.k.a. the Babylonians) to judge the wickedness and injustice in Israel. The Chaldeans were a “fierce and impetuous people” whose “justice and authority originate with themselves” (1:6-7). They are dreaded and feared because they come for violence, and will “heap up rubble” and “capture cities.” They will conquer the kingdoms, and unknowingly facilitate God’s judgment on the lands.
In response the prophet asks how a Holy God can establish such an evil, idolatrous people for His divine purposes.
You who are of purer eyes than to see evil
and cannot look at wrong,
why do you idly look at traitors
and remain silent when the wicked swallows up
the man more righteous than he? (1:13)
The Lord answers and tells Habakkuk to write down the vision, for the appointed time had not yet come. God assures the prophet, however, that the vision “hastens toward its goal, and will not fail” (2:3).
Behold, as for the proud one,
His soul is not right within him;
But the righteous will live by his faith. (2:4)
The proud Chaldeans put their trust in their own strength, but their soul is not right. This is the mark that distinguishes the wicked from the righteous. The righteous will be preserved through their faith in God. Though the wicked Chaldeans might seem strong and persevering in this life, they will soon be overcome with woes. They will be overwhelmed with violence and will be filled with disgrace rather than honor. God assured Habakkuk that He will also judge the Chaldeans for their transgressions as well. This presents a theological dilemma. Can God ordain these idolatrous, wicked men to enact His judgment and them hold them responsible for their actions? This is a glimpse into the inner workings of God’s govern will. Through His providence, the Almighty directs the ways of men.
The mind of man plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps. (Prov. 16:9)
This does not, however, absolve the personal responsibility for their sin. Ultimately, the Chaldeans were held responsible for their transgressions. Just as God hardened Pharaoh’s hard heart, He used the Chaldeans thirst for blood, violence, and power for His purposes, including their ultimate demise.
The LORD has made everything for its own purpose,
Even the wicked for the day of evil.
Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD;
Assuredly, he will not be unpunished. (Prov. 16:4-5)
God’s reply struck fear into the heart of Habakkuk (3:1). The prophet then pleads with God to remember mercy in the midst of His chastening. The prophet then begins a discourse outlining the awesome might and wonder of the Lord.
In indignation You marched through the earth;
In anger You trampled the nations.
You went forth for the salvation of Your people,
For the salvation of Your anointed
You struck the head of the house of the evil
To lay him open from thigh to neck. Selah. (3:12-13)
This reverent description of God painted Him as a mighty warrior whose hand is for justice and righteousness and opposing the wicked. Though the Chaldeans were fierce and dreadful, they were puny and insignificant compared to the Almighty God. His dominion is boundless and eternal. The prophet realized this and trusted in God and His sovereign will.
I heard and my inward parts trembled,
At the sound my lips quivered
Decay enters my bones,
And in my place I tremble
Because I must wait quietly for the day of distress,
For the people to arise who will invade us. (3:16)
Like Job, Habakkuk questioned God’s will. Job questioned God in the midst of sever suffering, and Habakkuk questioned Him in the shadow of impending disaster. Neither of them got a straightforward answer to their questions. Instead, they received something far more valuable. They received a revelation of God, His character, His eternal goodness, and His sovereignty. Habakkuk put his trust fully in God, and exults His great name. Though the fruit of the land and the temporal blessings of this life would soon be taken away and replaced with chastening, trials, and suffering, Habakkuk rejoiced in the God of salvation.
Though the fig tree should not blossom
And there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail
And the fields produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold
And there be no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will exult in the LORD,
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
The Lord GOD is my strength,
And He has made my feet like hinds' feet,
And makes me walk on my high places. (3:17-19)
for His glory,
DJ
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