Read Habakkuk 3:1-19
Habakkuk praised God for answering his questions. Evil will not triumph forever; God is in control, and he can be completely trusted to vindicate those who are faithful to Him. We must patiently wait for Him to act.
The Lord’s Second Reply (Day 4)
Read Habakkuk 2:1-20
The watchman and watchtower, often used by the prophets to show an attitude of expectation (Isaiah 21; Jeremiah 6; Ezekiel 3), are pictures of Habakkuk’s attitude of patient waiting and watching for God’s response. Stone watchtowers were built on city walls or ramparts so that watchmen could see enemies or messengers approaching their city while still at a distance. Watchtowers were also erected in vineyards to help guard the ripening grapes (Isaiah 5). Habakkuk wanted to be in the best position to receive God’s message.
Habakkuk’s Second Complaint (Day 3)
Read Habakkuk 1:12-17
Judah’s forthcoming punishment would be at the hands of the Babylonians. Habakkuk was appalled that God would use a nation even more wicked than Judah to punish it. But the Babylonians did not know they were being used by God to help Judah return to Him, and Babylon’s pride in its victories would be its downfall. Evil is self-destructive, and it is never beyond God’s control. God may use whatever unusual instrument He chooses to correct or punish us. When we deserve punishment or correction, how can we complain about the kind of rod God uses on us?
The Lord’s Reply (Day 2)
Read Habakkuk 1:5-11
God responded to Habakkuk’s questions and concerns by stating that He would do amazing acts that would astound Habakkuk. When circumstances around us become almost unbearable, we wonder if God has forgotten us. But remember, He is in control. God has a plan and will judge evil doers in His time. If we are truly humble, we will be willing to accept God’s answers and await His timing.
Habakkuk’s Complaint (Day 1)
Read Habakkuk 1:1-4
Habakkuk lived in Judah during the reign of Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23-24). He prophesied between the fall of Nineveh in 612 B.C. and the Babylonian invasion of Judah in 588 B.C. With Assyria in disarray, Babylon was becoming the dominant world power. This book records the prophet’s dialogue with God concerning the questions Why does God often seem indifferent in the face of evil? And Why do evil people seem to go unpunished? While other prophetic books brought God’s word to people, this brought people’s questions to God.