Bible Study - Minor Prophets - Habakkuk: A Message of Faith - Habakkuk 1, 2 and 3 - January 13, 2013

Bible Study – Minor Prophets – Habakkuk: A Message of Faith – January 13, 2012

This is the second lesson in our series entitled “Minor Prophets: Major Messages.”

Our scripture is Habakkuk 1:1-3, 5-6, 13; 2:1, 4-6; 3:2, 17-19b.

To me the study of Habakkuk has been an exciting study. I have always asked GOD questions and HE responds. I am not placing myself in the league with Habakkuk or any other prophets, I just happen to believe that GOD likes sincere questions from anyone who will be open to receiving HIS response. I have had people to tell me, “If GOD spoke to me, I would run or that it would scare me to death.” GOD’S desire is for us to know HIM and have an intimate one on one relationship with HIM.

The Prophet Habakkuk asked GOD some tough questions and GOD gave him answers. Habakkuk’s interaction with GOD resulted in him developing a deep, awe inspiring relationship with HIM.

This is an oracle that Habakkuk received from GOD. As you recall, an oracle is a vision/message from GOD.

We do not know much about the prophet Habakkuk.  We know that he wrote sometime after the fall of Nineveh in 612 B.C. To me Habakkuk’s journey to truth, as revealed by GOD, seems to be the hub from which faith is radiated. Paul was influenced by Habakkuk’s discovery of truth, as well as, many others since. Habakkuk has been called the “puzzled” prophet. He was bold enough to ask GOD the “why” questions and receive a response. He was a prophet that believed in justice. He believed that GOD would be the One to administer that justice. He was puzzled why GOD did not take action against the obvious wrongdoers. What GOD revealed to him and to us through his record, is astounding.

Habakkuk had posed a question to GOD about implementing justice to wrongdoers. Habakkuk had waited on GOD’S reply but GOD had not given him an answer. In our first scripture, Habakkuk asked GOD the first question.

Let’s read Habakkuk 1:1-4, 12-13 and 2:1:

1 The •oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw.

Habakkuk’s First Prayer 

2 How long, Lord, must I call for help and You do not listen or cry out to You about violence and You do not save? 3 Why do You force me to look at injustice? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Oppression and violence are right in front of me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict escalates.

4 This is why the law is ineffective and justice never emerges. For the wicked restrict the righteous; therefore, justice comes out perverted.

Habakkuk believed in justice to wrongdoers and he looked to GOD to implement that justice. Habakkuk was not seeing any action from GOD. Yet, he knew GOD knew what was going on in the world. Have you ever felt like that? GOD seemed to be just ignoring all the evil and bad things that were happening to good people? Well, that was how Habakkuk felt and he approached GOD. He was having an honest, frank discussion with GOD about HIS inaction. HE was the cause of the law being ineffective.

Habakkuk stressed that this wrongdoing was getting worse and he was puzzled why GOD does not put a stop to it. This was a very good question and many ask that same question today.

Let’s read Habakkuk 1:5-11: (GOD’S First Answer to Habakkuk.)

5 Look at the nations h DSS, LXX, Syr read Look, you treacherous peoplei Ps 2:1 and observe j Gn 15:5—be utterly astounded! k  Gn 43:33; Ps 48:5; Ecc 5:8For something is taking place in your days that you will not believel  Gn 15:6when you hear about it.m Ac 13:41
6 Look! I am raising upn Ru 4:5 the Chaldeans,o   = the Babyloniansthat bitter, p Jdg 18:25 impetuous nation that marches across the earth’s open spaces to seize territories not its own.

7 They are fierce and terrifying; their views of justice and sovereignty stem from themselves. 8 Their horses are swifter than leopards and more fierce than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead; their horsemen come from distant lands. They fly like an eagle, swooping to devour. 9 All of them come to do violence; their faces are set in determination. They gather prisoners like sand. 10 They mock kings, and rulers are a joke to them. They laugh at every fortress and build siege ramps to capture it. 11 Then they sweep by like the wind and pass through. They are •guilty; their strength is their god.

GOD responded to Habakkuk. HE told him to look around and observe. GOD wanted Habakkuk to establish a baseline as he observed what was going on in the world around him. GOD was preparing for him to witness some astounding, unbelievable things which were going to take place during his lifetime. It was going to blow Habakkuk’s mind when HE revealed HIS plan and purpose to him. GOD would reveal how HE works. HE was raising up the terrible, cruel, vicious Chaldeans to march across the land and take control of it. But we must keep in mind that GOD was in control of those wicked Chaldeans.

