A
Hebrew minor prophet, probably of the 7th Century B.C. Habakkuk
means to embrace or ardent embrace. The ancient rabbinic writings connect with 2
Kings 4: 8 to 16 describing Elisha and Shunammite woman, especially to
verse 16 where it is mentioned: “thou shalt embrace a son”, assuming that the prophet was son of Shunammite woman.
Habakkuk
was contemporary of Nahum and Zephaniah. There are three chapters in the book,
first, two chapters describe the dialogue between the prophet and Adonai Elohim
Jehovah for his people. The third chapter is a psalm citing confidence in
Adonai. The first chapter starts with a burden in form of question given from
verses 1 to 4 why there is so much violence? Adonai, I cried for help but
you did not hear? Justice becomes perverted.
Reply
is given in verses 5 to 11. Adonai reply with raising up of Chaldeans,
(Babylonia)descendants of Shem. They are mentioned multiple times in the Holy
Bible. Chaldeans are known to be skilled astronomers and astrologers as per
bible scholars. Chaldeans are rising up against Habakkuk’s people for violence,
to gather captives, destroy the kingdom. Although Chaldeans are guilty as their
strength is god for them. This prophecy was fulfilled around 586-597 BC as
mentioned by Prophet Jeremiah in chapter 52 during the reign of King Zedekiah in Jerusalem.
In the last part of chapter 1, Prophet raises his second question as an Appeal for
justice on Chaldeans. Prophet gets perplexed at this reply, he knows that
Adonai is holy, he has ordained Chaldeans for judgment and correction upon my
people, what about judgment on Chaldeans? Because Adonai is holy, his eyes are
pure, he cannot be silent.
The second chapter starts with the waiting of the prophet as a watchman on the tower. Form
verse 2 onwards Adonai Elohim responds by a vision that will take place
surely. The “Righteous shall live by Faith” is the central theme of this book
given in verse 4.
From
verse 6 to 20 Prophet describes tribulation upon Chaldeans. As the people around them will taunt parable
against them. All the debtors will suddenly arise against them, people shall
plunder them. Because of their evil gain, they shall be deprived of their life.
All their Labour is in vain, as they have gathered shame for themselves. Their
idols, metals image, wooden things are useless as they have no spirit in them. Adonai
Elohim is in his Holy Temple, be silent. Habakkuk like Job ultimately submits
to Adonai Elohim’s authority.
Chapter
3 describes the Prayer of Habakkuk's prophet as a passionate song. Habakkuk is describing
the judgmental attributes of Adonai Elohim, praising Him. Verse 13 of
this chapter describes the salvation for righteousness and waiting with reverent fear
in the presence of the Lord. Verse 16 describes Day of Distress is surely coming on
unrighteous. Verses 17 to 19 describes describing the joy in the Adonai Elohim. Even
though circumstances around him are decaying he is triumphing and rejoicing in
Adonai of His Salvation (Yeshua our Messiah). Ends with thank and praise to the name of Adonai Elohim.
Apostle
Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 in his powerful gospel presentation described in
Romans 1. Our world is much like Habakkuk’s – full of violence and injustice-
but Adonai Yeshua our Messiah is still in control. Be patient, Yeshua our
Messiah is working out His purposes.
ARDENTLY EMBRACE
Adonai Lord Yeshua our Messiah is coming
Soon!
By: Dr. Shine David
