In brief
Habakkuk is a prophet of Judah, probably active before the exile to Babylon. His book stands apart from the other prophets: he addresses his complaints directly to God, who answers him. He learns that the vision will be fulfilled in its time and that the righteous will live by faith. The book ends with a prayer in which the prophet chooses to rejoice in the Lord, even without a harvest.
What does the name Habakkuk mean?
The name Habakkuk is generally linked to a Hebrew verb meaning "to embrace" or "to clasp". The Bible gives no explanation of this name, so this meaning remains uncertain. Some also see in it a term of another origin.
The story of Habakkuk
A complaint brought to God
Habakkuk 1Habakkuk questions the Lord about the violence and injustice he sees in the land. God answers that he is raising up the Chaldeans to act. This answer surprises and troubles the prophet, who asks how God can look on in silence at the work of the wicked.
At his post, on the tower
Habakkuk 2:1-3Habakkuk stands at his post and on the tower, and watches to see what the Lord will say to him. God tells him to write the vision and engrave it on tablets, for it will surely come at its appointed time. If it delays, he must wait for it.
The righteous will live by faith
Habakkuk 2:4-20God contrasts the proud, whose soul is not upright, with the righteous who will live by faith. Five woes are announced against the oppressor, the plunderer and the idolaters. The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, and all the earth must be silent before him.
The prophet's prayer
Habakkuk 3Habakkuk prays, gripped by fear before the majesty of God. He asks that the Lord remember mercy in his wrath. He ends with an act of faith: even if the fields yield nothing, he will rejoice in the God of his salvation.
What Habakkuk teaches us
- We can bring our questions and complaints to God with complete honesty.
- When God's answer is slow in coming, we must wait for it at our post, with confidence.
- The righteous live by faith, not by their own strength or successes.
- Joy in God does not depend on the abundance of the harvest or on circumstances.
- God gives strength to walk on high places, even after hardship.
Key verses
“Though it takes time, wait for it; because it will surely come. It won’t delay.” God's word does not lie: its delay should not turn us from hope, but encourage patient waiting.
“the righteous will live by his faith.” This verse is quoted in the New Testament, notably by Paul in the letters to the Romans and the Galatians, as a foundation of the Christian life.
“For though the fig tree doesn’t flourish, nor fruit be in the vines”, but the prophet concludes: “yet I will rejoice in Yahweh. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” It is one of the finest acts of faith in the Bible.
“Yahweh, the Lord, is my strength. He makes my feet like deer’s feet, and enables me to go in high places.” God turns the prophet's fear and weakness into assurance.
Sermons about Habakkuk
Frequently asked questions
Why does Habakkuk question God?
Habakkuk sees violence and injustice around him and is astonished that God seems to let them happen. His complaint is not rejected: the Lord answers him. The book shows that it is permitted to bring our questions to God, then to entrust ourselves to him with confidence.
What does the name Habakkuk mean?
The name Habakkuk is generally linked to a Hebrew verb meaning "to embrace" or "to clasp". The Bible gives no explanation, so this meaning remains uncertain. Some scholars also see a name of different origin, which calls for caution.
Where can I find the story of Habakkuk in the Bible?
The book of Habakkuk has three chapters among the twelve minor prophets. Chapter 1 contains his complaint, chapter 2 God's answer and the written vision, chapter 3 his prayer. Verses 17 to 19 of chapter 3 are its conclusion.