Habakkuk 2:20

KJV

But the LORD [is] in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the LORD {H3068} is in his holy {H6944} temple {H1964}: let all the earth {H776} keep silence {H2013} before {H6440} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

But ADONAI is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.

Berean Standard Bible

But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.

American Standard Version

But Jehovah is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 2:20 serves as a climactic declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and majestic presence, contrasting sharply with the futility of idols detailed in the preceding verses. It asserts that despite the chaos and injustice observed in the world and the impending judgment, the Lord remains enthroned in His heavenly sanctuary, demanding the reverent silence and submission of all creation. This verse functions as a profound theological anchor, refocusing the prophet's, and the reader's, gaze from earthly turmoil to the transcendent power and holiness of the one true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Habakkuk 2:20 provides a powerful and definitive conclusion to the series of five woes pronounced by God against the wicked and idolatrous in [Habakkuk 2:6-19](/habakkuk/2-6-19 "Habakkuk 2:6-19 - Woes Against the Wicked"). The prophet Habakkuk had initially wrestled with God's apparent inaction in the face of Judah's injustice and the rising threat of the Babylonians ([Habakkuk 1](/habakkuk/1 "Habakkuk 1 - Habakkuk's Complaint and God's Answer")). God's response included a vision of future judgment but also a foundational declaration that "the righteous shall live by his faith" ([Habakkuk 2:4](/habakkuk/2-4 "Habakkuk 2:4 - The Just Shall Live by Faith")). The immediate literary context of [Habakkuk 2:18-19](/habakkuk/2-18-19 "Habakkuk 2:18-19 - The Folly of Idolatry") specifically condemns the making and worship of lifeless idols. Habakkuk 2:20 directly counters this idolatry by presenting the living, active, and reigning God, thus shifting the focus from human folly and earthly power struggles to divine majesty and ultimate authority. It sets the stage for Habakkuk's prayer of praise and petition in [Habakkuk 3](/habakkuk/3 "Habakkuk 3 - Habakkuk's Prayer and Song").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Habakkuk is set during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, likely in the late 7th century BCE, just prior to the Babylonian exile. The Assyrian Empire had declined, and the Neo-Babylonian Empire (Chaldeans) was rapidly rising to prominence, posing a significant threat to Judah. Internally, Judah was plagued by injustice, violence, and idolatry, despite the reforms under King Josiah. The people were accustomed to the presence of the Jerusalem Temple, which symbolized God's dwelling among them. However, the prophet's message transcends the physical temple, pointing to God's universal reign. In a world where nations boasted of their gods and military might, Habakkuk 2:20 asserts the unique, incomparable power of Yahweh, directly challenging the prevailing polytheistic worldview and the reliance on human strength or false deities. The call for "all the earth to keep silence" would have been a radical assertion of Yahweh's supremacy over all nations and their gods.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core themes prevalent in the book of Habakkuk and the broader prophetic tradition. First, it powerfully asserts **God's Absolute Sovereignty** over all creation and human affairs. Despite the apparent chaos and the rise of oppressive empires, God remains firmly in control, reigning from His heavenly throne. This provides a profound theological comfort and assurance that divine order will ultimately prevail. Second, it highlights **Divine Majesty and Holiness**. The "holy temple" signifies God's transcendent purity, unblemished nature, and exalted position, demanding ultimate reverence. Third, the verse emphasizes the **Futility of Idolatry** by starkly contrasting the living God with the mute, powerless idols described earlier in the chapter. While idols are human constructs, the true God is eternally present and active. Finally, it issues a **Call to Reverent Silence and Submission**. This silence is not merely an absence of noise but a profound act of awe, submission, and attentive waiting before the Almighty, acknowledging His ultimate judgment and His unquestionable right to rule. This theme echoes the call to "be still, and know that I am God" found in [Psalm 46:10](/psalm/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - Be Still and Know God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, Yahweh (H3068), derived from the Hebrew root meaning "to be" or "to exist." It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal." In Habakkuk 2:20, the use of YHWH emphasizes God's personal, active, and faithful presence, distinguishing Him from the lifeless idols. It underscores His unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His ultimate authority over all creation.
* **temple (Hebrew, _hêykâl'_):** (H1964) This word refers to a large public building, specifically a palace or temple. While it could refer to the earthly temple in Jerusalem, in this context, especially given the impending destruction of that temple, it primarily signifies God's heavenly dwelling, His cosmic palace. This emphasizes God's universal reign and transcendence, indicating that His authority is not confined to a single earthly structure but extends over all the cosmos.
* **keep silence (Hebrew, _hâçâh'_):** (H2013) A primitive root meaning "to hush," "hold peace," or "be silent." In this verse, it conveys more than mere quietness; it implies a solemn, reverent cessation of all activity, a profound stillness that acknowledges overwhelming majesty, power, and the imminence of divine judgment. It is a command for all creation to cease its rebellion, boasting, and idolatry, and to stand in awe and submission before the sovereign God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the LORD is in his holy temple:"** This opening clause presents a dramatic contrast ("But") to the preceding discussion of impotent idols and human folly. It asserts the active, present, and sovereign reality of Yahweh. The phrase "his holy temple" points not merely to the physical temple in Jerusalem, which was soon to be destroyed, but more profoundly to God's heavenly, transcendent dwelling place. This signifies that God's authority and control are universal and unshakeable, regardless of earthly circumstances or the rise and fall of nations. He is not a distant deity but a reigning, active presence.
* **"let all the earth keep silence before him."** This is an imperative command, a divine summons for universal reverence and submission. "All the earth" encompasses not only humanity but all creation, signifying the cosmic scope of God's authority. The command to "keep silence" (Hebrew _has_) is a call to cease all rebellious activity, all boasting, all idolatry, and all complaints. It is an invitation to profound awe, humble submission, and attentive waiting in the presence of the Almighty, acknowledging His ultimate power, holiness, and right to judge and rule. This silence is an act of worship and recognition of God's incomparable majesty.

