Habakkuk 3:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

O LORD {H3068}, I have heard {H8085} thy speech {H8088}, and was afraid {H3372}: O LORD {H3068}, revive {H2421} thy work {H6467} in the midst {H7130} of the years {H8141}, in the midst {H7130} of the years {H8141} make known {H3045}; in wrath {H7267} remember {H2142} mercy {H7355}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, I have heard the report about you. ADONAI, I am awed by your deeds. Bring your work to life in our own age, make it known in our own time; but in anger, remember compassion.

Berean Standard Bible

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!

American Standard Version

O Jehovah, I have heard the report of thee, and am afraid: O Jehovah, revive thy work in the midst of the years; In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 3:2 is a profound prayer from the prophet Habakkuk, expressing a deep, reverent fear upon hearing God's revealed plan of impending judgment. Amidst this awe-filled response, Habakkuk fervently petitions the Lord to "revive" His work—to bring about spiritual renewal and make His power known even in the midst of the coming years of tribulation. Crucially, he intercedes for God to "remember mercy" in the midst of His righteous wrath, appealing to God's compassionate nature even as judgment looms.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Habakkuk 3:2 is the opening verse of Habakkuk's prayer, which forms the third and final chapter of the book. This prayer serves as the prophet's climactic response to God's two-fold revelation in chapters 1 and 2. In chapter 1, Habakkuk laments the rampant injustice and violence within Judah, questioning God's apparent inaction. God responds by revealing His plan to raise up the Chaldeans (Babylonians) as His instrument of judgment against Judah, a revelation that deeply troubles Habakkuk. Chapter 2 then provides God's further response, emphasizing that "the righteous shall live by his faith" ([Habakkuk 2:4](/habakkuk/2-4 "Habakkuk 2:4 - The Righteous Shall Live by Faith")) and pronouncing a series of "woes" upon the unrighteous. Chapter 3, therefore, is not a continuation of the dialogue but a psalm-like prayer, a deeply personal and theological reflection on God's character and His awesome power, culminating in Habakkuk's resolve to trust God regardless of the circumstances, as seen in [Habakkuk 3:17-19](/habakkuk/3-17-19 "Habakkuk 3:17-19 - Habakkuk's Song of Faith"). This prayer transitions from fear to faith, acknowledging God's terrifying holiness while clinging to His merciful nature.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Habakkuk is set in the late 7th century BCE, a tumultuous period for the Kingdom of Judah. The Assyrian Empire, which had long dominated the region, was in decline, and a new, formidable power, Babylon (Chaldea), was rapidly rising. Judah was caught between these shifting powers, often aligning with or being threatened by one or the other. Internally, Judah was experiencing significant moral decay, idolatry, and social injustice, despite some reforms under kings like Josiah. The prophet's initial complaint in [Habakkuk 1:2-4](/habakkuk/1-2-4 "Habakkuk 1:2-4 - Habakkuk's Complaint of Injustice") reflects this internal corruption. God's response, that He would use the even more ruthless Babylonians to punish Judah ([Habakkuk 1:6-11](/habakkuk/1-6-11 "Habakkuk 1:6-11 - God Raises Up the Chaldeans")), would have been shocking and terrifying to Habakkuk and his contemporaries. The cultural context includes the understanding of covenant curses for disobedience, and the expectation of divine intervention, whether for judgment or salvation. Habakkuk's prayer is thus deeply rooted in the immediate threat of foreign invasion and the spiritual state of his nation.
* **Key Themes:** Habakkuk 3:2 encapsulates several key themes central to the book and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine sovereignty and justice**, as Habakkuk acknowledges God's absolute authority to execute judgment, even through seemingly unrighteous means. Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **reverent fear (awe)** in the face of God's revelation, a proper response to His holiness and power, which is distinct from paralyzing terror. Thirdly, it powerfully expresses the theme of **spiritual revival and divine manifestation**, as the prophet pleads for God to actively intervene and make His presence and power known among His people, even in their darkest hour. Finally, and perhaps most poignantly, the verse emphasizes the theme of **God's mercy triumphing over judgment**. Habakkuk's plea, "in wrath remember mercy," echoes a consistent biblical truth that God's character is fundamentally merciful and compassionate, even when His justice demands severe discipline, a truth seen throughout the Old Testament, for example, in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Compassion and Justice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **châyâh (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** This primitive root means "to live," "to keep alive," or "to restore to life." Causatively, as used here, it means "to revive" or "to quicken." When Habakkuk prays "revive thy work," he is not merely asking for a spiritual awakening in the modern sense, but for God to bring His mighty, redemptive acts—His "work" (H6467, _pôʻal_)—back to full vitality and manifestation. It's a plea for God to act powerfully and decisively, to breathe life into His promises and purposes, even in a time of spiritual decline and impending national crisis.
* **rôgez (Hebrew, _rôgez'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to tremble" or "to be agitated," this word signifies "commotion," "restlessness," "disquiet," or "anger." In the context of God, it refers to His righteous "wrath" or indignation against sin. Habakkuk acknowledges the certainty and terrifying nature of God's coming judgment, recognizing that the divine "wrath" is a just and necessary response to the widespread iniquity he has observed and been told about.
* **râcham (Hebrew, _râcham'_):** This primitive root means "to fondle," and by implication, "to love," especially "to compassionate" or "to show mercy." It often refers to a deep, visceral, motherly affection or pity. Habakkuk's plea "remember mercy" is an appeal to the very core of God's being—His inherent compassion and lovingkindness. Despite the inevitability of God's "wrath," the prophet clings to the hope that God's fundamental character is one of abundant mercy, and he intercedes for that mercy to be displayed even amidst the severity of judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid:"** Habakkuk begins by acknowledging the profound impact of God's revelation. The "speech" (H8088, _shêmaʻ_) refers to the divine pronouncements and plans revealed in the preceding chapters, particularly the terrifying news of the Chaldean invasion. The prophet's response is not mere human terror but a deep, reverent fear (H3372, _yârêʼ_), an awe-filled recognition of God's majestic power, holiness, and the certainty of His impending judgment. This fear is a proper, worshipful response to the divine.
* **"O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known;"** This is the heart of Habakkuk's petition. He appeals to "the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the covenant God of Israel. "Revive thy work" (H2421, _châyâh_ and H6467, _pôʻal_) is a plea for God to quicken His mighty acts, His redemptive purposes, and His covenant faithfulness among His people. The repetition of "in the midst of the years" (H7130, _qereb_ and H8141, _shâneh_) emphasizes the urgency and the specific timeframe: during the very period of impending judgment and tribulation. Habakkuk desires that God's power and character be "made known" (H3045, _yâdaʻ_) openly and unmistakably, even as the nation faces its darkest hour.
* **"in wrath remember mercy."** This powerful concluding phrase encapsulates the prophet's intercession. Habakkuk fully accepts the reality of God's righteous "wrath" (H7267, _rôgez_) against Judah's sin. Yet, he appeals to God's divine character, pleading for Him to "remember" (H2142, _zâkar_) His inherent "mercy" (H7355, _râcham_). This is not a request for God to forgo justice, but to temper it with compassion, to demonstrate His faithfulness to His covenant promises even in the act of discipline, ensuring that a remnant survives and that His ultimate redemptive purposes are not thwarted.

