Habakkuk - The Lesson of The Mystery of Providence

Habakkuk 1:5

Background

1. The Prophet - his name may mean “the one who embraces”

2. From Jerusalem to Judah circa 609-597 B.C. (contemporary of Jeremiah)

3. A prophecy concerning the fall of Judah to the Chaldeans (Babylon)

Outline

1. The Prophet’s First Question - (1:1-4) - Will you not judge the wickedness and idolatry of this nation?

2. The LORD’’s Reply - (1:5-11) - I am raising a nation to do my work of judging sin.

3. The Prophet’s Second Question - (1:12-2:1) - Why how could you use this nation?

   1. He understood God’s holiness. vv. 12-13a

   2. He did not understand how God could use something wicked. vv. 13b (Babylon was more wicked than many nations God allowed her to defeat.)

   3. The question is punctuated with a resolve to know God’s will. v. 2:1

4. The LORD’s Reply - (2:2-20) - They are my choice now, but one day they too will be held to account for their wickedness.

   1. Woe because of Unjust Gain and Violence - vv. 6-8

   2. Woe because of Pride and Avarice - vv. 9-11

   3. Woe because of Bloodshed and Iniquity - vv. 12-14

   4. Woe because of Drink and Debauchery - vv. 15-17

   5. Woe because of Idolatry - vv. 18-20

5. The Prophet’s Praise - (3:1-19) - Realizing the LORD’s greatness, Habakkuk presents a prayer and hymn of praise

Some Lessons

1. God works in ways which sometimes puzzle man. (1:5)

2. The just shall live by faith. (2:4)

3. God’s Word teaches abstinence. (2:15)

4. Man must rejoice in the LORD regardless of his circumstances. (3:17-19)

5. Far too many people (Christians included) focus on the sins of others instead of looking at their own life.

6. If we do not live out our lives in faith to God, we will suffer the eternal destruction that we so richly deserve.