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.