Habakkuk 3
BSB1 This is a prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth: 2 O LORD, I have heard the report of You; I stand in awe, O LORD, of Your deeds. Revive them in these years; make them known in these years. In Your wrath, remember mercy! 3 God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah His glory covered the heavens, and His praise filled the earth. 4 His radiance was like the sunlight; rays flashed from His hand, where His power is hidden. 5 Plague went before Him, and fever followed in His steps. 6 He stood and measured the earth; He looked and startled the nations; the ancient mountains crumbled; the perpetual hills collapsed. His ways are everlasting. 7 I saw the tents of Cushan in distress; the curtains of Midian were trembling. 8 Were You angry at the rivers, O LORD? Was Your wrath against the streams? Did You rage against the sea when You rode on Your horses, on Your chariots of salvation? 9 You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows. Selah You split the earth with rivers. 10 The mountains saw You and quaked; torrents of water swept by. The deep roared with its voice and lifted its hands on high. 11 Sun and moon stood still in their places at the flash of Your flying arrows, at the brightness of Your shining spear. 12 You marched across the earth with fury; You threshed the nations in wrath. 13 You went forth for the salvation of Your people, to save Your anointed. You crushed the head of the house of the wicked and stripped him from head to toe. Selah 14 With his own spear You pierced his head, when his warriors stormed out to scatter us, gloating as though ready to secretly devour the weak. 15 You trampled the sea with Your horses, churning the great waters. 16 I heard and trembled within; my lips quivered at the sound. Decay entered my bones; I trembled where I stood. Yet I must wait patiently for the day of distress to come upon the people who invade us. 17 Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, 18 yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! 19 GOD the Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer; He makes me walk upon the heights! For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments.
Study Notes — Habakkuk 3
- 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 3
- Themes from Habakkuk 3
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Habakkuk 3
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Habakkuk chapter 3 is a psalm-like prayer that expresses Habakkuk's trust in God's power and goodness, even in the face of judgment and trouble. The chapter begins with a call to revive God's work in the midst of trouble (Habakkuk 3:1-2), and then describes God's power and glory in creation and redemption (Habakkuk 3:3-15). Habakkuk expresses his trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when he does not understand what is happening (Habakkuk 3:16-19). The chapter concludes with a statement of trust and confidence in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of trouble and uncertainty.
Context for the Chapter
Habakkuk chapter 3 is the final chapter of the book of Habakkuk, which is a prophetic book in the Old Testament. The book of Habakkuk is a collection of prophecies and prayers that express God's judgment and redemption of His people. Habakkuk chapter 3 is a conclusion to the book, providing a model for believers to follow when they are faced with trouble and uncertainty. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, emphasizing God's power and glory in creation and redemption, and pointing to Christ as the ultimate expression of God's goodness and faithfulness.
Heart Application
Habakkuk chapter 3 provides a model for believers to follow when they are faced with trouble and uncertainty. It reminds us to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when circumstances are difficult and uncertain. As we read this chapter, we are called to examine our own hearts and to ask God to revive His work in our lives, that we may trust in Him and rejoice in His goodness and faithfulness.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Habakkuk chapter 3 is a prayer that expresses trust and faith in God, even in the midst of trouble and uncertainty. It reminds us to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when circumstances are difficult and uncertain. As we read this chapter, we are called to examine our own hearts and to ask God to revive His work in our lives, that we may trust in Him and rejoice in His goodness and faithfulness, as seen in Habakkuk 3:17-19.
Voices from the Church
“The prayer of Habakkuk is a model for all believers, reminding us to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the midst of trouble and uncertainty.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The power and glory of God are displayed in creation and redemption, reminding us of His sovereignty and control over all things.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Prayer (Habakkuk 3:1-2) — Habakkuk calls upon God to revive His work in the midst of trouble, emphasizing His faithfulness to His people.
- Description of God's Power and Glory (Habakkuk 3:3-15) — The chapter describes God's power and glory in creation and redemption, emphasizing His ability to work all things together for our good.
- Trust and Faithfulness (Habakkuk 3:16-19) — Habakkuk expresses his trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when circumstances are difficult and uncertain.
- Conclusion (Habakkuk 3:17-19) — Habakkuk concludes his prayer by expressing his trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, and by calling upon God to revive His work in his life.
- Application (Habakkuk 3:1-19) — The chapter provides a model for believers to follow when they are faced with trouble and uncertainty, reminding us to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- Habakkuk chapter 3 emphasizes God's power and glory in creation and redemption, reminding us of His sovereignty and control over all things.
- Faithfulness of God
- The chapter describes God's faithfulness to His people, even in the midst of trouble and uncertainty.
- Trust in God
- Habakkuk's trust in God's goodness and faithfulness is a central theme of the chapter, providing a model for believers to follow when they are faced with trouble and hardship.
