Read the Passage: Habakkuk 3

Plea for Mercy (3:1–2)

In Hab. 1–2, Habakkuk asked God two questions. First, Habakkuk’s asked about the timing of God’s judgment, and he implied that God was unjust for tolerating sin (cf. Hab. 1:1–4). In response, God assured the prophet that judgment was coming soon in an unbelievable fashion (cf. Hab. 1:5–11). This prompted Habakkuk’s second question, which related to the nature of judgment, and he implied that God was unjust for using great-sinners to punish lesser-sinners (cf. Hab. 1:12–17). In response, God told Habakkuk that He would finally judge sin, not with the sword of an unrighteous nation, but with the life of His righteous Son. While we may expect Habakkuk’s questioning of God’s justice to continue, in Hab. 3:1–19 the prophet’s style and tone completely change. In chapter three Habakkuk moves from accusing God of not being just, to praising God for mercy.

In Hab. 3:1–2 Habakkuk asked for mercy in light of the impending judgment. This was important, for Habakkuk was likely going to witness and experience the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem firsthand. Habakkuk prays, “O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy” (Hab. 3:2). The report that Habakkuk mentions is the Lord’s reply to his questions at Hab. 1:5–11; 2:1–20. Here God had told Habakkuk that He was sending the Babylonians to judge Israel, but that He would eventually judge the Babylonians, too. The essence of Habakkuk’s prayer, then, was that amid the impending judgment, God would be merciful—both to Habakkuk and to Israel. Interestingly, this prayer was a prayer for relief from judgment that had not yet arrived.

Review of Power (3:3–16)

In Hab. 3:3–16 Habakkuk described God’s majesty and judgment as was manifest in the exodus event and in the capture of the land of Canaan. In this passage the prophet reviews the sheer power of God, which permeates “the heaven and the earth” (Hab. 3:3). In Hab. 3:3–7 Habakkuk remembers God’s glory and judgment on the Egyptians and Canaanites as Israel entered the Promised Land. Interestingly, Habakkuk recalls God’s judgment by “pestilence and fever” (Hab. 3:5) upon Israel for their continual sin and rebellion during the exodus. The emphasis in this passage is not only upon God’s victory, but also upon His sovereignty. This sovereignty includes even the judgment of God’s people. It seems as though Habakkuk is remembering God’s justice, righteousness, and mercy in the past as a means of encouraging himself and the people in the present.

In Habakkuk 3:8–16 the prophet continues to rehearse God’s mighty works during the exodus event. Note that a review of the power of God in history and creation, via general revelation, is often cited in Scripture (cf. Job 38–41; Ps. 19). Exodus allusions in Hab. 3:8–16 include: (1) walking through the sea, as happen at the Red Sea crossing in Exod. 14:1–31; (2) the mountains trembling, as occurred on Mt. Sinai when God visited His people at Exod. 19:1–25; (3) the waters standing up, as happened when Israel crossed the Jordan at Josh. 3:14–17; (4) the sun and moon standing still, as they did in Josh. 10:12–14; (5) God marching through the land, as Joshua and Israel did in Josh. 6:1–27; and (6) the killing of the first born, as happened in Exod. 12:29–30. All these past events show God’s sure judgment of the wicked, and His mercy toward and provision for His people.

Hymn of Faith (3:17–19)

Upon dialoging with God and pondering the historical faithfulness and righteousness of the Lord, in Hab. 3:16–19 the prophet expresses his faith in God. Hab. 3:17–18 reveals that Habakkuk finally grasped the fact that God’s justice cannot be measured by personal flourishing. The conversation that began with complaints ends in a declaration of praise. Habakkuk declares, “Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation” (Hab. 3:17–18). Note the parallels between the book of Job and the book of Habakkuk. In both instances the writer questions God’s justice, dialogs with God, and does not receive a specific answer; yet the conversation leads to increased faith.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we explain the difference in writing style between Hab. 1–2 and Hab. 3? Why did Habakkuk’s tone change from accusatory to praise?
2. In the past, when you’ve realized someone is on a sinful path, have you prayed for the Lord’s mercy upon them or have you asked for judgment?
3. How do thoughts of God’s past judgment and mercy encourage you in the midst of present trials?
4. Do you have confidence in God’s ability to exercise authority over all the earth? Do you trust in God’s cosmic purposes and control?
5. Like Habakkuk in Hab. 3:17–18, and beforehand Job, can you testify, “Though he slay me, I will hope in him” (Job 13:15)?