NOTE - David Bearden · NOTE All Scripture in this document quoted from the English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001) unless otherwise stated

NOTE

All Scripture in this document quoted from the English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard

Bible Society, 2001) unless otherwise stated.

Copyright 2013 by David Bearden – All Rights Reserved Page 2 Update: 8/19/2013 1:47:00 PM

Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................ 3

Themes in Habakkuk ............................................................................................................................................................... 3

Habakkuk’s First Complaint to the Lord .................................................................................................................................. 3

The Lord’s First Response to Habakkuk .............................................................................................................................. 4

Discussion Questions .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

Lessons for Life .................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Habakkuk’s Second Complaint to the Lord ............................................................................................................................. 6

The Lord’s Second Reply to Habakkuk ................................................................................................................................ 7

The Righteous Shall Live by His Faith .............................................................................................................................. 7

Discussion Questions .......................................................................................................................................................... 8

Theological Truths ............................................................................................................................................................... 8

Lessons for Life .................................................................................................................................................................... 9

God’s Five Woes for the Chaldeans ........................................................................................................................................ 9

Woe for Intimidation .......................................................................................................................................................... 9

Woe for Intemperance ...................................................................................................................................................... 10

Woe for Iniquity ................................................................................................................................................................ 10

Woe for Indignity .............................................................................................................................................................. 11

Woe for Idolatry ................................................................................................................................................................ 11

Discussion Questions ........................................................................................................................................................ 12

Theological Truths ............................................................................................................................................................. 12

Lessons for Life .................................................................................................................................................................. 12

Habakkuk’s Prayer and Praise ............................................................................................................................................... 13

Quick Review of Habakkuk ................................................................................................................................................ 13

Habakkuk’s Prayer for Mercy ............................................................................................................................................ 13

God’s Arrival ...................................................................................................................................................................... 14

God’s Actions .................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Habakkuk’s Peace ............................................................................................................................................................. 16

Habakkuk’s Praise ............................................................................................................................................................. 16

Discussion Questions ........................................................................................................................................................ 17

Theological Truths ............................................................................................................................................................. 17

Lessons for Life .................................................................................................................................................................. 17

References ............................................................................................................................................................................ 18


Introduction We know very little about the prophet Habakkuk.

The meaning of his name is debated, but it may mean “the one who embraces” or “the one who is embraced.”

He lived and prophesied around the late 7th century B.C. in the southern kingdom of Judah.

Rabbinic sources identify Habakkuk as the son of the Shunammite woman that Elijah restored to life in 2 Kings 4.

The concluding note in this book, “For the director of music. On my stringed instruments” (Hab. 3:19), suggests that Habakkuk may have been a musician of the Levitical office.

Habakkuk is unique in that it is a dialog between a prophet and God.

Habakkuk is similar to Job in that he questioned God.

Themes in Habakkuk There are three main themes in Habakkuk

1. Why does God seem to be silent when wickedness prevails? 2. Why do the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer for the things the

wicked do? 3. The just will live by faith.

A mature faith trusts humbly but persistently in God’s design for establishing righteousness in the earth.1 – O. Palmer Robertson

Habakkuk’s First Complaint to the Lord Habakkuk 1:1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw.

Habakkuk’s Complaint 2 O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? 3 Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. 4 So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Hab 1.

Habakkuk had a burden (acm) over the wickedness of his day.

Habakkuk accused God of not listening.

Habakkuk wants to know why his prayers are unanswered and the wickedness in Judah continues.

Notice the language that Habakkuk used to describe the situation: violence, injustice, wrong, destruction, strife, and contention.


The Hebrew word for violence here is smj (Hamas).

Habakkuk knew Who to call on for help – the Lord.

Habakkuk raised two questions for the Lord: 1. How long are You going to be indifferent to what’s going on? 2. Why don’t You help?

Perhaps the answers to Habakkuk’s questions are found in 1 Samuel 8:18 and Deuteronomy 28.

It is implied by Habakkuk’s plea that he had been praying about these problems for some time.

