Habakkuk - O LORD How Long?

Introduction

Audience: Written to Judah, but the conversation is between the prophet and God.

Date: 626-590 BC. It was most likely written after the destruction of the northern kingdom, but before the Judaen exile. This was a period of decline and rebellion in Judah before they were judged.

Author: Nothing is known of the prophet Habakuk besides his conversation with God in this book.

Habakkuk us unique among the prophets in that it does not begin with a message from God, but rather the prophet’s prayer to God. This is a prayer of lament, of question, even perhaps of doubt. Habakkuk is unable to reconcile God’s justice and holiness with the wickedness present among His people. The prophet desires to see God and His justice enacted. This book is one for those surrounded by seemingly unrestrained evil - especially among professing believers. This book is one for those who doubt God’s goodness and sovereign plan. This book is for those who won’t settle for a second-hand faith, but demand a faith backed up by a personal relationship with God.

The Prophet’s Lament (1:1-4)

Lament is a prayer of question or even doubt that seeks to recover faith in God. Taking place in the midst of sorrow, grief, sorrow, or trouble, lament questions God’s presence or care. But lament is still focused on God! Though it speaks without certainty, it always directs itself toward the hopeful source of rescue and belief - God Himself. Doubt can be a step on the path of faith, but only if it directs itself toward God and not away from Him. (See also Psalm 6, 13, 80, 89, Jeremiah 12 among others)

What is the prophet’s problem?

Habakkuk is surrounded by wicked violence, destruction, and evil doing that is not restrained by God’s law despite Israel’s outward profession of obedience. The people of God are the source of rebellion against God and oppression against God’s people. Habakkuk can see no justice present. He sees no restraining force on this evil. So where is God? Does He not see? Does He not care? Will He not do right as the judge of all the Earth?

The LORD’s Answer (1:5-11)

God speaks to answer the prophet’s questions. He answers by assuring the prophet that He IS at work. God is not absent. He sees the wickedness of Judah and has already enacted judgment, though it is has not fallen yet. He is raising up the Chaldeans (Babylonians) to destroy Judah.

This answer is not at all comforting for the prophet!

Why would this not help Habakkuk? What is Habakkuk’s problem to begin with?

Habakkuk 1:9 (NKJV)

9 “They all come for violence; Their faces are set like the east wind. They gather captives like sand.

God’s answer promises only more violence! The violence of the wicked was the source of Habakkuk’s lament and sorrow. This is simply a multiplication of that evil!

The Prophet’s 2nd Lament (1:12-2:1)

Habakkuk does not understand God’s justice because God’s plan seems to only multiply evil. God’s answer to the wickedness of Judah seems to only bring more wickedness. The prophet does not understand God’s ways.

His lament begins with a statement of theological truth (v12). But then quickly turns to his questions.

How can the Holy God look on evil and allow it to flourish? (13)

Why does God’s plan seem to bring anarchy and destruction? (14-17)

But this lament does not end with the questioning of God. Rather it ends in a statement of great faith. The prophet declares that he does not understand, but will set himself to wait for an answer from God. (2:1)

This is true faith! The faithful do not always know God’s plans or understand His ways, but they always seek an answer from God. They remain God-focused, even when the way is unclear. They remain in God’s path even when the end is not certain.

The LORD’s 2nd Answer (2:2-20)

God then answers Habakkuk for the second time. He honor’s the prophet’s faithful posture of waiting. He first instructs Habakkuk to write down this conversation for all who would read it. God is gracious in sending this answer out to all Israel rather than keeping it only for Habakkuk.

God’s delay in His justice is not an absence of justice. God will enact justice and righteousness. (2:3)

God’s delay is not an absence of judgment, but rather a presence of mercy. God is never late in enacting His plan.

The righteous must remain faithful while waiting for God’s promise. (2:4)

Faith results in faithfulness. Faithfulness is faith in action.

God’s declaration of Judgment on the Wicked (2:5-20)

Habakkuk’s Conclusion - Faith (3:1-19)

Habakkuk’s theological statement of God’s mighty power and just wrath on evil. Habakkuk recognizes God’s coming judgment. (1-16)

Habakkuk’s declaration of loyal faith to God no matter what comes. (17-19)

Conclusion

When faced with great trial and sorrow the answer must come from God and no one else. Doubt that drives the doubter to God is grace. Doubt that drives the doubter from God is despair.

Speak honestly with God in your darkest moments. In speaking to God you are setting yourself under His Divine mercy and teaching. Do not hide your despair from God, but run to God with your despair.

Faith means trusting in God’s promised plan, even if you will never see that come to pass in this life. Faith results in a faithful life. Those who depart from God’s plan because of hardship demonstrate an arrogant denial of God’s plan.

Faith means following and trusting God despite any trial or grief. Keep looking to God no matter what comes about in your life.