Habakkuk: Chapter 1
Introduction to Habakkuk.
We have completed our journey through the book of Ruth, and now turn the clock forward nearly 400 years in the history of Israel. For the next few weeks, we will examine a very different story in the Hebrew Bible, Habakkuk.
The book of Habakkuk takes place in and around the 7th century, most likely 600-605 BCE. It is the final years of Judah, Israel’s southern kingdom, before they will follow in the footsteps of the Northern kingdom and be taken into exile.
The book of Habakkuk begins with cries against the injustice and idolatry that have run rampant in Israel. The Prophet is overwhelmed by what he sees both inside his homeland and beyond. Through this book, we listen in on a conversation between Habakkuk and God. The prophet laments the lack of justice, and he prays a psalm that seems to be a liturgical hymn for the people of Israel. But most notably, God responds. The veil is pulled back, and we hear how God declares how he intends to act; the only problem is that God’s chosen action is quite surprising, even terrifying.
As we examine this book, we will explore how God deals with injustice and how God remains faithful even when we don’t understand how he is at work. We will be invited to join Habakkuk in trusting in God despite what is going on around us.
This book will also challenge us; it will remind us that God’s ways are not our ways, that God’s justice is not always gentle, and though he is good, he is powerful and just.
Getting into the text.
Our reading today has three primary movements.
1:1-4 Habakkuk cries out against the injustice in Israel.
1:5-11 God responds to Habakkuk
1:12-2:1 Habakkuk complains about God’s response.
Habakkuk says, “God's injustice is everywhere; what are you going to do about it?”
God responds, “To deal with the injustice, I am going to send the Babylonians.”
Habakkuk retorts, “But they’re even more evil than we are! How can you utilize such wickedness?”
If we were being honest, we would probably stand in line with Habakkuk; God’s actions seem unfathomable and confusing. What happened to the loving, gentle God we see in Ruth, who invisibly guides two people to fall in love for the redemption of a nation? In Habakkuk We see that God is somehow actively at work within the wars of nations, in the rising and falling of kings, he is sovereign above all.
As we read this book, be careful not to rush to simple answers; meditate on the challenge and discomfort, sit with Habakkuk in the frustration.
With all this in mind, read Habakkuk 1:1-2:1
[Read the passage out loud]
Three Quick Questions
1. Did anything stand out for you in the passage? (Look for repetition & contrasts)
2. Did you learn anything new or surprising about Jesus or God’s character?
3. Are there other stories or passages in Scripture that this passage might be referencing?
Why do you think the authors are connecting these passages?
Digging Deeper
Habakkuk 1:1-4 explores the prophet’s cries of injustice.
What are the features of injustice that he highlights?
Do you see the same acts today? If so, where?
When you think about these acts of injustice, what does it make you think about God?How do you think we should respond when God's plans seem unclear, like Habakkuk?
What can we learn from Habakkuk about bringing our doubts and questions to God in prayer?
How does God’s initial response to Habakkuk make you feel?
Why do you think this is God’s chosen form of action?
How might God's response to Habakkuk provide comfort for those feeling ignored or overlooked by God?In 2:1, Habakkuk chooses to stand watch and wait for God's reply. Why is waiting often one of the hardest aspects of faith? What helps you remain faithful while waiting for God's direction?
This passage reminds us that faith is not the absence of questions but the willingness to bring those questions to God and wait for His answer. As a group, discuss where you feel God may be inviting you to trust him more deeply; close by praying for one another.