GOD was speaking about the Neo-Babylonians. The Chaldeans were one of the Aramean tribes in southern Babylonia. Nabopolassar and Nebuchadnezzar were Chaldean leaders. When they rose to power, they established the Neo-Babylonian Empire in 625 B.C.

Verses 7-11 reveal how bad the Chaldeans were.  

GOD revealed that HE was going to use those bitter, impetuous Chaldeans (Neo-Babylonians) to do HIS work. It was hard for Habakkuk to understand why GOD would allow those terrible, wicked barbarians to conquer and capture the not as wicked Jews in Judah. GOD revealed an astonishing revelation to Habakkuk and to all from that time forward. GOD raised up the Chaldeans to punish Judah. GOD was not endorsing evil but HE was using them to get HIS people to repent and be willing to restore their relationship with HIM and to acknowledge GOD in their lives. When that had been accomplished, GOD would not let the Chaldeans (Neo-Babylonians) go unpunished. GOD would deal with them.

While the difficult things were happening to those in Judah, the righteous must live by faith. GOD is in control of history.

This was GOD’S plan. HE would allow the despicable barbarians to capture the land and people of Judah. Even though the people of Judah were, in general, better than the barbarians, HE would allow this to happen for the good that would come from it for HIS chosen people.

My wife and I were discussing this and this train of thought came to our minds. Why would GOD use the un-Godly to punish the Godly? Why would GOD allow ungodly people rule over Godly people? He allows such to bring about good for the Godly people. During such a hostile time, the Godly must live by faith because it is the will of GOD to develop them and to help them grow and mature Spiritually. Do you think that GOD could allow such to happen to America? You bet!

First, GOD knows the hearts of all people. The un-Godly are dead to Spiritual matters and using them will not make them less likely to seek HIM. However, those who have acknowledged GOD in their lives, but have gone astray, have the opportunity to come back to GOD if certain circumstances take place. GOD knows what will bring HIS people back to HIM. Often in tragedy/oppression/difficult circumstances some people turn to GOD and take refuge in HIM and find strength. GOD, from HIS vantage point and comprehensive knowledge, knew the hard hearts of the barbarians. HE would use them to conquer, capture and oppress HIS people. During those difficult times the oppressed would look to HIM and return to HIM. HE would restore HIS relationship with those who returned to HIM. As HIS chosen returned to HIM, the barbarians would see GOD’S favor and acceptance of them. This would be a witness to those wicked people and give them the opportunity to see that the GOD of the Israelites was the true GOD for them to worship.

The bottom line is that GOD is sovereign and GOD answered Habakkuk’s questions, which opened his Spiritual eyes to the mind of GOD. HIS ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are higher than our thoughts. But there is more. Let’s keep following Habakkuk’s Spiritual journey as he asks questions.

Let’s read Habakkuk 1:12-13: (Habakkuk’s Second Prayer and second set of questions/complaints.)

12 Are You not from eternity, •Yahweh my God? My Holy One, You will not die. Lord, You appointed them to execute judgment; my Rock, You destined them to punish us.

Habakkuk acknowledged that Yahweh was eternal and HE had observed this wrongdoing longer than he had. Rather than HIM dealing directly with the wrongdoers in Judah, HE was going to allow the wrongdoers to execute judgment over good people. Habakkuk had witnessed GOD bringing a revival into the hearts and lives of HIS people which turned them back to HIM, so why didn’t GOD do that again? Habakkuk acknowledged GOD as his rock upon which he could build his faith. He understood that GOD had known from the beginning that these wrongdoers would need to be punished. HE did not prevent it. So there must be a reason “why” because Habakkuk knew that GOD is pure. This leads into verse 13 and two questions.

13 Your eyes are too pure to look on evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate those who are treacherous? Why are You silent while one who is wicked swallows up one who is more righteous than himself?

This is the heart of Habakkuk’s “why” questions. Habakkuk acknowledged that GOD was righteous, pure and the rock upon which people can build their trust and faith. He knew that GOD cannot look upon evil or tolerate wrongdoing. Habakkuk was perplexed. Habakkuk’s questions to GOD were, “So why do You tolerate those who are treacherous? Why are You silent while one who is wicked swallows up one who is more righteous than himself?” These are good questions to ask GOD then and today.

