Introduction to Habakkuk

The Author

1. Authored by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:21).

2. Written by Habakkuk (Hab. 1:1).

His Date

1. Habakkuk says the Babylonian invasion would occur during the days of his audience (Hab. 1:5).

2. This took place in 606-605 BC.

3. Many date the book between 612-605 BC.

4. Habakkuk was contemporary with Jeremiah.

His Message

1. The book involves a conversation between Habakkuk and Jehovah.

2. The punishment of Judah and Babylon is discussed.

3. The primary message is to Judah.

a) The main subject of the prophecy is the affliction of the righteous amid the prosperity of the wicked.

b) The theme of the book is “the righteous shall live by his faith” (Hab. 2:4).

c) The book consist of one prophecy arranged in two parts.

(1) Hab. 1-2, The conversation between Habakkuk and God.

(2) Hab. 3, Habakkuk’s prayer and psalm.

4. Habakkuk in the New Testament:

a) Hab. 1:5; Acts 13:41

b) Hab. 2:4; Heb. 10:38

5. Practical application for us:

a) The Lord is in His Holy Temple (Hab. 2:20; Ps. 11:4).

b) Wickedness is self-destructive (Hab. 2:6, 9, 12, 15, 19).

c) The supremacy of God:

(1) In holiness (Hab. 1:12-13).

(2) In judgment (Hab. 1:2-4).

(3) Over nations (Hab. 1:5; 3:6, 12).

(4) Over the course of history (Hab. 2:3; 3:2).

(5) Over all the earth (Hab. 2:20).

d) The righteous shall live by faith (Hab. 2:4).

Outline

1. Habakkuk’s Complaint (Hab. 1:1-4)

2. God’s Answer (Hab. 1:5-11)

3. Habakkuk Questions God’s Answer (Hab. 1:12-17)

4. The Prayer Watch (Hab. 2:1-6)

5. Jehovah’s Assessment of Babylon (Hab. 2:4-20)

6. Habakkuk’s Hymn (Hab. 3:1-19)