Habakkuk — Introduction & Outline

The authenticity of Habakkuk is hardly questioned. He is identified as the author and a prophet in 1:1 and 3:1. The musical notation at the close of the book may indicate he was involved in the temple worship at Jerusalem, perhaps as a Levite. He was a prophet to Judah, but not much else is known about him.

Some clues in the text help in dating this prophecy. First, the Babylonian invasion of Judah is imminent (1:6; 2:1; 3:16) so Habakkuk ministered before the first invasion of 605 B.C. Also, descriptions of the Babylonians indicate they were the world power at the time. Therefore, Habakkuk probably wrote in the later part of Nabopolassar's rule (626-605 B.C.) after the final destruction of Ninevah in 612 B.C. The mention of Judah's sinfulness (1:2-4) would suit the period of Jehoiakim's wicked rule (609-597 B.C.) better than the moral conditions under Josiah (640-609 B.C.). Habakkuk therefore wrote shortly before the invasion of Judah in 605 B.C., or about 607 B.C.

Habakkuk's prophecy shares the same historical background as Jeremiah's. By the time of Jehoiakim's reign Babylon was the uncontested world power. Though Josiah had instituted many moral reforms, Jehoiakim led Judah quickly back into wickedness. Judah was corrupt and ripe for the judgment which came under Nebuchadnezzar, who rose to power in 605

B.C. and invaded Judah in 605, 597, and 586 B.C.

Habakkuk wrote to emphasize God's holiness and sovereign prerogative in judging Judah, even though He chose to use a more wicked nation, the Babylonians, to do so. He also demonstrates the necessity of trusting God to do right in a world which often appears unjust.

The first two chapters record Habakkuk's questions and God's answers about divine justice, and the last chapter records the prophet's prayer of faith. Habakkuk questions God about His justice because He appears to allows evil to continue in Judah (1:2-4). But God answers that evil will not continue because He is raising up the Babylonians to come violently against Judah (1:5-11). This does not sit well with Habakkuk, so he questions why God would use an even more wicked, cruel, and idolatrous people to judge Judah (1:12-17). God then answers by declaring the necessity of the righteous to live by faith in His justice and His ways (2:1-20). God will eventually also judge Babylon, as is made clear by the series of woes pronounced on them for their wickedness (2:6-20).

Habakkuk was evidently moved to greater faith in God by this dialogue, as seen in his prayer (3:1-19). He petitions God for mercy and remembrance of His people (3:2). He then reviews the great displays of God's power and wrath in His dealings with the earth and the

nations (3:3-15). His faith is finally expressed when he admits that though he is fearful of the coming invasion (3:16), he knows God will also bring salvation (3:17-19). Habakkuk was thus taught to look beyond the injustice and appearances of this world to the final fulfillment of God's promises of salvation for His people.

1. Habakkuk Questions God. 1:1-2:20

   1. The superscription 1:1
   2. He questions God about His justice. 1:2-4

      1. He questions God's lack of response. 1:2
      2. He questions God about the presence of evil. 1:3
      3. He asserts there is no justice. 1:4
   3. God answers that the Babylonians are coming. 1:5-11

      1. He announces that He is raising up the Babylonians. 1:5-6
      2. He describes their ferocity. 1:7-8
      3. He describes their violent purpose. 1:9-11
   4. He questions God about using the wicked Babylonians. 1:12-17

      1. He asks why God uses a wicked people. 1:12-13
      2. He asks why God uses a cruel people. 1:14-15
      3. He asks why God uses an idolatrous people. 1:16-17
   5. God answers by explaining faith and justice. 2:1-20

      1. Habakkuk waits for an answer. 2:1
      2. God tells him to write the vision. 2:2-3
      3. God contrasts the faith of the just with the proud. 2:4-5
      4. God pronounces woes on the proud wicked. 2:6-20

         1. Woe to the violent plunderers. 2:6-8
         2. Woe to the covetous. 2:9-11
         3. Woe to the murders. 2:12-14
         4. Woe to the drunkards. 2:15-17
         5. Woe to the idolators. 2:18-20
2. Habakkuk Prays in Faith. 3:1-19

   1. The superscription 3:1
   2. He petitions God for mercy. 3:2
   3. He reviews God's power and works. 3:3-15

      1. He reviews God's displays of power. 3:3-7

         1. The glory of His appearance 3:3-5
         2. The effects of His appearance 3:6-7
      2. He reviews God's displays of wrath. 3:8-15

         1. The question about the object of God's wrath 3:8-11
         2. The declaration of the purpose of God's wrath 3:12-13
         3. The description of the effect of God's wrath 3:14-15
   4. He expresses his faith in God's salvation. 3:16-19

      1. He expresses his fear at the news of judgment. 3:16
      2. He declares his faith in God's salvation. 3:17-19