Since prayer is provided specifically as the framework in which all the burdens of God’s people may be poured out before the Lord, prayers expressing perplexity are appropriate so long as they are offered in a context of trust.2 – O. Palmer Robertson

Notice what happens when wickedness prevails – the law and justice are ignored.

The wicked here refers to the people of Judah. The prophet Jeremiah who was a contemporary of Habakkuk documented this wickedness in Jeremiah 7:3-6; 9:1-6; 12:1-4; 15:10; 20:7-8; 22:3, 13-17.

The righteous could not count on the government for justice because of corruption.

The prophet also pictured justice as being “perverted.” This term pictures God’s just standards being “bent” or “twisted” by the wicked.3 – Robert Chisholm, Jr.

The Lord’s First Response to Habakkuk Habakkuk 1:5 “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told. 6 For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, who march through the breadth of the earth, to seize dwellings not their own. 7 They are dreaded and fearsome; their justice and dignity go forth from themselves. 8 Their horses are swifter than leopards, more fierce than the evening wolves; their horsemen press proudly on. Their horsemen come from afar; they fly like an eagle swift to devour. 9 They all come for violence, all their faces forward. They gather captives like sand. 10 At kings they scoff, and at rulers they laugh. They laugh at every fortress, for they pile up earth and take it. 11 Then they sweep by like the wind and go on, guilty men, whose own might is their god!”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Hab 1:5–11.


God tells Habakkuk, “Be patient…”

“You” in Hebrew is plural indicating that the message was addressed to both Habakkuk and the people and it was Habakkuk’s responsibility to pass this message along to his people.

It is implied that the people of Judah were myopic. They did not care what was happening around them.

Chaldeans is another name for Babylonians. Babylon was located in modern day Iraq.

The Chaldeans were very ruthless people and treated their enemies unmercifully. They were greatly feared and hated by anyone they came against. (Remember how they treated King Zedekiah in 2 Kings 25:7.)

The Chaldeans had a very powerful and efficient army. Notice the imagery:

Horses swifter than leopards and keener than wolves

They fly like an eagle swooping down on its prey

They collect captives like sand

Nothing stood in their way including distance, fortified cities and great kings.

Their captives were forced into slavery.

The Chaldeans had one flaw – they were very proud and trusted in themselves instead of recognizing God as the source of their success.

God was not asleep – He knew exactly what was going on in Judah and already had a plan to deal with it.

When we pray, the Lord might answer our prayers in surprising and unexpected ways.

God is very patient, but when His judgment comes it is swift and decisive.

God can use anything or anyone to bring Himself glory!

The curses of Deuteronomy 28 were about to become a reality for the Nation of Judah; however, the Chaldeans’ wickedness would not escape God’s justice either.

Discussion Questions 1. Do you think that we as Christians have a broken heart over the wickedness of our

society? Why or why not? How do Christians pervert God’s standards? 2. Does God ever seem to ignore our prayers? Is this real or perceived? If this is

perceived, what is really happening when God is silent? 3. Has God ever answered one of your prayers in an unexpected way? Why do you

think this happens? 4. Do we as Americans have any similarities to the Chaldeans? If so what? What are

the dangers of this?

Lessons for Life God is in control – even when He is silent.

When you are troubled, angry or confused, bring it to God.

Do not be surprised when God answers your prayers in unexpected ways.

Trust God even when you do not understand what He is doing.

When you are facing a problem realize that God knows and already has a plan to deal with your circumstance.

Understand that God is our strength - not our abilities, jobs, retirement accounts, weapons, doctors, citizenship, government, politicians, military, etc.


Habakkuk’s Second Complaint to the Lord Habakkuk 1:12 Are you not from everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O LORD, you have ordained them as a judgment, and you, O Rock, have established them for reproof. 13 You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he? 14 You make mankind like the fish of the sea, like crawling things that have no ruler. 15 He brings all of them up with a hook; he drags them out with his net; he gathers them in his dragnet; so he rejoices and is glad. 16 Therefore he sacrifices to his net and makes offerings to his dragnet; for by them he lives in luxury, and his food is rich. 17 Is he then to keep on emptying his net and mercilessly killing nations forever?


