Habakkuk 3

¹ A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth.

² O LORD, I have heard thy speech, [and] was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

³ God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise.

⁴ And [his] brightness was as the light; he had horns [coming] out of his hand: and there [was] the hiding of his power.

⁵ Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet.

⁶ He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways [are] everlasting.

⁷ I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: [and] the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.

⁸ Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? [was] thine anger against the rivers? [was] thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine horses [and] thy chariots of salvation?

⁹ Thy bow was made quite naked, [according] to the oaths of the tribes, [even thy] word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers.

¹⁰ The mountains saw thee, [and] they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, [and] lifted up his hands on high.

¹¹ The sun [and] moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, [and] at the shining of thy glittering spear.

¹² Thou didst march through the land in indignation, thou didst thresh the heathen in anger.

¹³ Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, [even] for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.

¹⁴ Thou didst strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing [was] as to devour the poor secretly.

¹⁵ Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, [through] the heap of great waters.

¹⁶ When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.

¹⁷ Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls:

¹⁸ Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

¹⁹ The LORD God [is] my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ [feet], and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Overview of Habakkuk Chapter 3

Habakkuk Chapter 3 is a poetic and powerful conclusion to the Book of Habakkuk, where the prophet expresses his awe of God’s majesty and power. This chapter serves as a prayer and a song, reflecting on God’s past deeds and His sovereignty over nations. It emphasizes themes of faith, divine judgment, and hope in the midst of turmoil.

Structure of the Chapter

The chapter can be divided into several key sections:

1. Introduction and Invocation (Verses 1-2)
   • Habakkuk’s prayer is introduced as a plea for God’s mercy.
   • The prophet recalls God’s past actions and asks for revival in the present.
2. God’s Theophany (Verses 3-15)
   • Descriptive imagery of God’s appearance and His power.
   • References to historical events, emphasizing God’s control over nature and nations.
   • God’s judgment on the enemies of Israel is highlighted.
3. Personal Response of Faith (Verses 16-19)
   • Habakkuk’s reaction to the vision of God’s power.
   • Expression of fear and trembling, yet a declaration of faith.
   • Affirmation of trust in God’s salvation despite circumstances.

Thematic Analysis

Several key themes emerge throughout Chapter 3:

• The Majesty of God

  The chapter begins with a vivid portrayal of God’s glory and might, illustrating His supremacy over creation and history.

• Divine Judgment

  Habakkuk recounts God’s past judgments against nations, reinforcing the idea that God is just and sovereign over all earthly powers.

• Faith in Adversity

  Despite the impending doom and challenges faced by the people of Judah, Habakkuk expresses unwavering faith in God’s ultimate deliverance.

• Hope and Restoration

  The chapter concludes with a message of hope, underscoring the belief that God will restore His people and bring about salvation.

Literary Devices

Habakkuk employs various literary devices to enhance the impact of his message:

• Imagery

  Vivid descriptions of natural phenomena (e.g., earthquakes, storms) depict God’s power and presence.

• Parallelism

  Repetition and parallel structures are used to emphasize key ideas and create a rhythmic flow in the poetry.

• Metaphor

  God is metaphorically portrayed as a warrior, illustrating His active role in delivering justice and protection.

Theological Implications

Chapter 3 raises important theological questions and implications:

• The Nature of God

  God is portrayed as both a judge and a savior, revealing the complexity of His character.

• Human Response to Suffering

  Habakkuk’s journey from doubt to faith illustrates the struggle believers face when confronting suffering and injustice.

• Hope in God’s Promises

  The chapter encourages believers to maintain hope and trust in God’s faithfulness, even in dire circumstances.

Conclusion

Habakkuk Chapter 3 serves as a profound reminder of God’s sovereignty, justice, and the importance of faith in challenging times. It encapsulates the essence of the prophet’s message: that despite the uncertainties of life, believers can find hope and strength in the unwavering character of God.