by Graeme Hutchinson (N. Ireland)
As we read through the prophecy of Habakkuk it soon becomes obvious why this series is entitled the ‘perplexed prophet.’ In 1.3 the prophet, in the light of apparent injustice, asks the penetrating question — Why? Believers today are often found in similar circumstances, asking the same question. However, in studying this prophecy we learn how God can work amid scenes of hopelessness and despair. As a general introduction to the book we may consider:
Unfortunately it is difficult to precisely determine when Habakkuk wrote his prophecy. The reference to the Chaldeans (Babylonians) in 1.6 suggests that the writings must have occurred sometime before this power invaded the southern nation of Judah, 2Kgs.25. Moreover, the description of sin and lawlessness in ch.1.2-4 would seem to conform to the way that king Jehoiakim ruled over the nation, 2Kgs.23.36 24.7; 2Chron.36.5-8. From this we may learn the following:
It was a period of corruption and chastisement. In ch.1.2-4, the prophet describes how sin had multiplied within (and outside) the nation of Judah. In v4, it is stated that the law was slacked (Strong 6313 - literally, it ceased to be effective). That which had been divinely given was now disregarded and ignored by the inhabitants of Judah. As a result of this, Judah was to be punished and Babylon was to be the tool through which the punishment would be administered. Even today, God's children must be conscious that they cannot live as they like. God will intervene in the affairs of His people in order to preserve the sanctity and holiness of His name, Acts 5.1-10; 1Cor.11.28-30. In the light of this, may we ‘serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear,’ Heb.12.28.
It was a period of conflict and confusion. In ch.1.6, the Lord demonstrated His sovereignty - He established the nation of Babylon to invade Judah! The description of this foreign power in 1.6-10 would, in part, explain why Habakkuk found it difficult to understand why God would use them to punish Judah. This pattern of the wicked prospering also troubled David in Ps.73.3. However, as Rom.11.33 reminds us: ‘How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out.’ We too may despair at our seemingly ‘unfair’ circumstances, but the Lord is sovereign. From Habakkuk we learn that we ought to be faithful — not fearful and worship — not worry. At times easier said than done!
In reading through the prophecy of Habakkuk, it is important that we seek to understand something of the character of the writer. Consider the following:
Habakkuk was sensitive. The opening phrase of the prophecy is instructive: ‘The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see,’ Hab.1.1. In this connection, it is interesting to consider what the particular burden of the prophet was. Firstly, prayer was seemingly unanswered: ‘how long shall I cry and thou wilt not hear,’ 1.2. The fact that he prayed for the sin in Judah to cease, but had received no positive answer was troublesome to the prophet's soul. Perhaps the prophet would have been better to rehearse the sentiments expressed in Ps. 121.4 - the nation was in safe hands, and God would work, but only when He so desired! Mary and Martha were to learn a similar lesson centuries later, Jn.11. We too must learn that God's delays are not necessarily His denials. Secondly, the growth of sin was seemingly unchecked. Instead of the righteous prospering, they were being hemmed in by the wicked. Habakkuk inquired as to why God was allowing this to continue. Finally, the answer from God was seemingly unbelievable — the Holy God would use a vile nation like Babylon to accomplish His purpose! An earlier prophet, Isaiah, wrote of God: ‘My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways saith the Lord,’ Isa.55.8, and Habakkuk could certainly testify to this truth! Therefore, a combination of all these factors had caused this godly prophet to enquire: How long! (1.2) and Why? (1.3) — a very great burden and one that Habakkuk felt greatly.
Habakkuk was submissive. In Hab.2.1, having entered into dialogue with God, the prophet accepts that he must wait for an answer from heaven. Often the prophets had to wait for God to answer some petition (see, for example, Jer.42.7), and Habakkuk is to be commended for his patience and acceptance of the situation. The Psalmist is another who waited upon the Lord, Ps.40.1. Interestingly, in the case of Habakkuk, the looking around brought anxiety, ch.1, but the looking up brought adoration, ch.3. If we face adverse circumstances, it is important that we look in the right direction!
