[:en]SCRIPTURE: HABAKKUK 1
INTRODUCTION:
“Habakkuk” came from a Hebrew word that means “to embrace”. In the first chapter, Habakkuk saw leaders in Judah were oppressing the poor, so he asked God this question: “Why do you allow those wicked people to prosper?”. God answered him that the Babylonians would come to punish Judah. In the second chapter, Habakkuk became more confused. Another question came to his mind. “Why would God allow a more wicked nation than Jews to bring judgment on His chosen people?”. God’s answer was: “The just shall live by faith”. He told him that in due time, the Babylonians would also be judged. “The just shall live” by faith was being explained in three books – Romans tells “the just” – how to be justified before God. Galatians explains how the just “shall live”. Hebrews emphasizes “Faith” – how one can “live by faith”.
There are three chapters in this book. First chapter is Habakkuk’s first question – Why did God tolerate injustice of wicked people and God’s answer. Second chapter is Habakkuk question of why did God allow a more wicked nation to bring judgment to Israel and God’s answer. In the third chapter, Habakkuk ends with a prayer of praise.
“How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds” (Habakkuk 1:2-3)
“I am raising up the Babylonians, that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwellings not their own” (Habakkuk 1:6)
“Lord, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you[c] will never die. You, Lord, have appointed them to execute judgment; you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish. Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?” (Habakkuk 1:12-13)
Habakkuk had been praying for God to listen to him and do justice for the violence of the wicked people. God answered him that he was raising up Babylonians to conquer Israel. Habakkuk became more concerned. How can a holy God use a wicked nation to punish His chosen people? God’s answer came out in the second chapter.
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