Habakkuk Study Notes

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Habakkuk Study Guide Habakkuk 3:1-2“A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth. O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.” (Habakkuk 3:1–2, ESV) Following Habakkuk’s emotional conversations with YHWH, the focus and tone of the prophet reorient in chapter three. He seems to have recovered from a sense of panic by remembering what he knows of God’s character and works. His prayer and plea appeal to God’s love for Israel.

Habakkuk 3 is designated “a prayer.” 1 This prayer is closely related to the concluding observation of chapter 2. Solomon urged Yahweh to respond to the prayers of his people when those prayers were directed toward his temple. Having recognized that Yahweh is in his holy temple (2:20), Habakkuk then addressed a prayer to that temple in full confidence that the Lord would hear that prayer. 1 The term “a prayer” is found in the heading of five psalms: Pss 17, 86, 90, 102, 142. Smith, J. E. (1994). The Minor Prophets (Hab 3:1–2). Joplin, MO: College Press.

1. 1 Kings 8 records the completion of the Temple by Solomon and his prayer of dedication. Read 8:22-30, taking note of verses 29-30. What do they say? What action did Daniel take in response to threats against him in Daniel 6:10?

2. Read Psalm 73. How did coming into God’s sanctuary (16-17) bring Asaph to his senses? Write out verse 28 and make its truth your own

3. The minor prophet, Amos, writes: “For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7, ESV) When God tells Habakkuk his plans for judging both Judah and the Chaldeans (1:5–11 and 2:2–20), Habakkuk is struck with the severity of God’s judgment. The prophet asks the Lord to “revive Thy work” (3:1-2; lit. “to quicken”)-- to repeat His mighty saving works on behalf of His people, Israel. In the midst of His punishment of Judah at the hand of the Chaldeans, the prophet begs God to remember mercy. How does the quote below say mercy comes?

“Bear up the hands that hang down, by faith and prayer; support the tottering knees. Have you any days of fasting and prayer? Storm the throne of grace and persevere therein, and mercy will come

down.”John Wesley

4. Ezekiel brings a charge against Israel and presents how God righteously deals with the wicked and the righteous. Read Ezekiel 18:25-32. What accusation does the house of Israel make again the Lord? Are their thoughts similar to those of Habakkuk? What is the Lord’s rebuttal? What amazingly gracious words are found in verse 32?

Prayer is the greatest of all forces, because it honors God and brings him into active aid.Edward McKendree Bounds

5. Anticipating that Israel would abandon him again and again, God gave his people a way of returning to him. What assurances of God’s pardoning grace and mercy are found inDeuteronomy 30:1-20? What three actions of “choosing life” are found in verse 20?

6. Read Job 40:1-8 and 42:1-6. These confrontational conversations between Job and God are not only poetically beautiful, but also reveal God’s awesome powers in creation, his love for man, and his eagerness to communicate with him. Now read Job 42:7-8. Describe how Job’s relationship with the LORD impacted his friends. Are you praying for your friends?

God's cause is committed to men; God commits Himself to men. Praying men are the vice-regents of God; they do His work and carry out His plans.

Edward McKendree Bounds7. What conversation would you like to have with God? Does the Psalm below reflect your heart attitude?“But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.” Psalm 5:7

This generation of Christians is responsible for this generation of souls on the earth!Keith Green