The Book of Habakkuk
Another prophet living in obscurity, little is known about Habakkuk. His name only appears in the Old Testament twice.
The word “Habakkuk” may translate to “embrace,” he is known as the prophet who loved his people and sought to draw them to himself in comfort. Others describe him as the “one who wrestled with God.”
Historical Context: The book of Habakkuk was written just prior to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 B.C., after the fall of Assyria.
God had raised up Josiah as king, who would be the last good king of Judah. Josiah called upon a female prophet, Huldah, giving the privilege of bringing God’s word to the kind to a woman. He ordered the book of the law to be read in the hearing of all of the people. He was faithful.
Josiah’s reforms and Godly influence died with him. False gods were worshipped and little honor was given to Yahweh. Babylonians crushed Assyria, and Judah was threatened.
Habakkuk brings a message of hope and comfort for God’s people. He spoke to God about the people and expected God to bring them to repentance and obedience. Habakkuk asked God questions, and received answers. His honest doubts were embraced.
Habakkuk was called to embrace what God called him to endure.
Habakkuk 1
Habakkuk had doubts. He believed, but wondered and questioned why God allowed certain things and remained seemingly inactive. He practiced honest doubt, and questioned God directly. The Book of Habakkuk is primarily a conversation between God and Habakkuk.
God reminds Habakkuk (and us) that His ways are not our ways. We need to trust His integrity, despite evidence to the contrary..
God made it clear that He was going to do something Habakkuk wouldn’t believe. He was raising up the Babylonians now, but their god was their strength. He was building them up for them to fall later.
The Babylonians were a threat to Habakkuk and his people. They were fast, fierce killers and treated lesser nations like fish in the net… nothing ever escaped.
Habakkuk 2
Habakkuk waited on God’s answer and revelation. Even in the midst of his doubt and confusion, he didn’t abandon his calling
Write down the revelation and make it plain so whoever reads it may run with it. (Habakkuk 2:2) Habakkuk was commanded to write the Lord’s answer for the benefit of others. He was obligated, as a source of hope.
The revelation speaks of an end. It does not lie. It doesn’t mention when, because the revelation is based on God’s timing, of which we do now know.
The enemy lived on falso confidence, and was therefore arrogant. God would use the things the enemy reveled in to bring them down.
5 woes are described upon the Babylonians. These woes cover dishonesty, covetousness, robbery, embezzlement, exploitation, extortion, tyranny, debauchery and idolatry
Woe to him who piles up stolen goods
Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain
Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed
Woe to him who gives drink to neighbors to gaze on their nakedness
Woe to him who makes idols & trusts in his own creation
God promised the destruction of Judah’s enemy.
Habakkuk 3
Habakkuk stood in awe of what the Lord had done. He resolved to be faithful and joyful, despite the circumstances around him. He took a look at God’s track record, and found Him to be sufficient. Through all of history, God has proven that He marches on forever.
Habakkuk believed and reminded God that He came to deliver His people before and would do it again. His doubt became faith because he understood that God was in control and would prevail. Habakkuk rejoiced in the Savior, not in the situation.
“I heard and my heart pounded…yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come.” (Habakkuk 3:16) Habakkuk practiced joy in the midst of desolation. God’s judgement would be just and temporary, which allowed Habakkuk to rejoice.
“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength.” (Habakkuk 3:18-19) Habakkuk’s joy lay in his confidence in God.
True faith is loving and serving God in ALL circumstances. Fear can become faith when you depend on the dependable God. Habakkuk was sure-footed like a deer, because he was sure-faithed.
