NOTES for Hab 1:1-17

The books of the minor prophets, which we have been reading for several days, reveal the spiritual background of events in Israel’s history. Zephaniah spoke of the coming judgment of God upon all nations. Nahum spoke of how Assyria, while carrying out God’s sentence upon Israel, would not escape judgment itself. Habakkuk reveals a similar role for Babylon, the Chaldeans, but now in relation to the Southern Kingdom, Judah. It is remarkable that Habakkuk asks God questions and receives answers.

His first question arises from bewilderment: why does wickedness mock righteousness? The answer proves astonishing to the prophet himself: God Himself raised up this people, the Chaldeans, to execute His judgment. Habakkuk then asks a second question: is it right for a pagan nation to be exalted so greatly over people who confess the One God? How can God look calmly upon the violence taking place? Let us wait for the answer until tomorrow...