Habakkuk 3:1–6, 11–13, 16–19

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

Awestruck

Habakkuk 3:1–6, 11–13, 16–19

Stand in Awe (1–2)

Habakkuk was made aware of God’s plan for Israel and it was not what he expected. He expected God to punish the wicked Israelites — the criminals, the unjust, the cheaters — and God was going to do this. However, God was going to punish Israel by a nation that was far more evil than they were, the Babylonians. Habakkuk was in shock at God’s decision but he recognized that God’s ways are just. In these opening verses of Chapter 3, Habakkuk accepted God’s incoming wrath and was in awe of God’s power and sovereignty. But in the midst of God’s wrath Habakkuk pleaded with God to show mercy, which God had continually shown throughout the history of the nation of Israel.

Tremble in His Splendor (3–6)

In light of God’s coming judgment Habakkuk heaped praise upon God for His power and might. Even though Habakkuk knew God was going to bring punishment upon Israel, he did not see this as some sort of wicked act. He knew Israel deserved to be punished and he knew God was mighty and just. Many modern Americans only think of God as a God of love and question why bad things happen. Habakkuk understood God’s sovereignty and praised Him for it. We need to remember that God is worthy of praise in good times and in bad. Many people leave the faith because of bad situations or bad circumstances but we need to remember God still loves us and, while we don’t always understand His plans, He does have our best interests at heart (Rom. 8:28).

Celebrate His Victory (11–13)

Habakkuk recognized God was going to conquer wickedness and he delighted in knowing this. God had told Habakkuk He was going to bring judgment upon the Babylonians and so this was a cause to celebrate. We see time and again in the Old Testament that God says He is going to bring justice and will punish the wickedness of the nations. This is something we can delight in. Even though we face trials and death we know God will fulfill His promise to create a new heaven and a new earth in which the righteous will dwell. When Christ returns all will be made right and we will live with Him for all of eternity. This is the cause for celebration among Christians and this is why we have hope.

Rejoice in Faith (16–19)

This hope is seen in the very end of the book of Habakkuk. In one of the greatest praises in the Bible, Habakkuk praises God even in the midst of terrible circumstances. He recognized the punishment of Israel would result in horrible famine and destruction, but even in the midst of this Habakkuk knew God deserves praise. The prophet presents a list of things that would likely come to pass when the Babylonians would invade — no crops to pick or food to eat, no livestock to use — but he says, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” 

Why could Habakkuk rejoice? Because he knew God was still his Savior in spite of horrible circumstances. This is a great lesson for Christians today. In a country where catastrophes do not happen often and in an age where the average life span is over 70, it is easy for us to think bad things shouldn’t befall us. But it is because of God’s love and protection that we are able to experience such stable times. 

We need to remember that in many parts of the world tragedy is a common occurrence. When bad things happen to us it shouldn’t make us question where God is and whether He loves us. Instead, like Habakkuk, we need to praise God for His sovereignty and His salvation. God has sent His Son to die for us, giving us an eternal salvation that no catastrophe can destroy. Even as we face trials and tribulation God will never depart from us and nothing can keep us from the salvation we have in Christ (Rom. 8).