Habakkuk was studious. In Hab. 3.3-15 we learn that the prophet was evidently one who knew the Word of God, or perhaps more accurately, the God of the Word. In the days of Habakkuk, the nation had neglected the Law, 1.4, but the prophet was able to recall the occasion when the Law was given, 3.3. Over nature, God was in supreme control, 3.8-11, and amongst the nations, God was able to accomplish mighty victories, 3.12-15. However, the prophet's in-depth understanding of God's dealings in the past was only possible through a careful study of the Scriptures. For Habakkuk, the Scriptures were more than informative, they were helpful in every predicament of life — may we prove the same!
Habakkuk was strong. As the prophet closes his book, 3.16-19, we are informed that the source of his strength was in the Lord. In Phil.4, the apostle Paul was able to express similar sentiments: his joy was in the Lord (compare Hab.3.18 with Phil.4.4), and so was his strength (compare Hab.3.19 with Phil.4.13). Spiritual giants seem to be conscious of their dependence upon God!
The prophecy of Habakkuk roughly follows the chapter division. Thus:
• Chapter 1 deals with THE PROBLEM — the sin of Judah and the invasion of Babylon as the means of punishment.
• Chapter 2 deals with THE PROPHECY — where Habakkuk records a series of ‘woes’ that would soon fall upon Babylon.
• Chapter 3 deals with THE PRAYER — where Habakkuk worships his Saviour God.
However, aside from this division, the following are some of the more important themes of the book:
Doctrinal — what we learn about God.
The prophecy reminds us of:
i) the holiness of God. In 1.12-13, as Habakkuk wrestled with the thought of God using Babylon to punish Judah, the prophet took comfort from the truth that God is holy: ‘O Lord, my God, mine Holy One, we shall not die,’ v12. A similar truth is repeated in 2.20 and 3.3. Interestingly, of all the divine attributes, God's holiness is most often mentioned by the OT prophets — see, for example, Isa.43.3, 14, 15 and Hos.11.9. Perhaps, as we reflect on God's intrinsic holiness, it would encourage us to refrain from anything that would tarnish His name or character, 1Pet.1.15-16.
ii) the righteousness of God. In ch.1, in response to the sin of Judah, God tells Habakkuk of how He will use Babylon to punish the nation. In ch.2, the wickedness of Babylon is also prophesied for judgment. In short, all of God's dealings are right and just — with Him there is never any miscarriage of justice!
iii) the greatness of God. In ch.3 we are informed that God is the supreme Creator. Rivers are under His control, v8; Jos.3.14-17, and the very mountains quake at His appearance, v10; Exo.19.18. Little wonder that the prophet looked to God as the source of his strength, ch.3.19.
Practical - what we learn about Christian living.
Hab.2.4 is perhaps the pivotal verse within the whole prophecy. Here, the prophet is instructed regarding the important principle of faith/faithfulness. In the NT, this verse is quoted in Rom. 1.17; Gal.3.11 and Heb.10.38. However, within Habakkuk we may note the following features of faith:
We have in:
Ch.1 — the trial of faith. As a prophet of the Lord, Habakkuk was tested on what he knew and believed. Being informed that Babylon would be used to punish Judah was something that Habakkuk found difficult to appreciate and understand. Often, we too are confronted with circumstances that are difficult to interpret, however, this is when our faith is being tried — see, for example, 1Pet.1.6-7 (RV).
Ch.2 — the teaching of faith. The possession and enjoyment of true life, as God intended for every righteous Israelite, would require him/her remaining faithful toward God and maintaining implicit trust in all His dealings. For NT believers, the importance of this still remains. As stewards, it is incumbent upon us to be faithful, 1Cor.4.2, and it is also the principle for day-to-day strength, 2Cor.5.7.
Ch.3 — the triumph of faith. Hab.3.17-19 demonstrates how the prophet accepted God's will, irrespective of its nature, and still remained joyful and strong. C. I. Scofield observes ‘Verses 17-18 declare that Habakkuk's love for God, like that of any devoted believer, is not based on what he expects God to give him. Even if God should send him suffering and loss, he declares, he will still rejoice in the God of his salvation. Here is one of the strongest manifestations of faith in the Scriptures’ (Scofield Bible Notes).
—to be continued (D.V.)