Chapter 1-3 + Summary of Habakkuk

Summary of Habakkuk:

The book of Habakkuk is Narrative History, written by the Prophet Habakkuk. Habakkuk wrote it just before the fall of Judah in the Southern Kingdom. We primarily learn about Habakkuk and the Babylonians. As is true of the many other prophets, Habakkuk is a short book. The information in it was vital since it carried God’s message to His people. Its purpose was that Habakkuk was announcing a familiar message of judgment.

•    In chapters 1-2: Habakkuk poses some difficult questions to God. He asks why evil was prevailing. God answered Habakkuk, “Behold ye among the heathen and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in our days, which ye will not believe though it be told to you.” (Habakkuk 1:5)

We also later read in Acts; “Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in our days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it to you.” (Acts 13:40-41)

                The Book of Habakkuk, while depicting the destruction of Judah and other people, it is a insight into the latter days and the destruction that will fall upon the people of the earth, prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Notice how it says, that God will ‘…work a work in our days, which ye will not believe though it be told to you…’ The Restoration of the Gospel, the restoring of God’s church on Earth has happened! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the same church that Jesus Christ established with Prophets and Apostles, the last time he walked the earth.

The Lord answers Habakkuk in Chapter 2 and tells him that those who have faith in the Lord will be saved from the evils of the Last Days.

•   In chapter 3: Habakkuk gives God the glory and praise for faithfully responding to his questions, “O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid…” (3:2).

Chapter 1: The Restoration

Habakkuk asks God why he seems to delay judgment against the wicked. God answers Habakkuk, “Behold ye among the heathen and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in our days, which ye will not believe though it be told to you.” (Habakkuk 1:5)  The Babylonians overwhelm the land of Judah, they will wrongly give the credit to their false gods. Habakkuk wonders why God would use a nation more wicked than Judah to bring judgment on Judah. Habakkuk will stand his watch and wait for God’s reply.

Chapter 2: The Earth will be filled with knowledge

The Lord tells Habakkuk to write the reply down. “…the just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4) Babylon has an insatiable desire for conquest, but they shall be plundered by the remnant of those they plundered. Woe to the greedy, the violent, the drunk and the idolatrous. The Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.

Chapter 3: Habakkuk trembles before God

Habakkuk pleads for revival. There is a song of praise (punctuated by ‘Selah’, as in the Psalms) glorifying God’s power over the earth and the nations. Habakkuk is afraid, yet still rejoices in the Lord. Habakkuk explains that the Lord God is his strength. Habakkuk also fears the Lord and gives God the glory and praise for faithfully responding to his questions, “O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid…” (3:2).