Habakkuk has proposed the questions to GOD, now what? Out next scripture reveals what he planned to do. Simply, Habakkuk had done all he could do, therefore, he planned to release his concerns to GOD, to watch and wait for GOD to reply. That is exactly what GOD wants HIS children to do. We are to go as far as we can and then when we have gone as far as we can, HE wants us to give it to HIM. This becomes part of the learning and interactive process of building the right relationship with GOD. So Habakkuk decided to wait upon GOD.

Let’s read Habakkuk 2:1 - Habakkuk Waits for God’s Response 

1 I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the lookout tower. I will watch to see what He will say to me and what I should reply about my complaint.

A watchtower was built to be higher than the things that surrounded it. It was a vantage point. A person could build a watchtower to keep watch over crops such as a vineyard or to keep an eye out for friend or foe approaching a walled city or area. A watchtower was built with intention of keeping a watchful eye for whatever would come along, good or bad. The person in the watchtower was helpless to know who or what would be coming along but the person in the watchtower would be actively watching and waiting. Habakkuk had done all he could do to understand GOD. He reconciled within himself to give his concerns and questions to GOD and he would watch and wait upon GOD to answer them. He would actively watch until HE responded to HIS questions, plus GOD was the only One Who could provide the answers. GOD responded.

This is a message for Christians today. There is just so much we can do but there comes a time when we need to back off and wait upon the LORD. Waiting and trusting reveals confidence in GOD and HIS sovereignty. Our next scripture reveals GOD’S response to Habakkuk.

HE told him to write it down in verses 2 and 3 because this would take place over a period of time.     

Let’s read Habakkuk 2:4-6: (In this scripture, GOD was speaking of the character of these Neo-Babylonians. But notice GOD’S insertion of this profound statement regarding the people of faith during such difficult times – But the righteous one will live by his faith – GOD was providing a contrast between the barbarians who depended upon their physical power and brutality and the people of genuine faith, who rely upon their faith in GOD. In relying upon GOD during these times will draw them even closer to HIM. This is the core from which trusting in the sovereignty of GOD emanates faith regardless of the circumstances.

GOD is in control of history. Romans 8:28 - We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. The key is that GOD is at work and in control of all things working to bring about the best result according to HIS plan and purpose. Christians are not controlled by things but by GOD being actively involved in all things bringing about good. The things may not look or seem good but the key is that GOD is in control and good will result from them.

Christians must keep in mind that GOD gives us freewill to choose. When we choose wrong, we have to suffer the consequences but even when we make the wrong choices, GOD will be involved to bring about good from these consequences for those who love HIM. Amazing Grace and love from our LORD. GOD revealed the nature of the Chaldeans.

4 Look, his ego (Chaldeans) is inflated;g  Hb obscurehe is without integrity. But the righteous one will live by his faith.h Or faithfulnessi Rm 1:17; Gl 3:11
5 Moreover, wine j DSS read wealth betrays; an arrogant man is never at rest.k  Or man does not endure; Hb obscureHe enlarges his appetite like •Sheol, and like Death he is never satisfied.l  Pr 27:20; 30:15-16; Isa 5:14He gathers all the nations to himself; he collects all the peoples for himself.

The Five Woe Oracles (This is a “taunt” song which would follow after those oppressed come out from their oppressor.)

6 Won’t all of these take up a taunt against him, with mockery and riddles about him? They will say:

    -         Greed - Woe to him who amasses what is not his—how much  longer?  and loads himself with goods taken in pledge.m 

-         Injustice - Woe to him who dishonestly makes wealth for his house p  Or dynastyto place his nest on high, to escape from the reach of disaster!q Pr 11:28; Jr 22:13; 49:16; Ob 4; Rv 18:7 (Verse 9)

-         Violence - Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and founds a town with injustice!s Ezk 22:2-3; Mc 3:10 (Verse 12)

-         Seduction - Woe to him who gives his neighbors drink, pouring out your wrathv Or venomand even making them drunk, in order to look at their nakedness! (Verse 15)

-         Idolatry - Woe to him who says to wood: Wake up! or to mute stone: Come alive! Can it teach? Look! It may be plated with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all. (Verse 19)

There are two (2) paths people can take. One is the path of faith and the other is the path of unbelief (no faith, faith in their ability and strength, GOD is not even considered relevant.). GOD will not let the Chaldeans go unpunished. GOD’S chosen will have victory as indicated by the “taunting” woe song. The people of faith will be able to tolerate those oppressive times because they will know that GOD is in control and what they are experiencing is for their good.

