Habakkuk 2
BSB1 I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected. 2 Then the LORD answered me: “Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it. 3 For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay. 4 Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright — but the righteous will live by faith — 5 and wealth indeed betrays him. He is an arrogant man never at rest. He enlarges his appetite like Sheol, and like Death, he is never satisfied. He gathers all the nations to himself and collects all the peoples as his own. 6 Will not all of these take up a taunt against him, speaking with mockery and derision: ‘Woe to him who amasses what is not his and makes himself rich with many loans! How long will this go on?’ 7 Will not your creditors suddenly arise and those who disturb you awaken? Then you will become their prey. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, the remnant of the people will plunder you— because of your bloodshed against man and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers. 9 Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster! 10 You have plotted shame for your house by cutting off many peoples and forfeiting your life. 11 For the stones will cry out from the wall, and the rafters will echo it from the woodwork. 12 Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by iniquity! 13 Is it not indeed from the LORD of Hosts that the labor of the people only feeds the fire, and the nations weary themselves in vain? 14 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. 15 Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin until they are drunk, in order to gaze at their nakedness! 16 You will be filled with shame instead of glory. You too must drink and expose your uncircumcision! The cup in the LORD’s right hand will come around to you, and utter disgrace will cover your glory. 17 For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of animals will terrify you, because of your bloodshed against men and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers. 18 What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it— or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. 19 Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ or to silent stone, ‘Arise!’ Can it give guidance? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all." 20 But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.
Study Notes — Habakkuk 2
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Habakkuk 2
- Themes from Habakkuk 2
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Habakkuk 2
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In Habakkuk 2, the prophet waits for God's response to his questions about the violence and injustice he sees in the world. God tells Habakkuk to write down the vision He is giving him, which is about the judgment of Babylon. The chapter then describes the five woes that will come upon Babylon, including plunder, bloodshed, and greed. The prophet emphasizes the importance of living by faith, quoting God as saying, 'The righteous will live by his faith' in Habakkuk 2:4. The chapter concludes with a description of the glory of God and the terror of His judgment, emphasizing the need for humility and trust in Him.
Context for the Chapter
Habakkuk 2 is part of the broader biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty. The chapter is situated in the context of the prophet Habakkuk's conversation with God, in which he expresses his concerns about the violence and injustice he sees in the world. The chapter's themes of judgment, righteousness, and faith are central to the biblical narrative, highlighting the need for humility, trust, and obedience to God's commands.
Heart Application
The chapter's emphasis on the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty serves as a reminder to believers of the need for humility and obedience to His commands. As Habakkuk 2:4 says, 'The righteous will live by his faith', emphasizing the importance of living by faith in the face of uncertainty. The chapter's themes of judgment and righteousness also serve as a warning to unbelievers, highlighting the consequences of sin and the need for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Habakkuk 2 is about the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty. The chapter emphasizes the need for humility, obedience to God's commands, and recognition of His majesty and power. As Habakkuk 2:4 says, 'The righteous will live by his faith', highlighting the importance of living by faith in the face of uncertainty. The chapter also describes the judgment of Babylon, serving as a warning to unbelievers of the consequences of sin.
Voices from the Church
“The prophet Habakkuk, in this chapter, teaches us that true righteousness comes from faith, and that we must trust in God's sovereignty and promises, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity.”
— John Calvin
“The righteous will live by his faith, and this faith will be the foundation of their hope and the source of their strength in the face of trials and tribulations.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction (Habakkuk 2:1-4) — The prophet Habakkuk waits for God's response to his questions about the violence and injustice he sees in the world. God tells Habakkuk to write down the vision He is giving him, which is about the judgment of Babylon.
- The Five Woes (Habakkuk 2:5-20) — The five woes described in the chapter serve as a warning of God's judgment on the wicked, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with His commands and recognizing the consequences of sin.
- The Glory of God (Habakkuk 2:14) — The chapter concludes with a description of the glory of God, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring His majesty and power.
- Conclusion (Habakkuk 2:20) — The chapter concludes with a call to humility and trust in God, emphasizing the importance of recognizing His sovereignty and majesty.
- Application (Habakkuk 2:4) — The chapter's emphasis on the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty serves as a reminder to believers of the need for humility and obedience to His commands.
Core Doctrines
- Justification by Faith
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in the life of the believer, highlighting the concept of justification by faith as central to the Christian doctrine.
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter highlights the sovereignty of God, emphasizing His majesty and power, and the importance of recognizing and honoring Him.
- The Judgment of God
- The five woes described in the chapter serve as a warning of God's judgment on the wicked, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with His commands and recognizing the consequences of sin.
