The Minor Prophets are so named not because their messages were any less important or inspired but because their writings were shorter. Often God called them to deliver one specific message and then they went back to their vocation. We're in the process of looking at what makes these short books relevant and worth a closer look.Habakkuk is unique because it more of a conversion between the prophet and God rather than a message for the people. He very frankly pours out his bewilderment over God's ways, His treatment of His people and the seeming prosperity of the enemy. Scholars give the days immediately following the death of Josiah as the most likely timeframe for Habakkuk's writing.
Some study tips-
- What are Habakkuk's complaints or questions to God? How does God respond?
- What will happen to the wicked?
- Chapter 3 is a prayer after Habakkuk. What does the prophet say about God?
- Habakkuk means "to embrace." What does he ultimately cling to?
Bonus:
Habakkuk 2:4 "the just shall live by his faith" is quoted in the New Testament – Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11 and Hebrews 10:38. How do those passages relate to the Old Testament theme?
Chapter 3:17-19 are some of my favorite verses. I paraphrased them in Precedent this way – Even though I have nothing now, no hope for tomorrow and no prospect that anything is ever going to change for the better, I WILL CHOOSE to rejoice in God, my God, my salvation. He is my strength and He enables me to walk through these fires with confidence, like it was my natural habitat.
Next week: Zephaniah
I like Habakkuk. And chapter 3:17-19 are great. The paraphrase definitely captures what’s being said. I never knew that 2:4 was quoted in the New Testament. I’ll have to look for that now. 🙂 Great post!