Habakkuk 1:5

KJV

¶ Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for [I] will work a work in your days, [which] ye will not believe, though it be told [you].

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold {H7200} ye among the heathen {H1471}, and regard {H5027}, and wonder {H8539} marvellously {H8539}: for I will work {H6466} a work {H6467} in your days {H3117}, which ye will not believe {H539}, though it be told {H5608} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Look around among the nations! What you see will completely astound you! For what is going to be done in your days you will not believe, even when you are told.

Berean Standard Bible

“Look at the nations and observe— be utterly astounded! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe even if someone told you.

American Standard Version

Behold ye among the nations, and look, and wonder marvellously; for I am working a work in your days, which ye will not believe though it be told you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 1:5 serves as God's astonishing and unsettling response to the prophet's lament over Judah's pervasive injustice and violence. In this declaration, the Lord reveals His imminent, unprecedented, and seemingly unbelievable plan to work a profound judgment in the days of Habakkuk's contemporaries, a divine action so extraordinary that it will defy human belief, even when explicitly foretold. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic unfolding of God's sovereign and often inscrutable ways in history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a dramatic turning point in the book of Habakkuk. Prior to this, the prophet has voiced a passionate complaint to God, questioning why the Lord seems to tolerate the rampant wickedness, injustice, and violence within Judah ([Habakkuk 1:2-4](/habakkuk/1-2-4 "Habakkuk's First Complaint")). Habakkuk's cry is one of spiritual anguish, seeking divine intervention in a morally decaying society. In response, God does not offer a comforting platitude but unveils a plan that is both shocking and terrifying, directly addressing the prophet's plea by announcing a judgment far beyond what Habakkuk or his people could have imagined. The "heathen" mentioned here are immediately identified in the subsequent verse as the [fierce and swift Chaldeans (Babylonians)](/habakkuk/1-6 "God Raises the Chaldeans"), whom God will raise up as His instrument of judgment against Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Habakkuk prophesied during a turbulent period in Judah's history, likely in the late 7th century BC, following the reign of the righteous King Josiah and preceding the final Babylonian exile. Judah was experiencing significant moral and spiritual decline, marked by idolatry, social injustice, and a disregard for God's law, despite Josiah's reforms. The dominant regional power, Assyria, was waning, and a new, formidable empire, Babylon (Chaldea), was rising. For God to declare that He would use this foreign, pagan, and notoriously cruel nation—the Chaldeans—to punish His own covenant people, Judah, was utterly unthinkable and culturally abhorrent to the Israelites. Their expectation was that God would protect them from such external threats, not employ them as a rod of discipline.
* **Key Themes:** Habakkuk 1:5 introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the book and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty and Unpredictable Action**, demonstrating that God is actively at work in history, orchestrating events even when His methods are entirely beyond human comprehension or expectation. His "work" is not merely an event but a profound, deliberate act of divine will, revealing His absolute control over nations and destinies, as seen in passages like [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "God Rules in the Kingdom of Men"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Astonishing Judgment**, emphasizing that God is about to perform an act so extraordinary and severe that it will be met with utter disbelief. This refers to the impending invasion and destruction of Judah by the Babylonians, a cataclysmic judgment that would seem impossible, even when foretold, echoing the warnings found in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Curses for Disobedience"). Thirdly, the repeated imperatives—"Behold," "regard," and "wonder marvellously"—constitute a **Call to Attention and Awe**, demanding that God's people pay close attention to His impending action, an act designed to inspire profound amazement, dread, and ultimately, a humble recognition of His incomparable power and wisdom, as reflected in [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "God's Thoughts and Ways Are Higher").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Behold (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** This primitive root signifies "to see," but in this context, it is an imperative, a divine command to "look intently," "perceive," or "consider." It is a summons to pay close attention, implying that what follows is of utmost importance and requires careful observation, not just casual glance. The Lord is demanding His people to witness and comprehend His impending action.
* **Wonder marvellously (Hebrew, _tâmahh'_):** This word, repeated for emphasis in the Hebrew text, conveys a sense of profound astonishment, amazement, or even horror. It describes a reaction of being utterly overwhelmed and dumbfounded by something incredible or terrifying. The repetition ("wonder marvellously" from the same root) intensifies this meaning, indicating that the coming event will be so extraordinary and shocking that it will evoke an almost paralyzing sense of awe and disbelief.
* **Believe (Hebrew, _ʼâman'_):** This root means "to build up or support," "to be firm or faithful," and by extension, "to trust or believe." In Habakkuk 1:5, the negative "ye will not believe" signifies a complete lack of conviction or acceptance, even when the divine plan is explicitly declared. It speaks to the human tendency to doubt or reject truths that are too difficult, too radical, or too contrary to their expectations, highlighting a crisis of faith in the face of God's seemingly paradoxical actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously:"** This opening clause is a powerful divine injunction, a threefold imperative demanding intense attention from the people of Judah. "Among the heathen" (or nations) suggests that God's work will involve other peoples, specifically the Babylonians, and that Judah is called to observe this unfolding drama from their perspective, perhaps implying that even the pagan nations will be astonished. The commands "behold," "regard," and "wonder marvellously" are a crescendo, moving from simple observation to deep consideration, and finally to overwhelming astonishment, underscoring the extraordinary nature of what God is about to reveal.
* **"for I will work a work in your days,"** This phrase declares God's active and personal involvement in history. The repetition of the root "work" (Hebrew _pa'al po'al_) emphasizes the certainty and undeniable nature of God's impending action. It is not merely an event that will happen, but a deliberate, sovereign "work" initiated and executed by God Himself. The phrase "in your days" makes it immediate and personal, assuring Habakkuk and his contemporaries that this divine intervention will occur within their lifetime, not in some distant future.
* **"which ye will not believe, though it be told you."** This concluding statement highlights the utterly incredible and counter-intuitive nature of God's plan. Despite being explicitly revealed ("though it be told you"), the people will find it impossible to accept or trust its veracity. Their disbelief stems from the sheer magnitude and unexpectedness of the judgment—that God would use a wicked nation like Babylon to punish His own people, and that such a devastating catastrophe could truly befall them. This sets up a profound challenge to faith and understanding.

