The Book of Habakkuk - Introduction

Nahum

How does the end of Nahum effect this passage?

Zephaniah

How does the beginning of Zephaniah effect this passage?

Prophet during the time of Josiah.

Judah was still wicked before Josiah took down idols

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)