Tyndale Open Study NotesHabakkuk 1

The word message (or oracle) shows the book as God's revelation through his prophet (compare Nahum 1:1; Malachi 1:1).

To Habakkuk, God seemed unconcerned about the evil spread throughout society in Judah (Habakkuk 1:3–4). God also seemed silent when Habakkuk complained about this evil (1:2).

I call for help but You do not hear: The call and answer theme in Scripture often shows the speaker's trust in God as a refuge or guide (see Psalm 102:1–2). It also indicates a close relationship between the believer and God (Psalm 145:18; Isaiah 65:24).

In Habakkuk’s time, destruction and violence were widespread in Judean society (see Habakkuk Book Introduction, “Setting”).

Habakkuk shares his worry about the injustice and wrongdoing he observed everywhere (see Habakkuk 1:12–13; 2:4, 9), even in the courts, where the law failed to uphold justice.

God's answer to Habakkuk's question is surprising. God would send a violent group (the Babylonians) to address the violence in Judah. The Babylonian army, well-trained and experienced in battle, was unstoppable.

Look … observe: Two different Hebrew verbs are also translated as see and tolerate in Habakkuk 1:3. This creates a literary connection between Habakkuk’s questions in Habakkuk 1:3 and God’s reply in 1:5–11.

from themselves: The Babylonians offered no relief from injustice. They followed their own laws, which confused the prophet about why God chose them to punish Judah.

The vivid images of cheetahs, wolves, and eagles show how fast and violent the Babylonian attacks against Judah were. These animals also show that the Babylonians hunted their enemies like prey (see Jeremiah 4:13; 48:40; 49:22).

The Babylonians took many people from Judah into exile between 605 and 586 BC (see Daniel 1:1–3).

In the ancient Near East, armies often attacked cities by piling up earth to make ramps against city walls. This battle method is described in several places in the Bible (for example, 2 Kings 19:32; Nahum 2:1).

their own strength is their god: The Babylonians worshiped many false gods. They proudly relied on their military power as another idol.

Habakkuk struggled to understand how God's answer in Habakkuk 1:5–11 fit with God's character. How could a holy and just God punish Judah using a people more unrighteous than they were?

• Despite his confusion, Habakkuk did not abandon God. By saying my God, my Holy One, he showed his commitment to the Lord before asking important questions about what God had revealed to him.

• In light of God's character and covenant with Israel, Habakkuk was sure that God would not destroy his people.

• to execute judgment: Compare Hebrews 12:5–11.

• O Rock: This is a common image of God's faithfulness and strength (see Deuteronomy 32:15; 1 Samuel 2:2; Psalm 18:2; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Peter 2:6–8).

fish … hook … dragnet: Habakkuk describes the Babylonians as fishermen who pull conquered peoples in like fish, showing how easily they captured their enemies.

See study note on Habakkuk 1:11; compare 1 John 5:21.