Author
Little is known about the author of this book. The name “Habakkuk” is not a typical Hebrew name and occurs only twice in the Old Testament (Hab. 1:1; 3:1). Some rabbis have related the name to the word translated “embrace” (see 2 Kin. 4:16), in which case his name suggests a prophet who loved his people and sought to draw them to himself in comfort. Others have described the prophet as one who wrestled with God. Accordingly, St. Jerome nicknamed him “the wrestler.” The name may also derive from an Akkadian word referring to a type of garden plant. The musical notations in Habakkuk 3 suggest that Habakkuk may have been a levitical priest who gave direction to music in the temple. In any case, nothing is recorded concerning the prophet and his personal life.
Date
The content of the book indicates that it was written just prior to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. Most scholars date it between 625 and 587 B.C.
Background
Setting
After the reigns of the evil kings Manasseh and Ammon of Judah, God raised up Josiah. Coming to the throne at eight years of age, Josiah was the last good king to reign over Judah. The godly Josiah began to implement sweeping reforms. During the restoration of the temple, a copy of the Law was found and read to the king. Josiah, concerned that God’s judgment would fall upon his nation, sent for the prophetess Huldah (see 2 Kin. 22, Huldah). The privilege of bringing a word from God to the king was given to a woman, even though Josiah could have turned to Jeremiah, Nahum, Habakkuk, or Zephaniah, all of whom were prophets at this time. The king ordered the book of the Law to be read in the hearing of all the people (2 Kin. 22; 23).
Josiah’s reforms and godly influence died with him. Social injustice and moral corruption became rampant again. The people were cruel and corrupt. False gods were worshiped and very little honor was given to Yahweh.
On the international scene, the Babylonians (Chaldeans) had destroyed the Assyrian forces, which left the Chaldean nation the undisputed master of the east. The Chaldeans, who inhabited southern Babylon, were expanding their empire by the violent conquest of smaller nations. Judah’s existence was threatened.
Purpose
Habakkuk called his nation to that same trust in God he had found in the midst of life’s certain disasters (see Hab. 2:4; 3:16–19). The book continues to be a message of hope and comfort for God’s people.
Audience
Habakkuk, unlike the other prophets, spoke to God about the people. He expected God to respond by bringing the people to repentance and obedience. Habakkuk asked God questions and received answers.
Literary Characteristics
The book presents a dialogue between Habakkuk and God (Hab. 1:1–2:5). Habakkuk 3 is a psalm, including musical instructions (Hab. 3:1–19). The book also includes vivid metaphors and idiomatic phrases.
Themes
Habakkuk, perplexed by the impending destruction of his nation by the Babylonians, found his faith faltering. Questioning God’s goodness and wisdom, he called out to the Lord for hope and answers. He learned that he who puts his faith in the faithful God will endure to the end (Hab. 2:4). Habakkuk recorded his own experiences and told his own story. He was a man with honest doubts who had endured trials and learned to wait on God in the midst of all. He ended the book with a hymn of steadfast faith and joy born out of trial and trouble. God had called Habakkuk to embrace what He called him to endure, and the prophet did just that with joy.
Outline
I. Is God There? (1:1–11)
A. The Lord’s reply (1:1–5)
1. God is in control (1:1–4)
2. God is active (1:5)
B. God’s instrument, the Chaldeans (1:6–11)
1. A bitter and nasty nation (1:6)
2. A self-sufficient people (1:7)
3. A nation materially equipped for war (1:8)
4. A violent, conquering nation (1:9)
5. An arrogant and proud nation (1:10, 11)
II. Is God Fair? (1:12–17)
A. The character of God explained (1:12, 13)
B. The actions of God challenged (1:14)
C. The analogy of the fish (1:15–17)
III. The Lord’s Reply (2:1–20)
A. An admonition to write the message clearly (2:1)
B. A vision for the future (2:2–4)
C. An exhortation (2:5)
D. Five woes (2:6–20)
1. Against the embezzlers (2:6–8)
2. Against the extortionists (2:9–11)
3. Against the tyrants (2:12–14)
4. Against the drunkards (2:15–17)
5. Against the idolaters (2:18–20)
IV. Habakkuk’s Psalm (3:1–19)
A. A vision of God (3:1–16)
1. Coming in intercession (3:1, 2)
2. Coming from Teman (3:3)
3. Coming as a warrior (3:4)
4. Coming with power over pestilence (3:5)
5. Coming in sovereignty over the nations (3:6)
6. Coming with salvation for His people (3:7–16)
B. A hymn of joy (3:17–19)