The Analysed Bible, Volumes 1, 2, 3, by Rev. G. Campbell Morgan: The Book of Habakkuk - Analysed and Explained in Detail (Full Text and PDF).

Introduction

Of Habakkuk nothing more is known than his name, and that he was in all probability a Levite. There is no serious discrepancy in the opinions concerning the date of his prophesying. Internal evidence brings it into relation with the Chaldean invasion, so that the range is from 635 to 586 B.C. This invasion was punishment for Manasseh's sin, and yet did not occur until after the death of Josiah, in the reign of Jehoiakim. When he delivered his message, the condition of things calling for reformation still existed. The probability, therefore, is that he prophesied during the closing years of Manasseh, or during the reign of Amon, which was earlier than Zephaniah, who prophesied in the days of Josiah. A description of the times of Manasseh, Amon, and the early days of Josiah, is contained in 2 Kings, 21, 22, and the prophet's description (1:2-4) would exactly coincide. The book is a prophecy, and yet its methods differ from any other. The burden of the prophet is that of the problems of permitted evil, and the using of the Chaldeans as the instrument to scourge evil-doers less wicked than themselves.

In this book we have a man of faith asking questions and receiving answers. A comparison of 1:2 with 3:19 will give an indication of the true value of this book. Opening in mystery and questioning, it closes in certainty and affirmation. The contrast is startling. The first is almost a wail of despair, and the last is a shout of confidence. From the affirmation of faith's agnosticism, we come to the confirmation of agnosticism's faith. The book is a movement from one to the other. The door of exit and entrance is 2:4. The former part is a pathway leading thereto, and the latter is the highway leading therefrom. The book falls naturally into two parts: The Prophet's Problems (1:1-2:4); the Prophet's Proclamations (2:5-3:19).

A. The Prophet's Problems - Habakkuk 1:1-2:4

In this first division we have the prophet's statement of the problems which vexed his soul.

The first was that of the apparent indifference of Jehovah both to his prayer and to the condition of prevailing evil. It is such a problem as could only occur to a man of faith. Take away God, and there is no problem. He indicated the whole condition of affairs by the one word "violence," and then proceeded to describe it in greater detail. To this Jehovah replied that He was at work, but that the prophet would not believe if he were told. He then proceeded to declare explicitly that His method was that of raising up the Chaldeans as a scourge against His people.

This answer of Jehovah, while strengthening the faith of the prophet, immediately created a new problem. This he stated by first affirming his faith, and then expressing his astonishment that Jehovah should use such an instrument, for notwithstanding all Israel's sin, she was more righteous than the Chaldeans. Thus the method of God constituted a new problem. The prophet declared his determination to watch and wait. This was the attitude of faith and honesty. He knew that God had an answer, and would give it; and therefore he determined to wait. The answer came immediately. The prophet was first commanded to write, and to make his writing plain for easy reading. The vision granted to him was stated in the words: "Behold, his soul is puffed up, it is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith." That is the central revelation of the prophecy. It is a contrast between the "puffed up" and the "just." The former is not upright, and therefore is condemned; the latter acts on faith, and therefore lives. The first is self-centred, and therefore doomed; the second is God-centred, and therefore permanent. This was the declaration of a great principle, which the prophet was left to work out in application to all the problems by which he was surrounded. From this point the prophecy becomes a proclamation of the contrast, and therefore an affirmation of faith in spite of appearances.

B. The Prophet's Proclamations - Habakkuk 2:5-3:19

These fall into two parts. The first is concerning the "puffed up," the second concerning the righteous.

In the proclamation of the "puffed up," the view-point is that of the sin of such and its consequent judgment. He first described the "puffed up" as haughty, ambitious, conquering, against whom he then proceeded to pronounce woes. In considering these the progress is to be carefully noted. The first was against ambition, which was described. The judgment pronounced against it was that of the revolt of the oppressed, and retribution in kind. The second was against covetousness, that lust for possession which led to the destruction of the peoples for increase of personal strength. Its judgment was to be that of the breaking out against the oppressor of the subjugated people, the stones and beams of the house testifying. The third was against violence, the infliction of cruel sufferings upon the subjugated. Its judgment was that the very cities so built should be destroyed. The fourth was against insolence, the brutal act of making a man drunk and then making sport of him. Its judgment was to be retribution in kind. The fifth was against idolatry, the description of which was wholly satirical. Its judgment was declared to be that of the unanswering gods. The final statement of the prophet in this connection declared that he had found the solution: "The Lord is in His holy temple." The apparent strength of wickedness is false. Jehovah reigns.

In the proclamation concerning the righteous the view-point is that of the majesty of Jehovah, and the consequent triumph of His people. It consists of a psalm which is a prayer. In the first movement the prophet declared his recognition of the Divine interference, and his consequent fear. He then proceeded to celebrate the greatness of Jehovah as manifest in His dealings with His ancient people. The last section of the psalm expressed the fear and the faith of the just. The contemplation of the judgment of the "puffed up" had filled him with fear, yet he triumphed in God. Describing the circumstances of utter desolation, he declared his determination in the midst of them to rejoice, and announced his reason for this determination.