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Introduction to Habakkuk
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of Habakkuk
- Will sins go unpunished? (1:1–4)
- Yahweh's answer: The Babylonians are his chosen instruments to punish Israel (1:5–11)
- How can Yahweh use wicked, unholy, godless people as his instruments of punishment? (1:12–2:1)
- Yahweh's answer: All people will be punished, but the "righteous will live by his faith" (2:2–4)
- The five woes of Habakkuk
- Woe against the thieves (2:6–8)
- Woe against those who use unjust means to gain riches (2:9–11)
- Woe against those who kill in order to build a town (2:12–14)
- Woe against those who abuse their neighbors and do violence to them (2:15–18)
- Woe against those who worship idols when Yahweh is in his holy temple (2:19–20)
- The prayer of Habakkuk about the glory of Yahweh (3:1–19)
What is the Book of Habakkuk about?
While many other prophets complained about Israel's sin and failure to obey the law of Yahweh, Habakkuk questioned Yahweh about the things he did. God said he would punish the people of Judah by sending the Babylonian army. Habakkuk complained because the Babylonians were more wicked than the people of Judah. God assured Habakkuk that he would also punish the Babylonians. Justice is a major concern for Habakkuk in this book. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet, rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses, rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil and rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice)
How should the title of this book be translated?
Translators may decide to translate this traditional title "The Book of Habakkuk" in a way that is clearer to the readers. They may decide to call it "The Sayings of Habakkuk." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names)
Who wrote Habakkuk?
Very little is known about Habakkuk. The Chaldean empire, another name for the Babylonian empire, was mentioned in several places in Habakkuk. This helps us to date Habakkuk's life. The Chaldean empire had power from about 720 to 538 BC. It is probable that Habakkuk worked about the time of Jeremiah, Zephaniah, and Nahum during the reigns of Kings Josiah, Jehoahaz, and Jehoiakim in Judah.
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
Why did God use an evil nation to punish Judah?
Habakkuk wanted to know why God used an evil nation to punish Judah. In this book it is explained that everyone who does evil must be punished. However, it is God who determines when and how to punish the person.
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
How do I identify the speaker?
It should be noted that Habakkuk often spoke to Yahweh and Yahweh replied to him. The translator should be careful to identify whether the speaker is Habakkuk or Yahweh in each section. The translator may wish to make the identity of the speaker explicit. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit)
What style of writing is the Book of Habakkuk?
While much of the book of Habakkuk is a conversation between the prophet and God, the third chapter is a psalm. This chapter contains information about how to sing this psalm. The author included musical terms.
Does Habakkuk question or challenge God?
There are times when Habakkuk spoke directly to God in a way that can be interpreted as challenging God. Habakkuk was not intending to question the authority of Yahweh. He was telling God that he does not understand what God is doing. In some cultures, it may be improper to speak to an authority in this way. It may be necessary to rephrase Habakkuk's questions to emphasize his sincere desire to learn why God is doing what he is doing, without doubting him.