Now this is faith which comes from abiding in the care and trust of our LORD. That cannot be achieved intellectually but only can come from Spiritual growth and maturity through relationship and experience. It comes through the process of sanctification, which is completely relying upon the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

GOD describes those who HE will allow to conquer the Jews. They will be arrogant, without integrity, they will take whatever they want – land, material possessions and people – just because they can and they are powerful.

GOD was saying, I will allow these barbarians to punish MY people but in turn I will punish them. Evil does not go unpunished.

GOD had revealed HIS plan and purpose to Habakkuk and Habakkuk was in awe of HIM. GOD revealed truth to HIM and Habakkuk accepted it on faith. Faith is the hallmark of this revelation.

Let’s read Habakkuk 3:2, 17-19b:

2 Lord, I have heard the report about You; Lord, I stand in awe of Your deeds. Revive Your work in these years; make it known in these years. In Your wrath remember mercy!

It is clear to Habakkuk that GOD will not change HIS plan. In essence, Habakkuk was saying. “Now I understand and YOU are awesome!”

Habakkuk asked GOD to send a revival during these bad times and to temper HIS wrath with mercy. The word used for “revive” means to completely make the old new. Christians can rejoice because that is exactly what CHRIST does within them. Habakkuk knew Judah would have to experience the barbarians for their own good. He requested GOD to send a revival in the hearts and lives of HIS people during these difficult times and to remember to be merciful. GOD’S wrath was coming and he understood why.

JESUS not only took our sin upon Himself but GOD’S wrath as recorded in Romans 5:9:

9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

As Christians, we have a new covenant with GOD through the shed blood of CHRIST as our Savior. We have not only been forgiven for our sins and spared the wrath of GOD. Non-Christian must face the wrath of GOD because of un-forgiven sin.

When Christians face difficult times, it often sparks a revival in the hearts and lives of the people. We saw people returning to worship and prayer after 911 but it has soon faded. In fact, it seems that, as a nation, we have gotten further from GOD. During difficult times GOD’S people can ask GOD to remember to be merciful.

This leads Habakkuk to his amazing conclusion, which resulted from him asking GOD questions, which led him to behold the awesomeness of GOD. He saw GOD’S love and care for HIS people through oppression. HIS desire is for HIS chosen to return to HIM. HE is sovereign and how that is accomplished is HIS plan. HIS plan may not look good to those impacted by it or to onlookers but HE is in control. HIS desire is for HIS chosen to look to HIM. Does this mean Christians are to be passive? No! It means as they live during difficult times that they interact with HIM even more and continue to build an intimate relationship with HIM.

Let’s read Habakkuk 3:17-19: (Habakkuk’s conclusion)

17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will triumph in •Yahweh; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!r Ps 73:25
19 Yahweh my Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deers Ps 18:33and enables me to walk on mountain heights!t 

Habakkuk knew hard times were coming but when they came what should HIS chosen do? What should Christians do? When things are at their worst:

-         No fig tree budding, No fruit on the vines, No olives, No food, No Sheep and No cattle. This is as bad as it gets physically, yet GOD is in control and that is when the righteous will live by faith. Fear is surpassed by faith.

When things are a bad as they can get physically, Habakkuk was saying, “My faith in GOD will not waiver.” Habakkuk would look to GOD and rejoice in his salvation. He would trust GOD and not blame HIM. GOD would be his strength and guide him through these bad times. HE would lift him above the fracas, which would allow him to walk upon the mountains tops in the midst of serve turmoil below.

Christians must keep in their minds that GOD did not create humans for time but for eternity. Earth is the training ground for eternity. The question is, “Where will we spend eternity with GOD or separated from HIM?”

Will America face a major crisis? We hope not but the path we are going down indicates that we will. Can GOD pull the plug on our security? Oh, yes. Can GOD allow another religion to rise up and replace Christianity? Oh, yes. When we lose that which many have considered unimportant, it may be the jolt that is needed to bring HIS chosen back to HIM. HE raised up the Chaldeans to conquer Judah, HIS chosen people, to lead them back to HIM. HE saw value in HIS people and HE was their hope. HE is our hope today, even more because we have CHRIST. 

We must keep in mind that the righteous will live by faith in GOD and CHRIST. What makes a person righteous? Nothing but the shed blood of JESUS! When you ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life, your sins have been placed upon HIM and HIS righteousness has been placed upon you.  2 Corinthians 5:21:

21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin n 1Jn 3:5 to be sin o Or be a sin offering for us, p Rm 8:3; Gl 3:13; 1Pt 2:24 so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Blessings!