Habakkuk

About this book

Habakkuk is unusual among the prophets: instead of speaking to the people for God, he speaks to God for the people. He sees injustice and violence in Judah and asks how long God will let it go on. God answers that he is raising up the Babylonians, which only deepens the prophet's puzzlement, since they are far more violent. Habakkuk is honest with God and then waits at his watch post for a reply. God tells him to write the vision down, promises that the proud will not last, and says the righteous will live by faithfulness. Five woes then fall on those who build their wealth on cruelty. The book ends with a prayer-song in which Habakkuk remembers God's mighty deeds and resolves to rejoice in the Lord even if the fields yield nothing. Paul and the writer of Hebrews later drew on the book's central line, and Christians through the centuries have turned to it when faith has to hold without seeing the answer.

Author

The prophet Habakkuk, of whom the book tells us almost nothing personal.

Date

Likely shortly before or around the rise of Babylon, about 610–600 BC.

Audience

Judah in a time of injustice, and believers who wrestle with God's silence.

Themes

Outline

1. 1:1–1:11The first complaint and God's answer
2. 1:12–2:5The second complaint and the waiting watchman
3. 2:6–2:20Five woes on the proud
4. 3:1–3:19A prayer of awe and trust

Key verses