#### Literary Devices
Habakkuk 2:20 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting the living, sovereign God against the lifeless, impotent idols described in the preceding verses ([Habakkuk 2:18-19](/habakkuk/2-18-19 "Habakkuk 2:18-19 - The Folly of Idolatry")). This stark juxtaposition highlights the incomparable nature of Yahweh. The phrase "let all the earth keep silence before him" functions as a strong **Imperative**, a direct command that underscores God's absolute authority and the universal demand for reverence. The use of "all the earth" is a form of **Hyperbole** or **Merism**, signifying the totality of creation, emphasizing the cosmic scope of God's dominion and the universal nature of the call to submission. The "holy temple" serves as **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical structure but God's transcendent, heavenly dwelling and His universal reign. Finally, the verse's declarative and commanding tone creates a sense of **Awe** and **Majesty**, compelling the reader to acknowledge the overwhelming presence and power of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Habakkuk 2:20 is a profound theological statement, asserting God's ultimate sovereignty and transcendent holiness in the face of human chaos and idolatry. It serves as a powerful reminder that while earthly powers rise and fall, and human injustice may seem to prevail, the Lord remains firmly enthroned in His heavenly sanctuary, exercising supreme authority over all creation. This truth provides a stable anchor for faith amidst turmoil, calling believers to a posture of reverent awe and submission, trusting that God's justice will ultimately be revealed and His purposes fulfilled. The silence commanded is not one of fear, but of profound recognition of God's incomparable majesty and His right to rule.