God was from eternity, and from eternity he had settled on a purpose. History provided the framework in which the Sovereign Lord would bring to pass his everlasting intentions.4 – O. Palmer Robertson

Notice Habakkuk’s high view of God and his faith in God. (In Hebrew the question in v12 implies a positive response.)

Habakkuk did not have weak faith – just a perplexed faith. He did not understand how God would use a wicker people to punish Judah.

Contrast Habakkuk’s faith with where the Chaldean’s placed their trust in v11.

Even though the Chaldean’s were capable of totally alienating Judah, Habakkuk knew that the Lord would never let that happen to His covenant people (cf. 2 Samuel 7:16).

Habakkuk was concerned about the per-severance of the righteous remnant within Judah.

Notice Habakkuk’s honesty – he made it clear that he did not understand why God was choosing to use the wicked for His glory. He could not understand why God would allow a people wicker than Judah to punish Judah.

However, Habakkuk understood that God’s knowledge of wickedness and God’s approval of wickedness are two distinct things.

Habakkuk again acknowledges the power of the Chaldeans to subdue the nations by using a metaphor of a fisherman capturing fish in a net.


Babylon was like a fisherman who took other nations captive with hook and net and rejoiced over his good catch. Babylonian monuments depict the Chaldeans as having driven a hook through the lower lip of their captives and stringing them single file, like fish on a string.21 This was an Assyrian tradition that the Babylonians continued. In another Babylonian relief, the Chaldeans pictured their major gods dragging a net in which their captured enemies squirmed. The Babylonians even gave credit to the tools they used to make their impressive conquests rather than to Yahweh (cf. v. 11). They had as little regard for human life as fishermen have for fish. That God would allow this to continue seemed blatantly unjust to the prophet.5 – Tom Constable

Perhaps the most repulsive element of the entire picture is the fiendish gloating of the Chaldeans. They gleefully inflict these humiliating brutalities on their victims.6 – O. Palmer Robertson

Jeremiah used a similar metaphor picturing the Babylonians as fishermen and hunters (Jeremiah 16:16).

The Chaldeans worshipped their “nets” (military tactics and superiority) that brought them food and prosperity instead acknowledging God for their success.

Habakkuk knew that the fate of Judah was in the hands of the Lord so he waited and watched for the Lord to respond to his question.

Habakkuk assumed that the Lord would rebuke him for questioning. While he was waiting he also planned his response to God.

The Lord’s Second Reply to Habakkuk Habakkuk 2:1 I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.

The Righteous Shall Live by His Faith Habakkuk 2:2 And the LORD answered me:

“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. 3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

4 “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.

5 “Moreover, wine is a traitor, an arrogant man who is never at rest. His greed is as wide as Sheol; like death he has never enough. He gathers for himself all nations and collects as his own all peoples.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Hab 2.


God told Habakkuk to preserve and publicize His reply.

The “one who reads it may run” refers to a person who would carry the message to all of Judah – a herald.

God does not change His mind if it is His sovereign will.

The writer of Hebrews uses this same truth to encourage believers regarding the Second Coming (Hebrews 10:36-38).

God was assuring Habakkuk that He would also punish the Babylonians for their sins.

Habakkuk 2:4 is a super key verse that contrasts the pride of mankind with the faith of the righteous.

Living by Faith in the New Testament

Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted three times in the New Testament • Romans 1:17

• The righteous of God can only be received by faith. • Galatians 3:11

• It is faith that makes one righteous - not keeping the Law. • Hebrews 10:38

• When tough times come believers should live by faith.

In the New Testament [the words “will live by faith”] mean to enjoy salvation and eternal life. In contrast with the self-reliant, boastful ways of the unrighteous, the righteous are found to be reliant on God and faithful to Him.7 – Ron Blue

Those who are proud and greedy are never satisfied.

