Habakkuk

Habakkuk

Historical Background and Purpose

The book of Habakkuk was written by the prophet, Habakkuk.  It was most likely written shortly before the fall of Jerusalem (in 605 BC) to the Babylonians.  What was happening at this time [of Habakkuk]?  According to the introduction to the book of Habakkuk, "Sin was rampant in Judah.  The people worshiped idols, sacrificed their children to pagan gods and ignored the one true God.  The wicked King Jehoiakim not only refused to listen to God's prophets, but he burned their writings, arrested several of them, and even murdered one.  Jehoiakim foolishly positioned Judah between two warring superpowers - the declining Assyrian empire and the rising Babylonian empire."  The book of Habakkuk encourages its readers to honestly seek God for truth and understanding.  This book offers hope to its readers by encouraging them to look beyond their circumstances to the character of God.

Character and Nature of God

God will not allow wickedness to prevail; God will indeed punish people for their sins.  For example, God raised up the Babylonians to punish the people of Judah for their sins.  Habakkuk 1:12b states, "O LORD, our Rock, you have sent these Babylonians to correct us, to punish us for our many sins." However, God will then raise up a people to punish the Babylonians for their sins against the people of Judah.  God will not allow wickedness to go unpunished; God will indeed punish people for their sins.  God will punish His people for their sins; however, God will then rescue His people.

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

The final chapter of the book of Habakkuk records a prayer that was sung by the prophet Hababkkuk.  In this prayer, Habakkuk shifts his focus off his circumstances and onto God.  He remembered God's amazing works. He remembered how God had rescued His people.  He remembered how God had crushed their enemies.  He remembered what God had done and who God is.  Finally, Habakkuk 3:18-19 states, "yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights."  God will judge and punish people for their sins; however, God will restore His people!  Our God is Judge. Our God is our strength. Our God is sovereign over all. Our God is our Savior!