3:18 3:18

Habakkuk 3:19

1:1 Zephaniah 1:1

Bible Versions

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.
The LORD {H3069} God {H136} is my strength {H2428}, and he will make {H7760} my feet {H7272} like hinds {H355}' feet, and he will make me to walk {H1869} upon mine high places {H1116}. To the chief singer {H5329} on my stringed instruments {H5058}.
ELOHIM Adonai is my strength! He makes me swift and sure-footed as a deer and enables me to stride over my high places. For the leader. With my stringed instruments.
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.
Jehovah, the Lord, is my strength; And he maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, And will make me to walk upon my high places.

Habakkuk 3:19 is the triumphant conclusion to the prophet Habakkuk's prayer, a powerful declaration of faith and trust in God despite the impending national disaster. It encapsulates a profound message of divine strength and enablement, even when circumstances are dire.

Context

The Book of Habakkuk grapples with the difficult questions of divine justice and God's apparent inactivity in the face of widespread wickedness among His people and the imminent invasion by the Babylonians. Habakkuk's prayer in chapter 3, often considered a psalm, marks a turning point from lament and questioning to resolute faith. Despite the stark realities of famine and devastation described in the preceding verses (Habakkuk 3:17-18), the prophet resolves to rejoice in the Lord. Verse 19 serves as his ultimate statement of confidence, a testament that his strength and ability to navigate future trials come solely from God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God as the Source of Strength: The core message is that "The LORD God [is] my strength." In a world where human strength fails and circumstances overwhelm, Habakkuk declares God as his ultimate refuge and power. This resonates with the New Testament truth that believers can do all things through Christ who strengthens them.
  • Divine Enablement and Agility: The imagery of "hinds' feet" (female deer known for their swiftness and agility on difficult terrain) symbolizes God's supernatural ability to equip His people to navigate the most treacherous paths of life. It speaks to being sure-footed and stable even in perilous times, allowing one to move with grace and purpose where others would stumble. This powerful metaphor is also found in Psalm 18:33 and 2 Samuel 22:34, indicating a common biblical theme of divine assistance in overcoming obstacles.
  • Triumph and Elevated Living: To "walk upon mine high places" signifies not just survival, but triumph and elevation above the difficulties. High places often represent places of safety, victory, authority, and communion with God. It suggests that God will lead the prophet not merely through the valley of despair, but to a position of spiritual vantage and security, despite external turmoil.
  • Worship and Faith as a Response: The concluding phrase, "To the chief singer on my stringed instruments," indicates that this prayer of faith was intended to be sung. It transforms a personal declaration into a corporate song of worship, emphasizing that even in the face of despair, faith leads to praise and adoration of God.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "The LORD God" uses the Hebrew names Yahweh Adonai (יהוה אדני), combining God's covenant name (Yahweh) with the title of master or sovereign Lord (Adonai). This emphasizes His absolute authority and His faithful commitment to His people.
  • "My strength" comes from the Hebrew word chayil (חַיִל), which denotes not just physical power, but also vigor, might, valor, and resourcefulness. It implies that God provides all the necessary ability and capacity for the prophet to face his challenges.
  • The "hinds' feet" imagery highlights the specific qualities of sure-footedness and agility, enabling movement over rugged, elevated terrain, symbolizing stability and progress in difficult circumstances.

Practical Application

Habakkuk 3:19 offers immense encouragement for believers facing personal or societal crises. It teaches us to:

  • Depend on God: When our own resources fail, God remains our ultimate strength and provider.
  • Trust in Divine Enablement: God equips us with the spiritual agility and stability needed to navigate life's challenges, no matter how daunting they seem.
  • Seek Elevation in Faith: Even amidst trials, God can lift us to a place of spiritual victory and perspective, allowing us to see beyond our immediate struggles.
  • Respond with Worship: True faith, even in the face of adversity, culminates in praise and adoration, transforming our lament into a song of hope.

This verse is a timeless reminder that though the fig tree may not blossom and the fields yield no food (Habakkuk 3:17), the faithful can still rejoice in the God of their salvation, for He makes them strong and enables them to walk on high places.

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.

  • 2 Samuel 22:34

    He maketh my feet like hinds' [feet]: and setteth me upon my high places.

  • Psalms 18:33

    He maketh my feet like hinds' [feet], and setteth me upon my high places.

  • Philippians 4:13

    I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

  • Psalms 46:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

  • Deuteronomy 32:13

    He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;

  • Psalms 27:1

    ¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

  • Isaiah 58:14

    Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].
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