Habakkuk - Why Was It Written?

HABAKKUK

Means: To clasp or embrace.  This was an "oracle" - a burden to bear (May have been a Levite - 3:19)

Historical Setting

1. During Josiah's reign revival had taken place  (622 B.C.)

2. Assyrian city (Ninevah) and army are destroyed (612 & 609 B.C.)

Time Period

626-605 B.C. - (Pre-Exile of Judah)

Before the fall of Judah (1:6)

Before Judah formed an alliance with Babylon

After Judah had a brief time of autonomy

Prophecy Against

The prophecy is against Babylon as Habakkuk questions why God can use a wicked nation (Babylon) to punish His beloved people (Judah).  

Historical Theme - What did it mean then?

1. The people of Judah were in the midst of a revival under Josiah, or were just ending it.  The nation needed to know that God would punish them for past failures but still would be saved.

2. The people needed to know that even though God would use a wicked nation to punish them God would, in turn, punish Babylon

3. Other prophets brought God's message to us - Habakkuk takes our message to God.  

Outline of the Book

1. The dialogue between God and the prophet (Chapter 1): Why suffering? Why does God allow the wicked cause the righteous to suffer?

2. The answer of God (Chapter 2): God will punish the wicked for:

a. Being unrighteous aggressors (2:6-8)

b. Justifying their evil ways (2:9-11)

c. Shed blood for personal gain (2:12-14)

d. Deceiving their neighbors (2:15-17)

e. Trusting in false idols (2:18-19)

3. The deliverance of God's people (Chapter 3) 

Future Theme - What's it mean in future?

1. We can see how God works in the past so we will can see how God will work in the future.

2. *THE JUST SHALL "LIVE" BY FAITH - 2:4 (theme of Paul in Romans and Galatians)

Reasons to read it:

1. If you have ever questioned how God works.

2. If you have ever wanted to confront God with those questions.

3. If you have ever wondered why there is wickedness and suffering in the world.

Practical Theme - What does it mean for me today?

1. Even great theologians don’t know all the answers and instead of writing about it; talking to each other; and preaching about it, they ought to go and ask God and allow His Word to reveal it. 

2. God will use unbelievers in His interaction with believers.  

3. In the midst of theological confusion, it is alright to have questions and take those questions to God. Habakkuk was a man of faith and was confused as to why God would use these unbelievers (wicked people) to discipline believers (righteous people). 

4. We must allow God to be God and live by faith in view that He is sovereign (2:4)

5. In the midst of despair the only place to turn and to trust is God via faith (3:17-19)