Habakkuk

Habakkuk was a prophet of Judah. The date in which he prophesied is uncertain, but it was probably during the reign of Josiah or of Jehoiakim in the years of 663-612 B.C. And it was during a time when Assyria was the most powerful nation in the Middle Eastern world.

The book of Habakkuk in the Old Testament is unique, in that it contains a record of Habakkuk's own discussion with the Lord.' In chapter 1, the prophet complains that his outcries against wrongdoing in Judah remain unheard by God; but he is assured that punishment by the Chaldeans is close at hand. This raises the problem as to why the pure and holy God should use for the working out of his purposes such a sinful nation. Chapter 2 supplies a solution to the problem: the Chaldeans themselves will come under judgment. And chapter 3 contains a lyrical poem, describing the coming of Jehovah to judge and to deliver his people.'1 The closing of the book of Habakkuk closes with a beautiful psalm of praise.

Principles that are worth noting and pondering are: though even the faithful struggle to comprehend all of his ways, the Lord has promised to make his mysteries known to those who diligently seek him; the Lord will punish the wicked in his own time and in his own way; the Lord sometimes allows the wicked to punish or destroy each other; and, the Lord expects his covenant people to live according to the light they have received.

1 "Holy Bible" Bible Dictionary, Habakkuk