INTRODUCTION:

About the prophet, Habakkuk, we know very little. One thing that is very interesting about him is his name. It means "the embracer." I like that. Certainly Habakkuk embraced God. And by his very name, I'm inclined to believe he was a "hugger" of people too. I like that. I'm a "hugger." I feel it's important to express God's love with more than just human acknowledgements like a nod of the head, or a handshake. As Christians, we need to "reach out" to people and express God's love with at least a slight embrace.

Another thing about Habakkuk that we know for sure is his closeness with God. He talked to God, and received visions from God. We know that closeness produced the writing of this book, and that the book is true. Habakkuk is consistent with history and also consistent with other Scripture.

As to when this prophecy was written we are given no specific date by the prophet himself. However, we can conclude (I believe) that this prophecy was probably written during the latter years of King Josiah (Around 615 - 609BC). Josiah was pro-Babylonian in his political sympathies, and tried to stop Pharoah-Necho from warring against the Babylonians. And Habakkuk seems surprised to learn that the Babylonians would be God's instrument of punitive judgment upon Judah. (Please note: many other scholarly men have pointed to a date different. However to assume a date earlier would mean that Habakkuk wouldn't have been familiar with the Babylonians and their rise to power. To assume a date later would mean that Habakkuk is only reiterating what HAD BEEN done and not prophesying of what was TO BE done.)

The book itself is a theodicy, a defense of God's goodness and omnipotence in view of the existence of evil. The contents of the third chapter are a conclusion to the events mentioned in the first and second chapters.

Another interesting point, before we go on. The third chapter seems to be a psalm, or at the very least a poem. Songs are conclusive poetical expressions of a general truth. As you will see later, this song is a very wonderful expression of God's truth.

CHAPTER 1

1 The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see. 2 O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!

Notice that the prophet calls this a "burden." It is a burden which he "did see." Obviously, Habakkuk had seen "violence" in Judah. He had seen the unconcern of the people, and that they seemed to have no moral conscience. Christian, have you seen this in America? What did Habakkuk see? Did he see gambling? Corrupt political leaders? A barrage of laws that severely limited and restricted freedom of speech and expression of religious preference? Did he see the prevalence of spouse abuse, child abuse, and divorce?

Habakkuk seems perplexed that he had called to God in prayer and God didn't answer. He had been praying about this quite some time. Christian, have you ever had a long-term prayer that wasn't answered? Why hasn't God sent true REVIVAL to the Christian church in America? I personally have been praying for a true revival for many years now. Why has God not answered? Is He not listening? Or is it that our sin inhibits the working of His Holy Spirit?

We must realize that God has three general answers for our specific prayers: "Yes," "No," and "Wait awhile." If God doesn't answer in the affirmative, then we must assume one of the other two answers. Now, I'm not giving up on God sending true revival unless He gives me an absolute "no." So I continue to pray specifically for revival because I KNOW God is listening!

God eventually gave Habakkuk an absolute "NO!" answer. And Habakkuk "did see" the "burden" of Judah's punishment. The punishment would be sent because the nation refused to LISTEN to God call for their repentance.

3 Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. 4 Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.

Because Habakkuk had spiritual vision he could see "iniquity," "grievance," "spoiling," "violence," "strife," and "contention." He could also see that the law did no good because it was neither enforced nor did the judges require correct measures.

Therefore, he says, "the wicked doth compass about the righteous." Those who really loved the Lord could do nothing because of the massiveness of the wicked. The result was that "wrong judgment proceedeth." Judgment was perverted!

Habakkuk's question is "Why do You show me this, and do nothing about it?" Do YOU see it today? Criminals are arrested, prosecuted, and then "let off." Or else, they are allowed to serve a minimal sentence in a "State-sponsored hotel" at the taxpayer's expense. Whatever happened to punitive judgment? Solomon, I believe speaks to this in Proverbs 13:23, "...there is that (which) is destroyed for WANT of judgment."

Isaiah also speaks about it in Isaiah 59:12-14 "12 For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; 13 In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. 14 And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter."

5 Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you. 6 For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not theirs. 7 They are terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of themselves. 8 Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat. 9 They shall come all for violence: their faces shall sup up as the east wind, and they shall gather the captivity as the sand.

Habakkuk has complained, now God answers. God is about to work a miracle which the people will not believe even though Habakkuk and other prophets TELL them!

There are several things to consider here:
First, Babylon was not yet a world power, and it was incredible to think they would become strong enough to overtake Judah.
Second, God had always been the "Protector" of Judah, and it was unthinkable that that would change. The Jewish people of that day believed that God would ALWAYS protect His temple (See Jeremiah 7:4).

Paul used this as an example when he preached his sermon in Antioch (Acts 13). He said, "..Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you." (Acts 13:40-41)

In Paul's day, most Jewish people were seclusive when it concerned their religion. A proselyte was not unheard of, but they were few and far between. Paul was saying that God ALREADY was accepting Gentiles "wholesale" into the church. And their acceptance was not based on religious ritual, but simply upon their profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Even today, billions of converts later, people are still being accepted into the Kingdom of God by simple profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Even though it was incredible, even unthinkable, God assured Habakkuk of the truth so that he could PREACH it. Even though it is incredible, even unthinkable, that a Just God could accept sinners simply upon profession of faith in Christ, it is STILL HAPPENING today! And God has assured you and me of this truth so that we can PREACH it!

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Cor 5:17-21)

10 And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it. 11 Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, imputing this his power unto his god.

The Babylonians would be ruthless and destructive. They would give no regard to mighty men or men of degree by birth. In fact, those of royal descent would become a "scorn" to them. In their strength they would overrun every "stronghold."

Sin is a destructive and ruthless force! Without Christ as our Lord and Savior, every "stronghold" of man is overtaken, and all mankind becomes a "scorn."

12 Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction. 13 Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he? 14 And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them? 15 They take up all of them with the angle, they catch them in their net, and gather them in their drag: therefore they rejoice and are glad. 16 Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous. 17 Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations?

Habakkuk cannot believe what he is hearing God say! Surely the Eternal, Holy God will not allow such an evil force to overcome and treacherously treat Judah! Would God allow the people to be "scattered" and the ruthless to give credit to their "god?"

God says that even though the Chaldeans are "guilty" (verse 11) by "imputing power to his god," it will STILL HAPPEN!

There are those today that believe if God is real, He will not allow men to suffer in hell for an eternity. They tout that God allowed sin in the first place, and He will eventually save ALL people. Yes, my friend, God DID allow sin; but it wasn't God Who CREATED sin! God created man with the intent of him being perfect. And all man had to do was to CHOOSE to follow God.

Now, even though sin has come, we STILL have to CHOOSE God! And though it may be incredible to consider, God WILL ALLOW those who do not choose Jesus to spend eternity in hell!

It is YOUR choice. Have you DECLARED your choice?

One more note: Habakkuk is dazed at what he has heard. Look at verse 1 of Chapter 2.

PLEASE CONTINUE WITH US IN BIBLE STUDY TOMORROW.