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
A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth. ​
2
O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in 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 the earth was full of his praise. ​
4
And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power. ​
5
Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet. ​
6
He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting. ​
7
I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.
8
Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? was thine anger against the rivers? was thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine horses and thy chariots of salvation? ​
9
Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers. ​
10
The mountains saw thee, and they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high.
11
The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, and at the shining of thy glittering spear.
12
Thou didst march through the land in indignation, thou didst thresh the heathen in anger.
13
Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah. ​
14
Thou didst strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly.
15
Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, through the heap of great waters.

The Prophet's Response of Faith

16
When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops. ​
17
Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: ​
18
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. ​
19
The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my 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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