The Book of Habakkuk is a dialogue between the prophet and Jehovah, centered around deep questions of justice, evil, and divine timing. Rather than speaking directly to the people, Habakkuk opens his book with a complaint to Jehovah: Why is there so much violence and injustice in Judah? Why does Jehovah seem silent while the wicked oppress the righteous?

Jehovah responds that He is raising up the Babylonians (Chaldeans), a fierce and ruthless nation, to bring judgment upon Judah. But this answer troubles Habakkuk even more. How could Jehovah, who is holy, use an even more wicked nation to punish His people? Habakkuk struggles to reconcile Jehovah’s justice with what seems like a greater injustice.

Jehovah answers again, assuring the prophet that Babylon, too, will face judgment in due time. The proud will be brought low, while the righteous will live by their faithfulness. Jehovah pronounces five woes against Babylon’s greed, violence, and idolatry, making it clear that He sees all and will bring justice in His own perfect time. “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Jehovah as the waters cover the sea.”

In the final chapter, Habakkuk offers a powerful prayer and psalm. He recalls Jehovah’s mighty deeds in the past and expresses confidence that, even if there is no food in the fields or flocks in the pens, he will still rejoice in Jehovah. His faith moves from doubt and complaint to trust and praise, declaring, “Jehovah is my strength.”

Habakkuk teaches that it is okay to bring honest questions to Jehovah. The book affirms that while evil may seem to prosper for a time, Jehovah is just and sovereign over all nations. The righteous live not by sight, but by faith, trusting in Jehovah’s timing, justice, and salvation.

JJ Bowks, ©CDMI