Habakkuk

Definition and Meaning

Habakkuk is the eighth of the twelve Minor Prophets (the twelve shorter prophetic books) of the Old Testament, and it consists of three chapters. The book takes its name from the prophet Habakkuk, though the meaning of the name is uncertain. Some scholars connect it with a Hebrew verb meaning "to embrace," while others derive it from the Akkadian name of a plant. The book reveals almost nothing about the prophet's life.

Biblical and Historical Background

Scholars generally place the book in the late seventh century BC, when the Chaldeans (Babylonians) were rising as a new power and threatening Judah. The book is structured as a dialogue of questions and answers between the prophet and God.

• Chapter 1: Habakkuk asks why God allows injustice within Judah to go unchecked. God answers that He will raise up the Chaldeans to bring judgment. The prophet then asks whether it is right for God to use a nation more wicked than Judah as His instrument.
• Chapter 2: God answers that the vision will be fulfilled at the appointed time and declares, "the just shall live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4). Five pronouncements of "woe" against the arrogant oppressor follow.
• Chapter 3: This chapter is Habakkuk's prayer and hymn of praise, and like the Psalms it contains musical terms such as "Selah." In 3:17–18 the prophet declares that even though the fig tree and the vines bear no fruit and there is no herd in the stalls, he will still rejoice in the LORD.

Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted in the New Testament in Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, and Hebrews 10:38. Because Martin Luther made this verse a foundation for his understanding of justification, it is frequently mentioned in connection with the Reformation. The Dead Sea Scrolls also include a commentary that interprets Habakkuk 1–2 in light of the circumstances of its own community.

Practice in Korean Churches

In Korean churches, Habakkuk is frequently used as a preaching text on suffering, waiting, and faith. Particular verses are used in the following settings:

• 3:2, "revive thy work in the midst of the years": widely used as a theme verse for revival meetings and prayer meetings.
• 2:20, "let all the earth keep silence before him": many churches use this verse at the beginning of worship to lead the congregation into silent prayer.
• 3:17–18: frequently cited in sermons on giving thanks in difficult times and also used as a text for Thanksgiving sermons. Gospel songs set to these verses are also sung.

In interpreting 2:4, Presbyterian and other Reformed traditions often link the verse to the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Methodist, Holiness, and other Wesleyan traditions tend to emphasize as well that the life of faith leads on to sanctification. That said, denominations do not differ greatly in their interpretation of the book itself.