#### Literary Devices
Habakkuk 1:5 is rich in **Imperative verbs**, with "Behold," "regard," and "wonder" serving as direct divine commands, creating a sense of urgency and demanding the listener's full attention. The phrase "wonder marvellously" employs **Repetition** (specifically, a cognate accusative or an infinitive absolute) of the Hebrew root for "wonder," intensifying the sense of astonishment and emphasizing the extraordinary nature of God's impending act. Similarly, "work a work" is a powerful **Hebrew idiom** that functions as a cognate accusative, underscoring the certainty, deliberateness, and undeniable reality of God's action. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: God, in response to a plea for justice, announces a work so unbelievable that it will be met with disbelief, yet it is precisely this unbelievable work that will bring about the justice Habakkuk sought, albeit in a terrifying manner. The entire declaration can be seen as a form of **Divine Oracle**, a direct pronouncement from God that carries absolute authority and certainty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Habakkuk 1:5 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His willingness to employ even the most unlikely and terrifying instruments to accomplish His righteous purposes. It challenges human expectations of how God should act, revealing that His ways are often inscrutable and beyond our comprehension. The verse underscores the theme of divine judgment, demonstrating that God will not tolerate unrepentant sin, even among His covenant people. It also highlights the human struggle with faith when confronted with God's seemingly harsh or paradoxical actions, calling believers to trust in His wisdom even when His plans defy their understanding.

