Habakkuk
Though each Minor Prophet has a unique message, the character of Habakkuk is very different. In Nahum we have the “burden of Nineveh” (Nah. 1:1), in Zechariah “the burden of the word of Jehovah” (Zech. 9:1 JND; 12:1 JND), but here we have “the burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see” (Hab. 1:1). His was a deeply felt burden over the iniquity of the people and the overwhelming calamity about to consume them. In such a day, where does the hope of the faithful rest? In Habakkuk the point is not so much the unfolding of events, but rather, it is a message to the heart of the faithful in the midst of those events. In this, Habakkuk presents the faithful remnant in Israel.
As a consequence of their wickedness, God would raise up the Chaldean, “that bitter and hasty nation” (Hab. 1:6). Their overthrow of Judah would be complete, the Chaldean absolutely devastating in their violence; but they would offend, imputing their success to the power of their god (Hab. 1:11). Faith knows that judgment is ordained of God; he established the Chaldean for correction (Hab. 1:12), but here was one more wicked than they (Hab. 1:13). Could God allow them to continue gathering men into their net as if they were fish, burning incense to the god of their success (Hab. 1:15-17)?
Habakkuk awaits his answer from his watchtower (Hab. 2:1). Faith must wait in patience; God’s word will not and cannot fail (Hab. 2:3). The heart of the oppressor was lifted up in pride; it will not be overlooked, but the portion of the just is to live by faith (Hab. 2:4). Five woes are pronounced on the oppressor of the nations, for greed and cruelty, covetousness and self-exaltation, blood and iniquity, immorality, and idolatry. Jehovah is in his holy temple; all the earth should keep silence before Him (Hab. 2:20).
The book concludes with the prayer of Habakkuk in response to the Lord’s reply. This is a prayer of faith, of full confidence in Jehovah. It recalls the glory and power of God when He brought them out of Egypt and established them in the land of Canaan. While waiting, the heart of faith can rejoice in the Lord; he can joy in the God of his salvation (Hab. 3:18).