Habakkuk

Discipleship content created by Luke

IN PROGRESS

Background of Habakkuk.

Author: Habakkuk, a prophet of God. Habakkuk (Hb. Chabaqquq) likely means, “one who embraces” (see root word chabaq, meaning to clasp, embrace).
Date written: Late 7th century (likely around 640 to 600 B.C.). Just before Assyria's fall and Babylon's (Chaldea’s) rise. God used Assyria to punish Israel and now would use Babylon to punish Assyria and Judah.
Location written: Likely Judah.
Interesting Notes:
- “Like Job, the prophet argued with God and, through that experience, he achieved a greater understanding of God’s sovereign character and a firmer faith in Him (cf. Job 42:5-6, Is. 55:8-9). Ultimately, Habakkuk realized that God was not to be worshiped merely because of the temporal blessings He bestowed, but for His own sake (3:17-19).” - John MacArthur.
- An unusual prophecy in that it is not directed to the public but walks through the struggles of the prophet regarding questions of faith. Similar to lament psalms.
New Testament (NT) Quotations:
- Hab. 2:4 🡪 Rom. 1:17, Gal. 3:11, cf. Heb. 10:35-39.

Superscription
- The Oracle of the Prophet Habakkuk (1:1)
First Complaint
- The Wicked Prosper over the Righteous (1:2-4)
First Response
- The Lord Will Send the Babylonians (1:5-11)
Second Complaint
- Why the Wicked Babylonians? (1:12-17)
Second Response
- Life for the Faithful but Woe for the Wicked (2)
- The Crucial Distinction Revealed (2:1-5)
- From Woe to Worship (2:6-20)
The Prayer of the Prophet (3)
- Superscription; Invocation (3:1-2)
- Divine Self-Revelation (3:3-15)
- Faith’s Expectation and Jubilation (3:16-19)