Habakkuk 3
Unlike the preceding chapters, Habakkuk Chapter 3 consists of the prophet’s prayers and praises. This section is recorded in the style of the Psalms (poetic form), with trust in and reverence for God, and praise at the center. It can be broadly divided into the opening of the prayer (verses 1-2) and a depiction of God’s great past acts (verses 3-15), a confession of faith (verses 16-19)
1verseA prayer of Habakkuk, the prophet, set to victorious music.
2verseLORD, I have heard of your fame. I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD. Renew your work in the middle of the years. In the middle of the years make it known. In wrath, you remember mercy.
3verseGod came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and his praise filled the earth.
4verseHis splendor is like the sunrise. Rays shine from his hand, where his power is hidden.
5versePlague went before him, and pestilence followed his feet.
6verseHe stood, and shook the earth. He looked, and made the nations tremble. The ancient mountains were crumbled. The age-old hills collapsed. His ways are eternal.
7verseI saw the tents of Cushan in affliction. The dwellings of the land of Midian trembled.
8verseWas the LORD displeased with the rivers? Was your anger against the rivers, or your wrath against the sea, that you rode on your horses, on your chariots of salvation?
9verseYou uncovered your bow. You called for your sworn arrows. Selah. You split the earth with rivers.
10verseThe mountains saw you, and were afraid. The storm of waters passed by. The deep roared and lifted up its hands on high.
11verseThe sun and moon stood still in the sky at the light of your arrows as they went, at the shining of your glittering spear.
12verseYou marched through the land in wrath. You threshed the nations in anger.
13verseYou went out for the salvation of your people, for the salvation of your anointed. You crushed the head of the land of wickedness. You stripped them head to foot. Selah.
14verseYou pierced the heads of his warriors with their own spears. They came as a whirlwind to scatter me, gloating as if to devour the wretched in secret.
15verseYou trampled the sea with your horses, churning mighty waters.
16verseI heard, and my body trembled. My lips quivered at the voice. Rottenness enters into my bones, and I tremble in my place because I must wait quietly for the day of trouble, for the coming up of the people who invade us.
17verseFor even though the fig tree doesn’t flourish, nor fruit be in the vines, the labor of the olive fails, the fields yield no food, the flocks are cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls,
18verseyet I will rejoice in the LORD. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
19verseGOD, the Lord, is my strength. He makes my feet like deer’s feet, and enables me to go in high places. For the music director, on my stringed instruments.
Flow and Characteristics by Section
- Verses 1-2: The opening of the prayer
Habakkuk recalls God’s past works and asks that He would reveal His power even now. The prayer shows humility and fear, as well as the heart of intercession (Remember mercy even in wrath). - Verses 3-15: God’s history
In this part, praise is given for how God saved His people through historical events like the Exodus, and for the greatness of God revealed in nature and among the nations. Through poetic depictions (the shaking of the earth, the twisting of the mountains, the storm wind and lightning, etc.), it emphasizes that God rules over both nature and history. - Verses 16-19: A confession of faith and praise
Habakkuk expresses his state in fear, but at the same time confesses a decision of faith that he will rejoice and be glad because of the LORD, even if any situation arises. In the final verse, he sings that God is my strength and that He makes me victorious even in hardship.
Points for Reflection
- Within prayer and praise, we can find a fundamental trust. Even amid reality that is not understood, Habakkuk moves forward in faith by reflecting again on God’s great power and guidance.
- Even if the environment or external circumstances do not change, you can notice that you can still not lose your joy within your relationship with God.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- When I face difficulties or problems that have not been resolved, I can remember God’s past acts like Habakkuk and pray in trust even in fear.
- Regardless of external conditions, it can become an opportunity to check whether I can be glad with only God alone.
This is the last chapter of Habakkuk.