Introduction to Habakkuk

Who was Habakkuk?

No one really knows. The Hebrew name is similar to the word for

"embrace" (hbq) or "ardent embrace", while the Greek name found in the

Septuagint is close to an Assyrian name for a kind of plant. He apparently

was some-what well known as a prophet in his contemporary community,

as the he refers to himself as "the prophet" (1:1, 3:1). Habakkuk is said to

have miraculously comforted Daniel in the lion's den in the apocryphal

book Bel and Dragon, verse 33 (LXX Dan. 14:33). Other legends claim

he was the son of the Shunammite woman of 2 Kings 4:8 - 4:37, raised

from the dead by Elisha, or that he was the watchman mentioned in Isaiah

21:6 (see Hb. 2:1). There is no concrete evidence to support these or the

various other ideas that are out there.

When was Habakkuk written?

Most likely around 600 bc. It is dated to this point because of the

references to the Chaldeans (1:6, 1:15) and their military victories, which

were happening around this time. 605 was the date of the battle of

Carchemish, in which the Chaldeans defeated Pharoh Neco of Egypt.

Jehoiakim was king of Judah at this time.

Some claim the date should be closer to 400 bc, or the time of Alexander

the Great, based on 1:9 seeming to say that the forces are facing east as

they move, which the Chaldeans would not have done. Some, therefore,

believe that the word "Chaldeans" should have been "Kittim", and a

reference to Greece. Once again, there is little support for this view.

So the circa 605 date is the one we will assume.

Why was Habakkuk written?

It was apparently written mainly in response to the Chaldean's victory

over the nation of Judah. Chapter 3 is somewhat independant from the

rest of the book, as it consists of a song to God requesting mercy in the

midst of the suffering of judgement.

What is Habakkuk about?

Habakkuk is about God's judgement, justice, and mercy.

1:2 - 1:4 is the expectation of judgement in response to rampant sin in the

nation of Judah.

1:5 - 1:11 is the announcement by God of his judgement, coming in the

form of the Chaldean army.

1:12 - 2:1 is the prophet's questioning God's justice in letting such a

wicked nation triumph.

2:2 - 2:20 is God's reply, that even greater judgement is coming upon the

Chaldeans for their wickedness; no one escapes God's judgement.

3:1 - 3:19 is a prayer in the form of a psalm, giving God glory for His

judgement and asking for mercy in the midst of anger (3:2), and finally

expressing complete confidence in God (3:19).

Some often - quoted verses :

2:4 : Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But

the righteous will live by his faith.

2:20 : But the LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent

before Him.

sources:

Gigot, Francis E.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VII

Available : http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07097a.htm

Taylor, J. B. (1982) Book of Habakkuk.

In J. D. Douglas (Ed.), The New Bible Dictionary (2nd ed.)

(pp. 446-447). Downer's Grove, Il: InterVarsity Press

all Bible quotes from :

the New American Standard Bible®

The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973,

1975, 1977, 1995