Material success never completely satisfies – it just gives us a taste for more.

It is believed that the Assyrians were drunk when the Babylonians captured the Assyrian capital of Nineveh. Ironically, the Babylonian king had been drinking and was probably drunk when the city was captured by Darius the Mede (see Daniel 5).

Discussion Questions 1. Habakkuk had a high view of God. What must be acknowledged in order to have

a high view of God? Do we as 21st century Christians have a high view of God? Why or why not?

2. Why do you think living by faith is so important to God? Is living by faith easy or hard for us? Why? What does living by faith look like?

3. The Chaldeans worshiped their “nets” due the prosperity they appeared to bring. What “nets” do we worship? How does this mesh with “living by faith?”

Theological Truths

God will justly punish the wicked for their deeds (Isaiah 3:11).

Success comes from the Lord alone (Proverbs 21:20).

Evil and wickedness will eventually be cut off (Psalm 37:34-36; Proverbs 2:21-22).

The righteous person will live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38).

God does not change His mind once He has sovereignly decided to do something (1 Samuel 15:29).

Abuse of wine can lead to one’s downfall (Proverbs 23:31-35).


Lessons for Life Be careful what you pray for – you just might get it!

Don’t be afraid to ask God hard questions – just be sure your motives are pure.

Realize that God’s ways and timing are not the same as ours.

Trust God to deal with injustice in His way and in His timing.

Trust God to care for you even in times of distress.

Do not abuse wine. It may lead you down a path that leads to destruction.

God’s Five Woes for the Chaldeans 1. Woe for Intimidation (2:6-8) 2. Woe for Intemperance (2:9-11) 3. Woe for Iniquity (2:12-14) 4. Woe for Indignity (2:15-17) 5. Woe for Idolatry (2:18-20)

God sometimes uses evil people to accomplish His larger purpose in life. But He never condones evil, and those who do evil He holds accountable for their actions. – Charles Dyer

Woe for Intimidation

Habakkuk 2:6 Shall not all these take up their taunt against him, with scoffing and riddles for him, and say,

“Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own— for how long?— and loads himself with pledges!” 7 Will not your debtors suddenly arise, and those awake who will make you tremble? Then you will be spoil for them. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you, for the blood of man and violence to the earth, to cities and all who dwell in them.


Evil and wickedness only last for a season. Eventually God will execute justice against such things.

God promised Habakkuk that one day those who were mistreated by the Chaldeans would turn the tables and revolt against their captors.

[God’s] glory before all creation is magnified by the establishment of honor for the humble and disgrace for the arrogant.8 – O. Palmer Robertson

God does not answer Habakkuk’s question of when this will happen, but he does state how this will happen – “suddenly.”

God is merciful in that he allows people to repent, but his patience is only for a season.

The Chaldeans were going to reap what they had sown and in 539 B.C. the Medes and Persians revolted and overthrew Babylon.

God does not approve of the shedding of innocent blood or mistreatment of his creation.


Woe for Intemperance

Habakkuk 2:9 “Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house, to set his nest on high, to be safe from the reach of harm! 10 You have devised shame for your house by cutting off many peoples; you have forfeited your life. 11 For the stone will cry out from the wall, and the beam from the woodwork respond.


“To put his nest on high” implies security and prestige (see also Genesis 11:4; Numbers 24:21; Obadiah 4; Jeremiah 49:16).

Saving to protect oneself from large future expenses is not wrong in itself, but to build a fortune so one will not have to trust in anyone else is saving with the wrong attitude (cf. James 5:1–6).9 – Tom Constable

The Chaldeans used their ill-gotten gain from the suffering of others to build their empire.

Even if the Chaldeans were able to exterminate all of their victims, the materials used to build their great city would be a testament to their violent exploitation of other nations.

Woe for Iniquity

Habakkuk 2:12 “Woe to him who builds a town with blood and founds a city on iniquity! 13 Behold, is it not from the LORD of hosts that peoples labor merely for fire, and nations weary themselves for nothing? 14 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.


