Faith & Reason Nexus

MEANING: “One who embraces.”

AUTHOR: Habakkuk

TIME WRITTEN: Probably around 607 B.C.

POSITION IN THE BIBLE:

• 35th Book in the Bible
• 35th Book in the Old Testament
• 13th of 17 books of Prophecy (Isaiah – Malachi)
• 8th of 12 minor prophets (Hosea – Malachi)
• 31 Books to follow it

CHAPTERS: 3

VERSES: 56

WORDS: 1,476

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT HABAKKUK:

• Historical Context:
• Habakkuk ministers during a time of great upheaval and wickedness in Judah, often referred to as the “death throes” of the nation.
• The prophet questions why God allows such iniquity to go unpunished and is told that Babylon will be used as a chastening instrument against Judah.
• Babylon’s Rise:
• Babylon began rising to power under Nabopolassar (625-605 B.C.).
• In 612 B.C., Babylon rebelled against Assyria and later overthrew Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.
• This occurred 150 years after Nineveh was spared due to Jonah’s preaching and 50 years after Nahum’s prophecies about Nineveh’s fall.
• Nebuchadnezzar’s Campaigns:
• Nebuchadnezzar, who succeeded Nabopolassar, became the undisputed world power by 605 B.C.
• His first invasion of Palestine resulted in the deportation of about 10,000 captives, including notable figures like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
• Key Themes:
• God’s Judgment: Habakkuk grapples with the question of why God permits evil and injustice.
• The Just Shall Live by Faith: Emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God’s justice and sovereignty.
• Divine Sovereignty: The prophet ultimately affirms that God remains in control and is worthy of reverence, as reflected in Habakkuk 2:20: “The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him.”

Habakkuk’s book is known for its dialogue between the prophet and God, exploring deep theological questions about divine justice and human suffering.