Habakkuk

Habakkuk


Explain the historical background and purpose of the prophet: God reveals to Habakkuk, who might have been a Levitical priest, that He will chastise Judah by means of the Babylonians. At this, the prophet falls to his knees . . . The time period of his writings is after the death of Josiah and before the captivity. Judah is at it’s very worst, sacrifices of their children was something that even God had not thought they could ever do.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God? There are two telling questions between Habakkuk and God that are telling of both God’s nature and the humility of this prophet. Why does God not respond to the wrong and injustice in the land? He is responding through Babylon. Hab. 1:2-11. The second question: Why does God use a people even less righteous to punish those more righteous" God has chosen this plan of action but woe to the unrighteous. Matter is settled . . .

What does this book show of God’s redemptive plan for mankind? Here is another "token" of what is to come; a life lived by faith. It’s getting clearer as the end of Israel’s glory has faded, and will soon be wiped out entirely. "The righteous will live by their faithfulness to God." Hab 2:4.

Personal application: I was going to save my personal applications for the big prophets! Yet, I can’t let Habakkuk go . . . I had no idea how close the prophets were to God and God to them. Only Moses knew God like these men did. These prophets who "spake by the Holy Spirit" heard the very words of God! I was moved by the questions and answers that went back and forth between the prophet and God. An entire book with just red and green lettering is significant! And Habakkuk was a struggler like us all. He inspires me to ask God my questions, and express my musings. And to wait for answers, yet not worry if they are not fully understood. God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, nor His ways our ways, but I want so much to hear them. In this book, I did!

Point of passion: I can feel Habakkuk’s frustration when he asks God the hard questions about Israel and their end. An intercessor should feel free to be honest with God in prayer. But I also see his humility when God answers. Oh, Habakkuk! I have so much to learn from you!