The Hebrew word translated as “bloodshed” carries the connotation of murder.

The Chaldean empire was built from slave labor; however, all of the slave’s (nations) labor was in vain because Babylon would one day fall.

In accordance with the purposes of God in creation and redemption, the populace of a city should work together to form a culture and a community which performs all of its functions to the glory of God.10 - O. Palmer Robertson

The Babylon in view in the Book of Habakkuk was mainly the Neo-Babylonian Empire, but ever since Babel (Gen. 11:1–9) “Babylon” had a symbolic meaning as well. It represented all ungodly peoples who rose up in self-reliance to glorify themselves and reach heaven by their own works. God destroyed the Neo-Babylonian Empire in 539 B.C., but what Babylon represents will continue until God destroys it when Jesus Christ returns to the earth to set up His new order in the Millennium.11 – Tom Constable

Instead of being filled with the glory of “Babylon”, one day the world will be filled with God’s glory!

In the Bible the “sea” is used as a metaphor for chaos. However, the Lord will cover the sea with His waters (glory) and bring order and righteousness.


Woe for Indignity

Habakkuk 2:15 “Woe to him who makes his neighbors drink— you pour out your wrath and make them drunk, in order to gaze at their nakedness! 16 You will have your fill of shame instead of glory. Drink, yourself, and show your uncircumcision! The cup in the LORD’s right hand will come around to you, and utter shame will come upon your glory! 17 The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, as will the destruction of the beasts that terrified them, for the blood of man and violence to the earth, to cities and all who dwell in them.


The focus here is on the inhumanity and the indignity of the conqueror to his subjects. He is pictured as a drunkard giving his neighbors wine to intoxicate them so that he may indulge in some evil wantonness and expose his victims to shame.12 – Ron Blue

The Chaldeans may have stripped their captives naked in order to humiliate them.

Sexual exploitation is also implied here and drunkenness can often lead to sexual exploitation. Remember Noah and Lot (Genesis 9: 21-27 and 19:30-38).

Nakedness involves vulnerability as well as shame (cf. Gen. 9:21–25). The Lord pictured Babylon as a contemptible, naked drunk who had lost his self-control and the respect of everyone including himself.13 – Tom Constable

“The cup from the Lord’s right hand” is a metaphor for divine retribution.

While it is true that the Chaldeans ravaged the forests of Lebanon in building their empire, Constable states that “Lebanon” might be used here as a synecdoche for Israel as it is in other passages (see 2 Kings 14:9; Jer. 22:6, 23) and “the town” may refer to Jerusalem.

Woe for Idolatry

Habakkuk 2:18 “What profit is an idol when its maker has shaped it, a metal image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation when he makes speechless idols! 19 Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake; to a silent stone, Arise! Can this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in it. 20 But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.”


Lifeless idols (carved out of wood or stone) and images (made by casting melted metal) are useless.

God expressly condemns the worship of idols (Exodus 20:4).


Like the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:26-29, those who worship idols will receive no guidance.

Verse 20 is unique in that it begins with “but” instead of “for” compared to the other “woes” in the preceding verses where it compares the living God with that of lifeless idols.

For Habakkuk, the message was clear. Stop complaining! Stop doubting! God is not indifferent to sin. He is not insensitive to suffering. The Lord is neither inactive nor impervious. He is in control. In His perfect time Yahweh will accomplish His divine purpose. Habakkuk was to stand in humble silence, a hushed expectancy of God’s intervention.14 – Ron Blue

Discussion Questions 1. God stated that one of the evils of the Chaldeans was that they had done

“violence to the land” (2:8, 17). What do you think this means? Why do some Christians seemed unconcerned about environmental issues? Who does the earth belong to? What are God’s expectations of us to care for His creation?

2. One of the main accusations against the Chaldeans was that they had built their fortunes on the sufferings of others? Is conquest the only way this happens? What parallels could we draw from this today? What should the Christian response to this be?

