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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 accuses Yahweh by asking him questions about the things he does. Habakkuk says the Babylonians are more evil and are more deserving of Yahweh's punishment. Overall, the book is addressed to the rich people in Judah who mistreated the poor and to the evil religious leaders. Because of this fact, the idea of justice is important in the Book of Habakkuk. (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 more clear to the readers. They may decide to call it "The Sayings of Habakkuk." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names)
Who wrote Habakkuk?
Nothing is known about Habakkuk, from whom this message came. The Chaldean empire, mentioned in several places in Habakkuk, 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 seeks to address this issue. He explains that a person should be obedient to Yahweh and should live a righteous life. He says evil must be punished, but that God determines the timing of its punishment. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous)
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
How do I identify the speaker?
It should be noted that Habakkuk often speaks to Yahweh, and Yahweh replies to him. The translator should be careful to identify the speaker (Habakkuk or Yahweh) in each section. The translator may wish to make 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 conversation between the prophet and God, the third chapter is a psalm. This chapter contains information about how to sing this psalm; the author uses musical terms.
Does Habakkuk question or challenge God?
There are times when Habakkuk speaks directly to God in a way that can be taken as challenging God. Habakkuk is not intending to question the authority of Yahweh but is stating, "I do not understand." 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.