Habakkuk 1:1-5

Introduction

The name “Habakkuk” means “love that embraces” or “he that embraces.”  He was a prophet of Judah and of the tribe of Levi.  Habakkuk prophesied under the reign of Jehoiakim (609-597 B.C.) who was a wicked and foolish ruler who led Judah into captivity.  Babylon rose to world power as they defeated the Assyrians in 612 B.C. completely devastating them.  The Babylonian king at this time was Nabopolassar who reigned from 626-605 B.C.  After their victory at Carchemish in 605 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar became the emperor and had begun the first exile of Judah into Babylon.  There were three stages of the exile taking place in 606 B.C., 597 B.C. and 586 B.C.  The dating of Habakkuk is 606/607 B.C.  The basic theme of the book is that the “just shall live by faith.”  Habakkuk 2:4 (KJV) Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.  This verse is written in the New Testament in Romans 1:17 and became the spark for the Reformation when Martin Luther read it and realized how Christians are to live, without idolatry but with faith alone in God.  Habakkuk knew that Judah was extremely evil and he knew justice was coming but he was very perplexed when he was told that the Chaldeans would be the ones whom God would use to punish Judah for seventy years after which they would return to the land to rebuild the temple in expectation of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.  See the Book of Haggai.  Habakkuk was also known as “the questioning prophet.” 

Habakkuk 1:1 (KJB)

The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see.

Right at the outset we are told that Habakkuk is a prophet of God and was given a burden to prophesy to the southern kingdom.  The word “burden” carries with it the meaning of “oracle or pronouncement” which is something that the prophets of God called their messages that they were to bring to the people God designated.  Habakkuk had many individual concerns over what he was about to prophesy.  The prophet’s function was to analyze the situation of the present society, and then to speak the word of God along with revealing what was to happen, and to intercede.

Habakkuk 1:2 (KJB)

O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!

Habakkuk no doubt had realized that the sins of Judah were great and he had pleaded with the Lord to stop Judah from continuing to amass sins.  He was literally crying out verbally and not just to himself.  Habakkuk must have been praying a long time for the Lord to work but since it was not yet his timing to work, Habakkuk thought that his petitions were not being heard.  He had cried out against the violence that was taking place during this time.  David had prayed in like manner in Psalm 13.  Habakkuk wanted God to intervene and save Judah because he knew that their sins were going to cause some kind of judgment from the Lord.  He wanted God to save the nation but it seemed each day Judah was getting more and more wicked instead of showing any signs of repentance.

Habakkuk 1:3 (KJB)

Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.

Verses 3 & 4 gives us an insight into the wickedness which Habakkuk faced each day from the inhabitants of Judah.  Habakkuk wanted to know why God wanted him to see the iniquity which was going on in Judah.  There were six sins which were running rampant in Judah.  1) Iniquity which was disastrous troubles that pervaded relationship such as family, business, or other personal relationships, including those toward God, 2) Grievance which all kinds of mischief or perverse dealings with people, 3) Spoiling was robbery or desolation which could include murder, 4) Violence was unjust gain, oppression, or cruelty which means they were oppressing each other and treating each other cruelly, 5) Strife was legal disputes among themselves, everybody suing everybody, 6) Contention meant there was quarreling among themselves as a part of their daily return.  It seems that evil had pervaded Judah to the point that they had forsaken any kindness and compassion toward each other.

Habakkuk 1:4 (KJB)

Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.

Therefore based upon what Habakkuk had listed in the previous verse the law which was the Law of Moses containing the ceremonial, judicial, and moral aspects had ceased from the people of Judah because they turned their backs on the law of God and had made their own laws out of situation.  Judgment does not go forth which has to do with the legal establishment that it was not fulfilling its requirements of bringing proper judgment in cases brought before them.  No doubt there were many briberies going on.  Amos 5:12 (KJV) For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right.  Amos prophesied a similar situation.  It seemed that the number of wicked persons in Judah were so many in comparison to the righteous, that it was like a city which is surrounded by an army, the wicked surrounding the righteous.  Since wickedness had prevailed, proper judgment was not meted out probably because of bribes, friendships, or if a person was poor then they received a heavier sentence than those who could buy their way out.

Habakkuk 1:5 (KJB)

Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.