Habakkuk
| Habakkuk | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Abbreviation | Hab |
| Class. | Old Testament |
| Category | Minor Prophets |
| Chapters | 3 |
| Record Related | |
| Writer | Habakkuk |
| Date (Approx.) | BC 7th century |
Habakkuk is the 35th book of the Old Testament, written by the prophet Habakkuk.
The book is uniquely structured as a dialogue between God and the prophet. Seeing a society where law and justice have disappeared and the wicked thrive, Habakkuk laments. In response, God reveals that the wicked will ultimately face judgment, while the righteous will live by faith.
Writer
The book was written by the prophet Habakkuk, though little is known about him.[1] However, the musical nature of Chapter 3, which includes specialized musical terms such as Shigionoth, Selah, director of music, and stringed instruments, suggests that Habakkuk was closely associated with temple music.
Historical Background
The book of Habakkuk was written during a time of political turmoil. The Assyrian Empire, which had destroyed Northern Israel, was itself overthrown by the Chaldeans (Babylonians). Even Egypt, a once-powerful nation, was defeated by the Chaldeans. At that time, Judah was struggling politically. King Josiah had died in battle against Pharaoh Necho of Egypt, leaving Judah under Egyptian influence. Meanwhile, Babylon (the Neo-Babylonian Empire) was rising as a dominant power, posing a growing threat to Judah. The term “Chaldeans” originally referred to people living in southern Babylon, but as they gained control of Babylon, the terms “Chaldeans” and “Babylonians” became interchangeable.[2]
Features
- Unlike most prophetic books, which deliver God’s visions, Habakkuk is structured as a dialogue between God and the prophet.
- Rather than proclaiming messages of judgment to the people, Habakkuk directly appeals to God for the judgment of the wicked.
Composition of Habakkuk
| Chapters | Content |
| Ch. 1 | Sin of Judah and Habakkuk’s Plea |
| Ch. 2 | God’s Answer |
| Ch. 3 | Habakkuk’s Prayer of Thanks |
Faced with a world filled with sin and injustice, Habakkuk pleaded with God. In response, God declared that He would raise up the Chaldeans (Babylonians) to judge the nations. This deepened Habakkuk’s concern, as he struggled to understand how a wicked nation could be used to punish righteous people and nations. However, God assured him that the wicked would be judged according to their deeds, and the righteous would be saved by faith. God instructed Habakkuk to wait patiently, for His judgment would surely come. In the end, Habakkuk praised God, praying that His justice would come swiftly—saving the righteous even in the midst of His wrath.
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.