- Redemption
- The chapter describes God's redemption of His people, emphasizing His power and glory in saving them from their enemies.
Lessons from Habakkuk 3
- Trust in God's Goodness — Habakkuk chapter 3 reminds us to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when circumstances are difficult and uncertain.
- God's Power and Glory — The chapter describes God's power and glory in creation and redemption, emphasizing His ability to work all things together for our good.
- Faithfulness of God — The chapter describes God's faithfulness to His people, even in the midst of trouble and uncertainty.
- Redemption — The chapter describes God's redemption of His people, emphasizing His power and glory in saving them from their enemies.
- Rejoicing in God — Habakkuk concludes his prayer by expressing his trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, and by calling upon God to revive His work in his life.
Themes from Habakkuk 3
- Trust in God — Habakkuk chapter 3 reminds us to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when circumstances are difficult and uncertain.
- God's Power and Glory — The chapter describes God's power and glory in creation and redemption, emphasizing His ability to work all things together for our good.
- Faithfulness of God — The chapter describes God's faithfulness to His people, even in the midst of trouble and uncertainty.
- Redemption — The chapter describes God's redemption of His people, emphasizing His power and glory in saving them from their enemies.
- Rejoicing in God — Habakkuk concludes his prayer by expressing his trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, and by calling upon God to revive His work in his life.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that you can express trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when circumstances are difficult and uncertain?
- How does Habakkuk's prayer provide a model for believers to follow when they are faced with trouble and uncertainty?
- What are some ways that God's power and glory are displayed in creation and redemption?
- How can you apply the principles of Habakkuk chapter 3 to your own life, trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness even when circumstances are difficult and uncertain?
- What are some ways that you can rejoice in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when circumstances are difficult and uncertain?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Prayer (Habakkuk 3:1-2)
| Habakkuk 3:1 | Habakkuk begins his prayer by calling upon God to revive His work in the midst of trouble, emphasizing His faithfulness to His people. |
| Habakkuk 3:2 | Habakkuk asks God to make His work known in the midst of trouble, and to make His deeds known in the midst of the years. |
2. Description of God's Power and Glory (Habakkuk 3:3-15)
| Habakkuk 3:3 | God comes from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran, emphasizing His power and glory in creation and redemption. |
| Habakkuk 3:4 | His splendor covers the heavens, and the earth is full of His praise, emphasizing God's power and glory in creation and redemption. |
| Habakkuk 3:5 | Plague goes before Him, and pestilence follows His feet, emphasizing God's power and glory in judgment and redemption. |
| Habakkuk 3:6 | He stands and shakes the earth, and looks and startles the nations, emphasizing God's power and glory in creation and redemption. |
| Habakkuk 3:7 | The tents of Cushan tremble, and the curtains of Midian shake, emphasizing God's power and glory in judgment and redemption. |
| Habakkuk 3:8 | Was the Lord angry with the rivers, or was His wrath against the rivers, emphasizing God's power and glory in creation and redemption? |
| Habakkuk 3:9 | You split the earth with rivers, emphasizing God's power and glory in creation and redemption. |
| Habakkuk 3:10 | The mountains saw You and trembled, emphasizing God's power and glory in creation and redemption. |
| Habakkuk 3:11 | The sun and moon stood still in their place, emphasizing God's power and glory in creation and redemption. |
| Habakkuk 3:12 | You marched through the land in indignation, and trampled down the nations in anger, emphasizing God's power and glory in judgment and redemption. |
| Habakkuk 3:13 | You went out to save Your people, to save Your anointed, emphasizing God's power and glory in redemption. |
| Habakkuk 3:14 | You struck the head of the house of the wicked, and laid bare his foundation to the neck, emphasizing God's power and glory in judgment and redemption. |
| Habakkuk 3:15 | You trampled the sea with Your horses, and churned the great waters, emphasizing God's power and glory in creation and redemption. |
3. Trust and Faithfulness (Habakkuk 3:16-19)
| Habakkuk 3:16 | I heard and my heart trembled, and my lips quivered at the sound, emphasizing Habakkuk's trust in God's goodness and faithfulness. |
| Habakkuk 3:17 | Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior, emphasizing Habakkuk's trust in God's goodness and faithfulness. |
| Habakkuk 3:18 | The Lord God is my strength, and He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places, emphasizing Habakkuk's trust in God's goodness and faithfulness. |
| Habakkuk 3:19 | To the choirmaster, with stringed instruments, emphasizing the musical nature of the prayer and the importance of worship and praise in the midst of trouble and uncertainty. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Habakkuk chapter 3?
The main theme of Habakkuk chapter 3 is trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when circumstances are difficult and uncertain, as seen in Habakkuk 3:17-19.