3. Idolatry was a major problem in the Ancient Near East. How would you define idolatry today? What “idols” do Americans tend to worship? Is this any different than the idol worship by the Chaldeans?

Theological Truths The earth belongs to the Lord ad He has given us the responsibility to care for it.

(Genesis 2:15; Leviticus 25:23; Job 41:11; Psalm 50:10-12).

We reap what we sow (Proverbs 22:8; Galatians 6:7).

God blesses those who place their trust in Him instead of themselves (Proverbs 3:5-10).

God expects us to care for those less powerful than us and not take advantage of them (Exodus 22:21-23).

Drunkenness leads to foolishness (poor decision making) (Proverbs 20:1; 31:4-5).

God forbids idol worship (Exodus 20:4; Deuteronomy 5:8-9).

Lessons for Life Do not abuse God’s creation.

Sow a righteous crop so you will reap a righteous harvest.

Place your trust in God and not your own abilities and resources.

Do not take advantage of others for your own gain.

Find ways to care for those in need this week.

Do not let alcohol cloud your judgment and decision making abilities.

Evaluate the things in your life and see if there is anything that you idolize more than God.


Habakkuk’s Prayer and Praise

Quick Review of Habakkuk I. Habakkuk lamented the evil in Judah and repeatedly prayed for God to

intervene. II. God answered Habakkuk’s prayer by stating that He would send the Chaldeans

to inflict punishment on Judah. III. Habakkuk protested that God should not use the wicked to judge those who are

more righteous. IV. God told Habakkuk that “the just will live by faith” and that He would also

punish the Chaldeans for their wickedness by enumerating five woes against them.

V. Habakkuk prayed for God’s mercy and praised God for His sovereignty.

Habakkuk’s Prayer for Mercy Habakkuk 3:1 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth.

2 O LORD, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O LORD, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.


Habakkuk’s prayer was a sign that he had nothing left to argue with God.

Habakkuk understood the awesome majesty of God – he feared God and His judgment to come.

Robertson states that “the prophet’s response of fear at hearing the Lord’s activity indicates that he accepts as true the message that he has received. In this case, fear is a significant indicator of the faith of the prophet.”

The meaning of “Shigionoth” is unclear in Hebrew. It is probably a musical instruction meaning “a wild passionate song.

“Shigionoth” may be the title of the tune that the prophet and later Israelites used to sing this song. But the Hebrew word is the plural form of the same word used in the title of Psalm 7, but nowhere else. “Shiggaion” evidently means a poem with intense feeling. So another view is that the Israelites were to sing it enthusiastically. The intense feeling, in both contexts where the word occurs, is a vehement cry for justice against sin.15 – Tom Constable

The word shigionoth is somewhat obscure. In Hebrew it is the plural of the noun that appears elsewhere only in the title to Psalm 7 where it is in a slightly different form rendered “shiggaion” in the NIV. It seems to be related to a verb meaning “to reel to and fro.” Thus some see this as an erratic song of enthusiastic irregularity sometimes used in songs of triumph or victory, or an elegy or plaintive song of variant chords. It is unlikely that it refers to the content of the song, even though the Hebrew root verb may also mean “to transgress or err.” But the theme is not directed to the transgressions or wanderings of Babylon and Judah; the song centers on the majesty of God. Therefore it is much more reasonable to see shigionoth as having a musical-liturgical significance. Another musical notation is found at the end of Habakkuk 3. Possibly this song became a part of the temple worship.16 – Ron Blue


Habakkuk prayed for two things: For God to act quickly. For God to be merciful.

The Hebrew word translated as “wrath” here may be better translated as “trembling.” It is linguistically in parallel with “midst of the years.” Therefore, what Habakkuk is praying for is mercy during this time of trembling for Israel as they wait for God’s judgment.

