Habakkuk

Probably composed in the late 7th century BCE.

Chapters 1-2 are a dialogue between Yahweh and the prophet. The central message, that ‘the just shall live by his faith’ (2:4) is cited in the Epistle to the Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, and the Epistle to the Hebrews 10:38 as the starting point of the concept of faith. Chapter 3 may be an independent addition; it seems to be a liturgical piece, but was possibly written by the same author as chapters 1 and 2.

1

Habakkuk asks God why he seems to delay judgment against the wicked. The Lord is raising up the Chaldeans. Their horses also are swifter than leopards, and more fierce than evening wolves. They gather captives like sand, scoffing at kings and princes. When the Babylonians overwhelm the land of Judah, they will wrongly give the credit to their false gods. Habakkuk wonders why God would use a nation more wicked than Judah to bring judgment on Judah. Habakkuk will stand his watch and wait for God’s reply.


2

The Lord tells Habakkuk to write the reply down. The proud are not upright, but the just shall live by faith. Babylon has an insatiable desire for conquest, but they shall be plundered by the remnant of those they plundered. Woe to the greedy, the violent, the drunk and the idolatrous. The Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.


3

Habakkuk pleads for revival. There is a song of praise (punctuated by ‘Selah’, as in the Psalms) glorifying God’s power over the earth and the nations. Habakkuk is afraid, yet resolves to rejoice in the Lord. ‘The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.’