How does Habakkuk's prayer provide a model for believers to follow when they are faced with trouble and uncertainty?
Habakkuk's prayer provides a model for believers to follow when they are faced with trouble and uncertainty by emphasizing the importance of trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, and by calling upon God to revive His work in their lives, as seen in Habakkuk 3:1-2.
What are some ways that God's power and glory are displayed in creation and redemption?
God's power and glory are displayed in creation and redemption through His control over the natural world, His judgment and redemption of His people, and His faithfulness to His promises, as seen in Habakkuk 3:3-15.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Habakkuk 3:1 → Psalm 85:6 | Both passages call upon God to revive His work in the midst of trouble, emphasizing His faithfulness to His people. |
| 2 | Habakkuk 3:2 → Isaiah 64:2 | Both passages ask God to make His work known in the midst of trouble, and to make His deeds known in the midst of the years. |
| 3 | Habakkuk 3:3 → Deuteronomy 33:2 | Both passages describe God's power and glory in creation and redemption, emphasizing His ability to work all things together for our good. |
| 4 | Habakkuk 3:4 → Psalm 19:1 | Habakkuk 3:4 is similar to Psalm 19:1, which describes God's power and glory in creation. |
| 5 | Habakkuk 3:5 → Exodus 15:3 | Both passages describe God's power and glory in judgment and redemption, emphasizing His ability to work all things together for our good. |
| 6 | Habakkuk 3:6 → Psalm 18:7 | Both passages describe God's power and glory in creation and redemption, emphasizing His ability to work all things together for our good. |
| 7 | Habakkuk 3:8 → Psalm 74:13 | Both passages describe God's power and glory in creation and redemption, emphasizing His ability to work all things together for our good. |
| 8 | Habakkuk 3:9 → Psalm 104:6-9 | Both passages describe God's power and glory in creation and redemption, emphasizing His ability to work all things together for our good. |
| 9 | Habakkuk 3:10 → Psalm 97:4 | Both passages describe God's power and glory in creation and redemption, emphasizing His ability to work all things together for our good. |
| 10 | Habakkuk 3:17 → Romans 8:28 | Both passages emphasize the importance of trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when circumstances are difficult and uncertain. |
Sermons on Habakkuk 3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(First Baptist Church) #1 - What Revival Is by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of revival and the role of believers in evangelism and teaching. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is the author of revival an |
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Stand Still and See the Salvation of the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of standing still and trusting in the salvation of the Lord, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. He encourages the |
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The Vine and the Branches by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that only God can enable us to live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in all respects. He dismisses the idea of relying on formulas or |
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Death of a Promise - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the principle of the death of a promise. He explains that when God intends to fulfill a promise or bring about a special blessing, He first p |
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All These Things Will Be Added to You? by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the true meaning behind seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, clarifying that the promise of 'all these things will be added to you' in Mat |
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That Dreadful Day (Coming Economic Collapse) David Wilkerson by David Wilkerson | This sermon from 2 Peter 3 discusses the impending day of the Lord, emphasizing the need for believers to be prepared and live in holiness and godliness. The message warns of comin |
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Faith Obeys (3 of 4) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher uses a vivid example of a boy with sagging pants to illustrate the importance of not conforming to the ways of the world. He emphasizes that our outwar |
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The Awakening of 1727 Onward by J. Edwin Orr | This sermon delves into the historical context of the Evangelical Revival in Great Britain and the Great Awakening in America during the 18th century, highlighting the societal dep |
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Gods People Are Hurting by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their personal struggles and the feeling of being overwhelmed. They mention the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he experie |
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Three Priorities for Revival by Lou Sutera | The video discussed the three priorities for revival. The first priority is to recognize that revival itself must be a priority and that there is no other hope. The second priority |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Habakkuk 3
Matthew Henry's commentary on Habakkuk 3 emphasizes the importance of trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when circumstances are difficult and uncertain. The chapter is a beautiful expression of faith and trust in the midst of trouble, and provides a model for believers to follow when they are faced with difficult circumstances. As Henry notes, 'the prophet, having prayed for the revival of God's work, and the making known of His power, now expresses his own faith and trust in God, and his resolution to rejoice in Him, whatever difficulties or troubles he may meet with.' (Habakkuk 3:17-19) Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Habakkuk's Prayer
Habakkuk chapter 3 is a beautiful example of a prayer that expresses trust and faith in God, even in the midst of trouble and uncertainty. It provides a model for believers to follow when they are faced with difficult circumstances.
God's Power and Glory
The chapter describes God's power and glory in creation and redemption, emphasizing His ability to work all things together for our good. This is a reminder of God's sovereignty and control over all things.
Trust and Faithfulness
Habakkuk's trust in God's goodness and faithfulness is a central theme of the chapter, providing a model for believers to follow when they are faced with trouble and hardship.