Habakkuk 1:12-17 - Habakkuk's Second Complaint.

Recap

Habakkuk 2:4

“Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith.”

Week 1 - Hab. 1:1-4

Habakkuk’s first complaint to God.

Unrighteousness of non-believing Jews in the kingdom of Judah; hatred for sin.

The need for Justice - Punishment.

The need for saving or relieving the righteous remnant - there are some that are loyal to Yahweh.

Last week - Hab. 1:5-11

God responds by raising up the godless Babylonians.

A form of Discipline and correction.

To encourage repentence - both the faithless Jews, and Babylonian are similar.

Babylonian is horrible; and to be feared; their strength is their God.

Ends with “They will be held guilty.

Habakkuk 1:12-14 The Source of Purity

Habakkuk’s faith is seen in this rhetorical question, and proceeding statement. He is confident God will protect them. Are you not from everlasting [- from of old; Deut. 33:27 says God is an eternal dwelling place with everlasting arms, Therefore, will He not protect His children? Oh, Lord, my God, My Holy One! names that Israel knew.

The prophet acknowledges that God has ordained the Chaldean’s to decide the case against Judah’s disobedience Isa. 10:5-6 - and for a time - The Chaldean’s are not aware that God is using them for this. God, the Rock, the supporter and defender, have found the Chaldean’s and established them as instruments for correction.

13

Habakkuk states an obvious. Psalm 11:4-6; God is Holy, He is the ultimate overseer, moral, ethic and righteous judge of all men; therefore, He would not approve evil? Would He? Psalm 34:15 - As the overseer of the world God not only hears the prayers of His obedient children, but He watches the evil of the wicked. He simply would not look on wickedness and do nothing.

The Chaldean’s will indeed take over Judah, but their godless ignorance and pride against God’s people will not go unnoticed - because even if Judah is disobedient; they are still more righteous than the Chaldean’s. Ezk. 16:51-52

14-17

Habakkuk’s statement implies that God has left them with no ruler or defender. The Chaldean’s capture them one by one, group by group. They rejoice at their power, and strength, and military keenness.

They worship and sacrifice to their nets because their loot is abundant.

Habakkuk asks if they will be allowed to continue to to do this?