050. II. A Dialogue Between The Prophet And Jehovah. Theme—“How Long Shall The Wicked Be ...
II A DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE PROPHET AND JEHOVAH. THEME—“HOW LONG SHALL THE WICKED BE ALLOWED TO TRIUMPH OVER THE RIGHTEOUS?” (Habakkuk 1:1toHabakkuk 2:4) The prophet’s cry of despair (Habakkuk 1:2-4). How long in vain, O Jehovah, shall we beseech thee to put an end to the deeds of bloodshed and wrong which constantly offend our eyes and chill our hearts? Surely thou seest that it is impossible for a righteous man to secure justice before the public tribunals. Why dost thou thus allow evil to triumph over right?
Jehovah’s reply (Habakkuk 1:5-11). Open your eyes, O prophet, and behold the nation rapidly advancing through which I purpose forthwith to inaugurate a new epoch, undreamed of in human history. Already these energetic, pitiless Chaldeans are launched on their career of spoliation and of conquest. Like fierce beasts of prey, their cavalry are sweeping all before them. Kings, armies, and strong fortresses are powerless to check their destructive advance. Their rule, however, shall not endure forever, for they make their own might their god. Overwhelming pride shall prove the source of their downfall. The prophet’s deeper perplexity (Habakkuk 1:12toHabakkuk 2:1). Yea, Lord, we know that thou art eternal, and that we shall not be utterly destroyed. We recognize that thou, who art just and omnipotent, hast sent forth this new world-conqueror as thy instrument of judgment; and yet, how canst thou, the altogether Righteous, remain silent while these impious Chaldeans, by deceit and violence, destroy men and nations far less deserving of such a fate than are they, the destroyers? How long wilt thou allow them, unchecked, to prey upon helpless peoples, growing fat upon the plunder which their merciless armies have stripped from the victims of their swords? I can only wait and watch until Jehovah gives me an answer to these crushing questions, which are pressing upon the hearts of the faithful, and which are threatening to destroy all faith in his power or in his willingness to deliver in the time of danger and stress.
Jehovah’s message of comfort (Habakkuk 2:2-4). Inscribe the message, O prophet, upon tablets, and make it so plain that its contents can be apprehended at a glance; for it shall soon be confirmed by the events of history. “Pride dominates these rapacious Chaldeans, therefore their ultimate downfall is certain; but the righteous, because of their moral integrity and believing fidelity, which are the absolute essentials of life, though now crushed and oppressed, shall surely survive the present crisis.”