Introduction to the prophet Habakkuk
The 35th book of the Bible, consisting of 3 chapters
God must also judge Judah—but the righteous will live by faith
Habakkuk is the eighth of the so-called “minor” prophets, and chronologically, the order in the Bible—as the successor to Nahum in “God’s call”—is almost accurate. 🙂
During his lifetime, this prophet witnessed the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, while injustice and lawlessness increased in his homeland of Judah.
He thus follows in the footsteps of Nahum and Zephaniah, and alongside him, the prophet Jeremiah also proclaims God’s word. Both witness the fulfillment of judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem and can be considered the last prophets in the Kingdom of Judah.
Toward the end of Habakkuk’s ministry, the first prophets of the Babylonian exile, Daniel and Ezekiel, are raised up—and with that, our knowledge of Habakkuk also comes to an end.
There are two different views on the meaning of the name Habakkuk—well, perhaps both are “correct.”
On the one hand, it can mean a herb that is cultivated—perhaps basil or mint.
But “one who embraces” or “one who clings to God” are also mentioned—and there are certainly plenty of plants that like to wind their way around something as they grow…
In some ways, the Book of Habakkuk reminds us of the books of Jonah and Job—these two men of God also had a “problem” with God’s ways—albeit for entirely different reasons.
Here we witness a “conversation” between God and the prophet; however, unlike most of his prophetic predecessors, Habakkuk does not speak from God to the people—but rather about the people to God.
First, Habakkuk laments that God permits all the injustice taking place among the people.
– God’s response consists of the announcement of judgment upon Judah by the Chaldeans.
Then the prophet complains a second time, asking for mercy and for another answer.
– This answer is that God will punish all the unrighteous—from all nations—but the righteous will be saved from all of this.
The final chapter of the book of Habakkuk consists of a psalm, a song of praise, and a preview of the judgment upon the nations at the coming of the Messiah; this ultimately comforts Habakkuk and fills him with joy, strength, confidence, and gratitude.
Outline of the Book of Habakkuk:
Habakkuk Chapter 1
Habakkuk laments before God about the injustice and misfortune surrounding him
The LORD answers him and announces judgment through the Chaldeans (Babylonians)
Habakkuk asks for justice and also pleads with God for mercy for the nations
Habakkuk Chapter 2
God’s response to the prophet:
The righteous have proven themselves faithful and will live by their faith
The oppressors and the wicked, however, will fall under judgment
Habakkuk Chapter 3
Habakkuk’s psalm and prayer – a preview of the coming of the LORD to judge