CHAPTER 3

1 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth.

This chapter begins with an affirmation that it was written by Habakkuk. It is also stated that this is a prayer. The whole chapter can also be called a song. Prayer songs are used today in worship services all across the world. Songs like "Sanctuary," "We Are Here To Worship You," etc. are prayer songs.

Notice the word "Shigionoth" which seems to be the plural of "Shiggaion." More than likely this word represents the type of music or tempo with which the song is to be sung. David used the singular form of this word (Shiggaion) in the heading of Psalm 7.

2 O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

The "speech" Habakkuk has heard God state is that He would bring punitive judgment upon Judah. Though it seems harsh to him, Habakkuk is willing to accept and abide by God's decision. The Hebrew word for "revive" is chayah, and is usually translated "live," "let," "make," or "leave." Therefore, Habakkuk is saying, "make it live," or, make it happen according to the Divine will of God. However, Habakkuk also pleads that the REASON would be made known, and that God's mercy would prevail.

Songs teach us lessons. The lesson here is that we should surrender to ALL of the Divine will of God, even when it is uncomfortable at times. God IS merciful; therefore, He is working "all things together for GOOD to those that LOVE Him..." (Rom. 8:28).

3 God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. 4 And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power. 5 Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet. 6 He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting. 7 I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble. 8 Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? was thine anger against the rivers? was thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine horses and thy chariots of salvation? 9 Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers. 10 The mountains saw thee, and they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high. 11 The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, and at the shining of thy glittering spear. 12 Thou didst march through the land in indignation, thou didst thresh the heathen in anger. 13 Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah. 14 Thou didst strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly. 15 Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, through the heap of great waters.

Here is another lesson: When we face difficult times, we should remember the wonder of our God Who works in majesty and power.

Habakkuk remembers how he was taught that God's presence descended upon Mt. Sinai (vs 3) as He gave the people His "Words" through Moses. In his prophetic vision, Habakkuk now sees God as coming from "Teman - Paran," which is the same direction as Mt. Sinai.

In verse 4, the Hebrew word "qeren" is translated "horn." That word is more indicative of power than of any one thing. It is translated in other places as "hill," "flask," or "light;" and the use of the word here indicates that God is light, and all light originates with Him.

As God comes toward the nation in this vision, He is preceded by "pestilence" and a charring effect is left behind him (vs 5). God is coming in punitive discipline to a nation which has refused His Divine direction.

Verse 6 indicates that God stopped - "stood...measured." Even in disciplinary action, God is still merciful! He "measures" to determine degrees of punishment. Some will receive destruction, some will receive discipline that leads to repentance.

As the Babylonian army came toward the nation, they left destructive evidences in their wake. We must remember here that God is using the Babylonian army as a tool in His hand. This is why Habakkuk describes the destructive nature as originating with God. God's indignation (vs 12) is shown toward the continued sin of idolatry.

But even in God's punitive destruction there is salvation! God's whole purpose behind the destruction of Israel and Judah was to SAVE a "remnant" who would be faithful to Him.

When we face difficult times in our lives, we should remember the wonder and power of God Who works for the salvation of those who are faithful to Him. Sometimes we suffer due to the natural forces of the earth; sometimes we suffer because of others sins; sometimes we suffer because of our own sin. But ALL the time God is working "all things together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

16 When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops. 17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

To HEAR the Word of God and to believe its truth, is to be ALIVE in God. Isaiah once made a plea on behalf of God, "Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live;..." (Isaiah 55:3). This is the meaning of Habakkuk's hearing God's truth from the vision he has received (verse 16). He has understood! And when he understood, though catastrophe was in his sight, he determined to rejoice in the Lord! (verse 18)

God is our salvation. God gives us strength. With faith in Him we can face all the difficulties of the world and know that He will deliver us at the appropriate time!

We can also tell others of what God assures us in His Word. And we can write songs which teach the lessons of God for others to hear.

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:17)

PLEASE CONTINUE WITH US IN BIBLE STUDY TOMORROW.