Habakkuk3

Habakkuk's prayer expresses profound awe and fear at God's majestic power and past acts of salvation. He recounts God's glorious appearance, His judgment upon nations, and His deliverance of His people. Despite impending desolation, the prophet declares his unwavering faith and joy in the Lord, who is his strength and salvation.
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Title and Prayer for Revival

1
This is a prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth: ​
2
O LORD, I have heard the report of You; I stand in awe, O LORD, of Your deeds. Revive them in these years; make them known in these years. In Your wrath, remember mercy! ​

The Lord's Triumphant Theophany

3
God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah His glory covered the heavens, and His praise filled the earth. ​
4
His radiance was like the sunlight; rays flashed from His hand, where His power is hidden. ​
5
Plague went before Him, and fever followed in His steps. ​
6
He stood and measured the earth; He looked and startled the nations; the ancient mountains crumbled; the perpetual hills collapsed. His ways are everlasting. ​
7
I saw the tents of Cushan in distress; the curtains of Midian were trembling.
8
Were You angry at the rivers, O LORD? Was Your wrath against the streams? Did You rage against the sea when You rode on Your horses, on Your chariots of salvation? ​
9
You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows. Selah You split the earth with rivers. ​
10
The mountains saw You and quaked; torrents of water swept by. The deep roared with its voice and lifted its hands on high.
11
Sun and moon stood still in their places at the flash of Your flying arrows, at the brightness of Your shining spear.
12
You marched across the earth with fury; You threshed the nations in wrath.
13
You went forth for the salvation of Your people, to save Your anointed. You crushed the head of the house of the wicked and stripped him from head to toe. Selah ​
14
With his own spear You pierced his head, when his warriors stormed out to scatter us, gloating as though ready to secretly devour the weak.
15
You trampled the sea with Your horses, churning the great waters.

The Prophet's Response of Faith

16
I heard and trembled within; my lips quivered at the sound. Decay entered my bones; I trembled where I stood. Yet I must wait patiently for the day of distress to come upon the people who invade us. ​
17
Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, ​
18
yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! ​
19
GOD the Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer; He makes me walk upon the heights! For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. ​

Study Notes for Habakkuk 3

Verse 1

A musical instruction. *Shigionoth* likely refers to a highly emotional or rhythmic song, indicating that this prayer was intended for public liturgical use, perhaps accompanied by instruments.

Verse 2

Habakkuk acknowledges the terrifying nature of God’s revealed judgment (Ch. 1–2). The plea to 'revive thy work' and 'in wrath remember mercy' is the central petition of the prayer, asking God to intervene savingly before the judgment is complete.

Verse 3

The chapter shifts to a poetic description of God’s majestic appearance (*theophany*), drawing on Exodus imagery. *Teman* and *Mount Paran* are associated with the wilderness south of Judah, where God manifested his glory during the Sinai covenant.

Verse 4

The word translated 'horns' (Heb. *qeren*) often means 'rays' of light or flashing power. This describes God radiating intense, overwhelming glory, suggesting that his ultimate power is hidden or veiled even in revelation.

Verse 5

Pestilence and burning coals (or fever) are personified as God’s advance guard or divine weapons, emphasizing his role as a celestial warrior preparing to execute judgment.

Verse 6

God’s standing and measuring the earth signifies his sovereign authority over all creation. The scattering of nations and the movement of mountains emphasize the catastrophic scope of his judgment.

Verse 8

These rhetorical questions deny that God’s anger is against the rivers or the sea itself. The imagery recalls the parting of the Red Sea and the Jordan River, confirming that God’s actions are always directed toward the salvation of his people.

Verse 9

The reference to 'oaths of the tribes' links God’s mighty acts (like cleaving the earth) directly to the covenant promises made to Israel. God acts because of his sworn word, not simply arbitrary power.

Verse 13

God goes forth for the salvation of his people, even with 'thine anointed' (Heb. *mashiach*). This term can refer to a specific king, a chosen leader (like Joshua), or the nation of Israel itself, set apart for God’s purpose.

Verse 16

After witnessing the vision of God’s awesome judgment (Vv. 3-15), the prophet expresses a profound, physical terror. This trembling is the necessary prelude to the declaration of faith that follows.

Verse 17

This verse describes total economic collapse—the worst possible scenario for an agrarian society. Habakkuk anticipates complete devastation as a result of the impending invasion (Ch. 1:6).

Verse 18

This is the theological climax of the book, demonstrating the principle established in 2:4 (the just shall live by faith). Despite the utter loss of all material goods, the prophet chooses joy and dependence on God alone.

Verse 19

The imagery of 'hinds’ feet' signifies surefootedness, stability, and speed, allowing the prophet to walk securely on high, dangerous places. God provides the strength to navigate the coming judgment with confidence. The final line is a concluding musical direction.

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