Habakkuk Introduction
Introduction
The prophet Habakkuk lived in Judah most likely during the rule of King Josiah. The book of Habakkuk was written before the nation of Babylon destroyed Jerusalem. It was during that time Habakkuk had a very important talk with God.
The book is based on a series of hard questions for God. These are followed by responses from God. At the end of the book, Habakkuk understands that God is faithful. So the prophet ends with a hymn of joy.
Habakkuk begins by asking God a question. He wants to know how long God will wait before he punishes wicked people. God replies that he is preparing Babylon to bring punishment to Judah. But Habakkuk struggles with this. The people of Babylon are more evil than the people of Judah. So Habakkuk asks a second question. He wants to know why God would use wicked Babylon to punish his own people. God replies again. He explains that Babylon will be judged just as Assyria was earlier. And God says that faithful people must wait with patience. God then describes five different ways he will judge Babylon. Then Habakkuk knows for sure that Babylon will be destroyed. God will make all things right.
The book ends with what is called “A Prayer of Habakkuk.” But the notes that go along with it show that it was a song. In the song Habakkuk celebrates God’s faithfulness to his people in the past. And he prays that God will be faithful again. So Habakkuk learns to wait patiently. He will wait for God to carry out his plan for his people. And he knows God will be true to his word.
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Habakkuk Introduction: NIrV
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Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV®
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