- The Glory of God
- The chapter concludes with a description of the glory of God, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring His majesty and power.
Lessons from Habakkuk 2
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in the life of the believer, highlighting the concept of justification by faith as central to the Christian doctrine.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights the sovereignty of God, emphasizing His majesty and power, and the importance of recognizing and honoring Him.
- The Judgment of God — The five woes described in the chapter serve as a warning of God's judgment on the wicked, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with His commands and recognizing the consequences of sin.
- The Glory of God — The chapter concludes with a description of the glory of God, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring His majesty and power.
- The Call to Humility and Trust — The chapter's call to humility and trust in God serves as a reminder to believers of the need for obedience to His commands and recognition of His sovereignty.
Themes from Habakkuk 2
- Faith and Trust — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty, highlighting the concept of justification by faith as central to the Christian doctrine.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights the sovereignty of God, emphasizing His majesty and power, and the importance of recognizing and honoring Him.
- Judgment and Righteousness — The five woes described in the chapter serve as a warning of God's judgment on the wicked, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with His commands and recognizing the consequences of sin.
- The Glory of God — The chapter concludes with a description of the glory of God, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring His majesty and power.
- Humility and Obedience — The chapter's call to humility and trust in God serves as a reminder to believers of the need for obedience to His commands and recognition of His sovereignty.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Habakkuk 2 teach us about the importance of faith in the life of the believer?
- How does the chapter's description of the five woes serve as a warning to unbelievers?
- What does the chapter's emphasis on the glory of God teach us about the importance of recognizing and honoring His majesty and power?
- How does the chapter's call to humility and trust in God serve as a reminder to believers of the need for obedience to His commands?
- What does the chapter's quotation of 'The righteous will live by his faith' in Habakkuk 2:4 teach us about the importance of living by faith in the face of uncertainty?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction (Habakkuk 2:1-4)
| Habakkuk 2:1 | The prophet Habakkuk waits for God's response to his questions about the violence and injustice he sees in the world. |
| Habakkuk 2:2 | God tells Habakkuk to write down the vision He is giving him, which is about the judgment of Babylon. |
| Habakkuk 2:3 | The vision is for an appointed time, and it will surely come, emphasizing the importance of patience and trust in God's sovereignty. |
| Habakkuk 2:4 | The righteous will live by his faith, highlighting the importance of faith in the life of the believer. |
2. The Five Woes (Habakkuk 2:5-20)
| Habakkuk 2:5 | The first woe is against the one who accumulates wealth by unjust means, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with God's commands. |
| Habakkuk 2:6 | The second woe is against the one who builds his house by unjust means, highlighting the consequences of sin and the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty. |
| Habakkuk 2:7 | The third woe is against the one who covets and steals, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with God's commands and recognizing the consequences of sin. |
| Habakkuk 2:8 | The fourth woe is against the one who sheds innocent blood, highlighting the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and the consequences of sin. |
| Habakkuk 2:9 | The fifth woe is against the one who builds his house by unjust means, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with God's commands and recognizing the consequences of sin. |
| Habakkuk 2:10 | The five woes serve as a warning of God's judgment on the wicked, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with His commands and recognizing the consequences of sin. |
| Habakkuk 2:11 | The stones of the house will cry out against the one who built it by unjust means, highlighting the consequences of sin and the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty. |
| Habakkuk 2:12 | The one who builds his house by unjust means will be punished, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with God's commands and recognizing the consequences of sin. |
| Habakkuk 2:13 | The Lord is against the one who builds his house by unjust means, highlighting the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and the consequences of sin. |
| Habakkuk 2:14 | The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring His majesty and power. |
| Habakkuk 2:15 | The one who gives his neighbor drink will be punished, highlighting the consequences of sin and the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty. |
| Habakkuk 2:16 | The one who covets and steals will be punished, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with God's commands and recognizing the consequences of sin. |
| Habakkuk 2:17 | The one who sheds innocent blood will be punished, highlighting the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and the consequences of sin. |
| Habakkuk 2:18 | The idol will be punished, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring God's majesty and power. |
| Habakkuk 2:19 | The one who says to a tree, 'You are my father', will be punished, highlighting the consequences of sin and the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty. |
| Habakkuk 2:20 | The Lord is in His holy temple, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring His majesty and power. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Habakkuk 2?
The main theme of Habakkuk 2 is the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty, highlighting the concept of justification by faith as central to the Christian doctrine. As Habakkuk 2:4 says, 'The righteous will live by his faith', emphasizing the importance of living by faith in the face of uncertainty.
What are the five woes described in Habakkuk 2?