* [Psalm 103:19](/psalm/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - The Lord's Throne in Heaven")
* [Zephaniah 1:7](/zephaniah/1-7 "Zephaniah 1:7 - Silence Before the Day of the Lord")
* [Psalm 115:4-7](/psalm/115-4-7 "Psalm 115:4-7 - The Futility of Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Habakkuk 2:20 offers timeless wisdom for navigating a world often characterized by noise, distraction, and perceived injustice. In an age saturated with information and constant demands for attention, the call to "keep silence before him" is a radical invitation to pause, recenter, and remember the ultimate reality of God's sovereign presence. It challenges us to cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence in our daily lives, recognizing that every moment is lived under the gaze of the Creator. When faced with overwhelming circumstances, personal struggles, or societal turmoil, this verse reminds us that our hope is not in human solutions or fleeting powers, but in the God who remains on His throne. It encourages a posture of trust and patient waiting, knowing that His timing is perfect and His justice will prevail. Furthermore, this silence is an invitation to listen – to quiet our own anxieties and desires so that we might hear God's voice, discern His will, and align our lives with His eternal purposes. It is a call to worship that transcends mere words, moving into a profound stillness that acknowledges God's incomparable majesty and our humble place before Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you struggle to "keep silence" and truly acknowledge God's presence and sovereignty?**
* **How does the truth that "the LORD is in his holy temple" provide comfort or challenge your perspective on current world events or personal difficulties?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God in your daily life and worship?**

### FAQ

**What does "his holy temple" refer to in Habakkuk 2:20?**

Answer: While the phrase "his holy temple" could evoke the physical temple in Jerusalem, in the context of Habakkuk 2:20, it primarily refers to God's transcendent, heavenly dwelling place. This interpretation is crucial because the earthly temple was soon to be destroyed by the Babylonians, yet God's reign remains eternal and universal. The "temple" here symbolizes God's cosmic throne room, signifying His absolute sovereignty and unshakeable authority over all creation, not just a specific geographical location. It underscores His holiness and His supreme position above all earthly powers and idols.

**Why is "silence" commanded in this verse? Is it just about being quiet?**

Answer: The "silence" commanded in Habakkuk 2:20 (Hebrew _hâçâh_) is far more profound than mere quietness. It is a call to a solemn, reverent cessation of all activity, a profound stillness that acknowledges God's overwhelming majesty, power, and imminent judgment. It implies a cessation of human boasting, rebellion, idolatry, and even questioning. This silence is an act of humble submission, awe, and worship before the incomparable God. It signifies a recognition that God is on His throne, in control, and that all creation must bow before His supreme authority. It is a call to listen, to wait, and to acknowledge the divine prerogative. This concept is echoed in other prophetic passages, such as [Zephaniah 1:7](/zephaniah/1-7 "Zephaniah 1:7 - Silence Before the Day of the Lord"), which calls for silence before the Lord's coming day of judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Habakkuk 2:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The declaration that "the LORD is in his holy temple" foreshadows the coming of God's presence in a new and profound way through the incarnation. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to "the temple of his body" ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")). In Christ, God's dwelling place is no longer confined to an earthly building or even a heavenly concept, but is made manifest in human flesh. Through Christ's atoning work, believers become the new "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")), indicating that God's holy presence now indwells His people. The command for "all the earth to keep silence before him" finds its eschatological climax in the universal recognition of Christ's sovereignty. [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus") proclaims that God has highly exalted Jesus, "so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This ultimate bowing and silence before Christ signifies the complete and final triumph of God's reign, where all creation will acknowledge the Lamb of God, who alone is worthy of all worship and praise ([Revelation 5:13-14](/revelation/5-13-14 "Revelation 5:13-14 - Praise to the Lamb")). Thus, Habakkuk's vision of God's unshakeable presence and universal demand for reverence is fully realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true Temple and the reigning Lord before whom all creation will ultimately fall silent in adoration.

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

Zechariah 2:13

Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.

Zephaniah 1:7

¶ Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD [is] at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.

Psalms 46:10

Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Psalms 11:4

¶ The LORD [is] in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne [is] in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

Isaiah 6:1

¶ In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

Jonah 2:7

When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.

Micah 1:2

Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord GOD be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.