God’s Arrival Habakkuk 3:3 God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah His splendor covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. 4 His brightness was like the light; rays flashed from his hand; and there he veiled his power. 5 Before him went pestilence, and plague followed at his heels. 6 He stood and measured the earth; he looked and shook the nations; then the eternal mountains were scattered; the everlasting hills sank low. His were the everlasting ways. 7 I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction; the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.


The Chaldeans would come from the north. Teman and Mt. Paran are both in the south and were a reference from Israel’s past when God helped them conquer the Promised Land. Perhaps Habakkuk was using images from the past to reassure Judah that God would deliver them at some point in the future.

Selah is another term that is not fully understood, but it is probably a musical term indicating a pause or a break – possibly a musical interlude.

Habakkuk is not speaking of the glory of God’s creation. He is speaking of God’s actual glory as if He were actually here to deliver His people.

Each time God delivers His people, His glory is manifested.

At Sinai, God’s presence covered the mountain. God’s splendor (glory) is a reference to His power over all of creation.

God’s radiance is both emanating and concealing. It reveals His glory but veils His power. It is easy to forget that the light and warmth which showers the earth with blessing comes from a ball of fire that could consume the globe in a moment. So God’s power is hidden in His glory. His revelation is restrained lest it consume its beholders.17 – Ron Blue

God’s power is limitless.

The pestilence and plagues are probably a reference to the plagues God brought on Egypt (Exodus 7-11).

God surveys or measures what belongs to Him.

God does not change – His ways are everlasting.


The images employed by Habakkuk come to fullest realization in a new covenant perspective. Not only will the hills bow at his glory; the most essential elements of the universe will dissolve in fervent heat (2 Pet. 3:10). The Lord himself shall descend in the glorious splendor of the clouds, and every eye shall see him (Rev. 1:7). The impartiality of his judgments shall be manifested throughout eternity.18 – O. Palmer Robertson

The imagery of Cush and Midian trembling tents may be a reference to the parting of the Red Sea as they beheld God’s incredible power at work. It could also be an allusion to people who were early oppressors of Israel after they settled Canaan.

God’s Actions Habakkuk 3:8 Was your wrath against the rivers, O LORD? Was your anger against the rivers, or your indignation against the sea, when you rode on your horses, on your chariot of salvation? 9 You stripped the sheath from your bow, calling for many arrows. Selah You split the earth with rivers. 10 The mountains saw you and writhed; the raging waters swept on; the deep gave forth its voice; it lifted its hands on high. 11 The sun and moon stood still in their place at the light of your arrows as they sped, at the flash of your glittering spear. 12 You marched through the earth in fury; you threshed the nations in anger. 13 You went out for the salvation of your people, for the salvation of your anointed. You crushed the head of the house of the wicked, laying him bare from thigh to neck. Selah 14 You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors, who came like a whirlwind to scatter me, rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret. 15 You trampled the sea with your horses, the surging of mighty waters.


Again Habakkuk appears to be using imagery from the Exodus of Israel from Egypt to encourage Judah that God would one day deliver them again.

Habakkuk began by asking the reason for the Lord’s anger. Was it the rivers, the streams, or the sea? The implied answer is, “no.” It is in response to the wickedness of the nations.

The reference to the rivers and the sea constructs a collage of past deliverances to depict God’s action in the future. A river often serves as a territorial border. Therefore, to smite the rivers suggests movement toward a fuller possession of God’s promises.19 – O. Palmer Robertson


“Bow was made bear” means that the bow was uncovered and made ready for battle.

When the Lord bears His bow and readies His arrows, He means business. Habakkuk wanted his readers to reflect on this imagery by using Selah.

Notice how creation is submissive to God’s will.

Mt. Sinai quaked when God was present while the Israelites camped below (Exodus 19:18).

The sun’s light pales in comparison to the light of the Lord.

“Your anointed” in v13 probably has a double meaning. It refers to the Nation of Israel and also to the Messiah who would come from Israel.

When the Lord executes His judgment absolutely nothing or no one on earth can stand in His way.

The destruction of the wicked is not something that we should take lightly. It is something that we should reflect on. Habakkuk again uses Selah at the end of verse 13 for this purpose.