The five woes described in Habakkuk 2 are against the one who accumulates wealth by unjust means, builds his house by unjust means, covets and steals, sheds innocent blood, and builds his house by unjust means. These woes serve as a warning of God's judgment on the wicked, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with His commands and recognizing the consequences of sin.
What does Habakkuk 2 teach us about the glory of God?
Habakkuk 2 teaches us that the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring His majesty and power. As Habakkuk 2:14 says, 'The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea'.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Habakkuk 2:4 → Romans 1:17 | The verse 'The righteous will live by his faith' is quoted in Romans 1:17, emphasizing the importance of faith in the life of the believer. |
| 2 | Habakkuk 2:4 → Galatians 3:11 | The verse 'The righteous will live by his faith' is quoted in Galatians 3:11, highlighting the concept of justification by faith as central to the Christian doctrine. |
| 3 | Habakkuk 2:14 → Isaiah 11:9 | The verse 'The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord' is similar to Isaiah 11:9, which says 'The earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea'. |
| 4 | Habakkuk 2:15 → Proverbs 23:29-35 | The warning against giving one's neighbor drink is similar to Proverbs 23:29-35, which warns against the dangers of drunkenness. |
| 5 | Habakkuk 2:16 → Exodus 20:17 | The warning against coveting and stealing is similar to Exodus 20:17, which commands 'You shall not covet'. |
| 6 | Habakkuk 2:17 → Genesis 9:6 | The warning against shedding innocent blood is similar to Genesis 9:6, which says 'Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed'. |
| 7 | Habakkuk 2:18 → Psalm 115:4-8 | The warning against idolatry is similar to Psalm 115:4-8, which says 'Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands'. |
| 8 | Habakkuk 2:20 → Psalm 11:4 | The statement 'The Lord is in His holy temple' is similar to Psalm 11:4, which says 'The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven'. |
| 9 | Habakkuk 2:4 → Hebrews 10:38 | The verse 'The righteous will live by his faith' is quoted in Hebrews 10:38, emphasizing the importance of faith in the life of the believer. |
| 10 | Habakkuk 2:14 → Habakkuk 1:5 | The verse 'The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord' is similar to Habakkuk 1:5, which says 'Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded; for I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told'. |
Sermons on Habakkuk 2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Powerful Testimony by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker shares his joy in preaching the word of God and bringing comfort to Christians. He expresses his desire to reach out to the communists and asks God for |
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The Reality of the Love of Jesus Christ by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of preaching in Russia, where he was given the opportunity to bring greetings from America and Holland. He emphasizes the i |
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That Dreadful Day No One Wants to Talk About by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the current state of the world, emphasizing the vast disparities and suffering that exist. He challenges the notion that God wants believers |
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Testimony by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of visiting Russia and speaking to Christians there. He emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel and the joy of spea |
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Habakkuk by David Pawson | In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to broaden their perspective beyond their own country and see what God is doing globally. He shares a personal testimony of taki |
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As You Go, Make Disciples by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the structure of the text. The main command or controlling verb is to make disciples, accompanied by three pa |
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The Reproach of the Solemn Assembly by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern about the negative effects of the prosperity gospel and false prophets on believers. He describes witnessing people engaging in strang |
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What It Means to Live by Faith by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living by faith, drawing from the prophet Habakkuk's experience of seeking God's word amidst difficult times. It highlights the need for be |
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(Fury of Fire) 02 - a Fury of Fire & the Vengeance of God by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He encourages the listeners to examine their beliefs and teac |
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The Tent of Shem by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a radical message he gave as a young believer at a Full Gospel Businessmen's Conference. Despite facing backlash and criticism, the message |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Habakkuk 2
In Habakkuk 2, the prophet receives a vision from God, which he is commanded to write down. The vision is about the judgment of Babylon, and it serves as a warning to all nations of the consequences of sin and the importance of living in accordance with God's commands. The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty, highlighting the concept of justification by faith as central to the Christian doctrine. As Matthew Henry says, 'The righteous will live by his faith', emphasizing the importance of living by faith in the face of uncertainty. The chapter also describes the glory of God, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring His majesty and power. As Habakkuk 2:14 says, 'The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea', highlighting the importance of recognizing and honoring God's majesty and power. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Faith
The chapter emphasizes the importance of living by faith, highlighting the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. This theme is central to the biblical narrative, emphasizing the need for trust and obedience to God's commands.
The Five Woes
The five woes described in the chapter serve as a warning of God's judgment on the wicked, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with His commands and recognizing the consequences of sin.
The Glory of God
The chapter concludes with a description of the glory of God, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring His majesty and power. This theme is central to the biblical narrative, highlighting the need for humility and trust in Him.