Habakkuk 1: 1-4

Context

Habakkuk 1:1–4 NASB95

The oracle which Habakkuk the prophet saw. How long, O Lord, will I call for help, And You will not hear? I cry out to You, “Violence!” Yet You do not save. Why do You make me see iniquity, And cause me to look on wickedness? Yes, destruction and violence are before me; Strife exists and contention arises. Therefore the law is ignored And justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore justice comes out perverted.

Habakkuk’s complain illustrates the result of disobedience to covenant loyalty. Disobedience to God ultimately results in violence, iniquity, destruction, strife and contention, and will eventually result in judgment and sentencing.

Furthermore covenant disobedience implies the true heart of the nation of Israel.

How does the end of Nahum effect this passage?

How does the beginning of Zephaniah effect this passage?

Who is Habakkuk?

The name Habakkuk, derived from the Hebrew word for “embrace” or the name of a plant, appears in only two verses in the Bible, Habakkuk 1:1 and 3:1Possible Levitical musician (3:19). “Ultimate confidence in the Lord despite all circumstances is the Lord‘s embrace of the profit with his comfort.” (Moody)

What does oracle mean?

Oracle means burden.

Context:

After Josiah (reformed, brought/found OT Law, and reinstituted it; got rid of idols, sacrifices to pagan gods, etc.), king of Judah, died an untimely death in the Battle at Megiddo; I believe that the king of Egypt, Neco, did not want to go to battle with Judah, but, Josiah wanting to keep his independence, and stop Assyrian allegiance went to battle with Neco of Egypt.

Jehoahaz next king (Josiah’s son; 3 months in office) was put in chains by Neco.

Jehoiakim next king (Josiah’s son; put in office by Neco).

Josiah’s foolishness forced Judah to become a vassal to Egypt.

Jehioakim was a godless king (2 Kings 23:36-24:6; 2 Chronicles 36:4-8)

justice is mentioned twice

Habakkuk’s First Compliant

Observation

Habakkuk goes to God first. He doesn’t call upon anyone else. At times Judah’s kings made allies with our pagan nations for protection. [Add Scripture Reference]How often do we seek someone else for help? or rely on someone else? We are perishable.Habakkuk’s crying out to the Lord for help was continual. His plea is ongoing one, it is not a once and for call cry. Because, Judah’s King [and some of God’s elect] as we will learn have not been obedient to God for some time.Habakkuk’s wants God to hear him and respond.. Psalm 13:1 Similar to the Psalter.Habakkuk has been crying out continually, and yet, God has not acted.Habakkuk give’s God a reason to act.Habakkuk is crying out about the “violence” he is witnessing.His kinsmen are behaving wickedly, wild and ruthlessly.They are behaving in the exact opposite of what God requires [Law].Habakkuk’s rhetorical statement implies God has to respond.Jer. 14:9 - Is God not God! Will not the sovereign creator save Habakkuk from such evils, and Judah from their evil ways? Has God truly hidden His face from His elect?God does indeed hear!

Jer. 22:3; 13-17

Habakkuk’s First Compliant Contd.

Habakkuk further’s his complaint by pointing his finger at God, and confirming that God has yet to act.Why do You “make” me see evil and injustice?Why do You “make” me see my people’s deception, and idolatry?And “cause” me to look at their wickedness and trouble?Why have you “caused” me to see their past, and continued covenant disobedience?Habakkuk’s questions also implies - God, what are you gonna do about it?Habakkuk in essence is saying, When are you gonna act!Judah’s character thus far illustrates Violence, Iniquity, and Wickedness. All of which are contrary to God.Habakkuk explicitly illustrates the extent of Judah’s Character to insight God to act.Habakkuk has witnessed Judah’s actions which have caused destruction; violent and oppressive actions towards the righteous.Habakkuk has seen their violence, and wrong doing for far too long.Habakkuk notes the result of Judah’s disregard for God’s sovereignty.Strife exists, or rather quarrels, disputes, arguments are the product.Contention arises; past, and present, continual fighting and arguing.

Habakkuk’s First Compliant Contd.

Therefore! Implies that the reason for what is going to be said next was just stated.

Habakkuk is explicitly implying that the actions of his kinsmen illustrates disobedience, and much needed punishment.The law, God’s direction and instruction, is ignored (past and present), or ineffective. The main purpose of the Law was to not only show God’s elect their sin, but to imply they could not uphold it with Him. Which meant that they needed a genuine heart dependent on God to fulfill it.Psalm 58:2 - Judah’s actions clearly imply they do not have the law on their heart.Habakkuk further explains that no punishment equals no sentencing. Psalm 119:126 It is time for God to start sentencing His people for their horrible conduct and immoral behavior.Isa. 59:12-14 Clearly defines (example) Judah’s relationship to God by their corrupt actions.Habakkuk sees that in addition to Judah’s immorality the Chaldean’s are in their midst.Although, Judah is disobedient their are still a remnant that are loyal and faithful to God.However, they too, are surrounded by the wickedness of of both, their kinsmen, but most notable the Babylonians (Chaldean’s).Surround implies being out numbered.Habakkuk’s “Therefore” points back to the reason for his next observation, is Judah’s perversion plus the Chaldean’s equals more perversion.No sentencing, more than poor judgement.Isa. 5:20 Will God answer Habakkuk’s complaint for help?

Habakkuk 1:1-4 needs more observation, illustrations, compare and contrasting, implications, applications - contextualizing.