* [Isaiah 28:21](/isaiah/28-21 "God's Strange Work")
* [Romans 11:33](/romans/11-33 "The Depth of God's Riches")
* [John 3:12](/john/3-12 "Believing Heavenly Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Habakkuk 1:5 is a powerful reminder that God is perpetually at work in the world, often in ways that defy our expectations, comfort zones, and even our understanding of justice. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of humility and attentiveness before the Almighty, recognizing that His wisdom far surpasses our own. In moments of confusion, injustice, or apparent divine silence, this verse encourages us to remember that God's plans are unfolding, even if His methods seem counter-intuitive or His timing protracted. It calls us to trust in His sovereign control, even when the "work" He is doing appears unbelievable or unsettling, knowing that His ultimate purposes are always righteous and good. Our faith is tested not when God acts predictably, but when His actions push the boundaries of our comprehension and comfort.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "unbelievable work" might God be doing in my life or in the world today that I am struggling to accept or understand?**
* **How does my understanding of God's justice align or conflict with the idea of Him using seemingly wicked instruments for His purposes?**
* **In what areas of my life am I called to "behold, regard, and wonder marvellously" at God's activity, even if it challenges my preconceived notions?**

### FAQ

**Who are "the heathen" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: While "heathen" (Hebrew: `gôwy` - H1471) is a general term for foreign nations or Gentiles, the immediate context of Habakkuk 1:5-6 makes it clear that God is specifically referring to the [Chaldeans, or Babylonians](/habakkuk/1-6 "God Raises the Chaldeans"). This nation, known for its military might and cruelty, would be the instrument of God's judgment against Judah. The shock of God using such a pagan and ruthless people to punish His own covenant nation is central to the "unbelievable work" He announces.

**What is the "work" that God promises to do?**

Answer: The "work" (Hebrew: `pôʻal` - H6467) God promises is the swift and devastating invasion and conquest of Judah by the Babylonian empire. This was an event of such unprecedented scale and severity for Judah that it would be met with utter disbelief, even when foretold. It was a divine act of judgment against Judah's persistent sin and apostasy, fulfilling the warnings of the covenant found in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Curses for Disobedience") and other prophetic books.

**Why would the people "not believe" this work, even if it were told to them?**

Answer: The disbelief (Hebrew: `ʼâman` - H539, in the negative) stems from several factors. Firstly, it seemed utterly improbable that God, who had historically protected Judah, would use a foreign, pagan nation to destroy His own people and their temple. This contradicted their nationalistic and covenantal expectations. Secondly, the sheer scale of the impending destruction was so catastrophic that it defied imagination. Lastly, it challenged their understanding of God's character and justice, making it difficult for them to reconcile His love with such a severe judgment. Their disbelief was a failure of faith in the face of a truth that was too hard to accept.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Habakkuk 1:5, with its declaration of an "unbelievable work" that defies human comprehension and belief, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's "unbelievable work" of judgment by God against His own people, though shocking, pales in comparison to the truly unbelievable work of salvation wrought through the [crucifixion of God's own Son](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World") and His [resurrection from the dead](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "Christ Died and Rose Again"). Just as the Jews struggled to believe God would use Babylon, many struggled, and still struggle, to believe that salvation comes through the [scandal of a crucified Messiah](/1_corinthians/1-23 "Christ Crucified, a Stumbling Block"). The Gospel message—that God became man, died for the sins of humanity, and rose again, offering eternal life to all who believe—is the most "unbelievable" yet glorious work in history. It is a work that many "will not believe, though it be told" them, yet it is the very power of God unto salvation ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "The Power of the Gospel")). Thus, Habakkuk's prophecy foreshadows the even greater divine act of redemption, a work so astounding that it requires supernatural faith to embrace, yet it is the cornerstone of God's eternal plan.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 13:40

Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

Acts 13:41

Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

Lamentations 4:12

The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 5:12

They have belied the LORD, and said, [It is] not he; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine:

Jeremiah 5:13

And the prophets shall become wind, and the word [is] not in them: thus shall it be done unto them.

Jeremiah 9:25

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all [them which are] circumcised with the uncircumcised;

Jeremiah 9:26

Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all [that are] in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all [these] nations [are] uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel [are] uncircumcised in the heart.