Notice how the Lord turned the wicked’s weapons against them. (Consider also Haman’s gallows and Daniel’s lion’s den.)

Habakkuk’s Peace Habakkuk 3:16 I hear, and my body trembles; my lips quiver at the sound; rottenness enters into my bones; my legs tremble beneath me. Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Hab 3:16.

Habakkuk’s Praise Habakkuk Rejoices in the LORD Habakkuk 3:17 Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. 19 GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.


Habakkuk was no “Pollyanna.” He understood exactly what was coming and he dreaded that day.

Imagine the burden Habakkuk must have had knowing what the future held for him and his countrymen.

Notice Habakkuk’s reaction– He would wait quietly (patiently) on the Lord.


Even though everything would get worse in Judah, Habakkuk determined to praise Yahweh and to rejoice in the God who would save him (cf. Ps. 18:46; 25:5). The prophet pictured the worst of circumstances by using a variety of rural metaphors drawn from plant and animal life. Taken together they have the effect of saying that no matter what bad thing may happen, Habakkuk, and hopefully all Israel, would trust God. Even though the prophet felt weak physically, he was strong in faith spiritually. Thus he would live (cf. 2:4). Many of these bad conditions did mark Judah when the Babylonians overthrew the nation (cf. Lam. 2:12, 20; 4:4, 9–10; 5:17–18).20 – Tom Constable

Habakkuk was not simply willing to endure the suffering. He was also going to praise the Lord through the midst of suffering. Habakkuk knew where his strength came from.

What can we learn from Habakkuk’s closing statements in verses 16-19?

Habakkuk was willing to trust the Lord and wait patiently on Him through difficult trials. Are we willing to do the same?

Discussion Questions 1. It is often debated exactly what it means to “fear the Lord.” What does this

mean to you? Can we fear, trust and love someone at the same time? Why or why not? What would happen if we had no fear of the Lord?

2. How is the Book of Habakkuk relevant today? What lessons can we learn from Habakkuk to live a Christians in our culture?

3. The image of God pouring out wrath on His enemies is powerful and difficult for many people to get their arms around. Does this seem to go against God’s character? How can God be both loving and pour out wrath like this on His enemies? What should our response be?

Theological Truths • The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom – Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7. • God does not change once He has firmly decided to do something –

1 Samuel 15:29; Hebrews 13:8. • Nothing is too difficult for God – Jeremiah 32:27. • God will one day deal with the wicked and His enemies - Isaiah 63;

Revelation 19-20. • Praise God regardless of our circumstances – Psalm 150; Habakkuk 3:17-18;

Acts 16:19-25. • Our strength should be found in God and not in ourselves – Proverbs 3:5-6.

Lessons for Life • Begin your prayers by praising God for who He is. • Make a list of your past blessings and thank God often for those blessings. • Do not worry about the wicked who seem to prosper and take advantage of

others. They are in God’s hands and He will deal with them in His perfect way and timing.

• In the midst of trials, try and focus on the “big picture” that includes God’s ultimate salvation.

• Make a list of God’s promises and meditate on them daily. They may help you make it through difficult times.

• Be honest with God about how you feel, but praise Him regardless of your circumstances.


References 1Robertson, O. Palmer. The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. The New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Ed. R.K. Harrison and Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1990), 136.

2 Robertson, O. Palmer. The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. The New International Commentary on the Old

Testament. Ed. R.K. Harrison and Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1990), 138.

3 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., Handbook on the Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Minor Prophets

(Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002), 435.



5 Tom Constable, Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Hab 1:15.



7 J. Ronald Blue, Habakkuk, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the

Scriptures, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1513.





Testament. Ed. R.K. Harrison and Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1990), 196-197.















19

Robertson, O. Palmer. The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. The New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Ed. R.K. Harrison and Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1990), 231. 20 Tom Constable, Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Hab 3:17.

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NOTE - David Bearden · NOTE All Scripture in this document quoted from the English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001) unless otherwise stated