#### Literary Devices
Habakkuk 3:2 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the phrase "in the midst of the years," which is repeated for emphasis, underscoring the urgency and the specific timing of the prophet's plea—that God's work would be revived and made known *during* the very period of impending judgment, not after. This repetition creates a sense of immediate crisis and desperate longing. The verse also employs a form of **Parallelism**, particularly in the second half, where "revive thy work" is paralleled with "make known," suggesting that the revival of God's work is intrinsically linked to the manifestation of His character and power. The entire verse functions as a **Lament and Intercession**, a common form in biblical prayers where a cry of distress or fear is followed by an earnest petition to God, often appealing to His character. Finally, there's a strong sense of **Contrast** between "wrath" and "mercy," highlighting the tension between God's justice and His compassion, and the prophet's hope that the latter will prevail or at least temper the former.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Habakkuk 3:2 stands as a profound theological statement, affirming God's absolute sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to both justice and mercy. It teaches that a proper response to divine revelation, especially concerning judgment, is not despair but reverent fear that leads to earnest prayer. The prophet's plea for God to "revive His work" underscores the biblical concept of God's active involvement in human affairs, His power to bring spiritual renewal even in times of great apostasy or distress. Most significantly, the petition "in wrath remember mercy" reveals the core of God's character: His justice is always tempered by His boundless compassion, offering hope even in the face of deserved punishment. This divine attribute is foundational to the covenant relationship and provides the basis for all salvation.
* [Psalm 85:6](/psalm/85-6 "Psalm 85:6 - Will You Not Revive Us Again?")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Great Mercies")
* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord, a God Merciful and Gracious")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Habakkuk 3:2 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating challenging times. It encourages us to bring our honest fears and anxieties before God, knowing that true reverence for His power and sovereignty can coexist with heartfelt lament. In a world often marked by injustice, moral decline, and societal upheaval, Habakkuk's prayer for God to "revive His work" becomes our own urgent plea. We are called to pray for spiritual awakening within the church, for God's power to be made known in our communities, and for His redemptive purposes to advance even amidst global crises. Crucially, this verse reminds us that even when facing the consequences of sin, whether personal or corporate, we can always appeal to God's unfailing mercy. It teaches us to intercede not only for ourselves but for a world desperately in need of divine compassion, trusting that God's ultimate desire is to show mercy, even as He executes justice. Our prayers should reflect both a sober recognition of sin's gravity and a confident reliance on God's compassionate heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Habakkuk's "fear" of God's speech differ from worldly fear, and what does it teach us about a proper response to divine revelation?**
* **What does it mean for God to "revive His work" in our personal lives, our churches, and our world today?**
* **In what specific situations or circumstances do you find yourself needing to pray, "in wrath remember mercy"?**
* **How does the tension between God's justice and His mercy, as expressed in this verse, shape your understanding of His character?**

### FAQ
**What does "in the midst of the years" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "in the midst of the years" (Hebrew: _bəqerev shānîm_) is repeated for emphasis and refers to the present time or the period immediately ahead, specifically the years during which God's judgment through the Babylonians would unfold. It signifies Habakkuk's urgent plea for God to act *now*, during the very time of impending trouble and tribulation, rather than waiting until after the crisis has passed. He is asking for God's power and presence to be made known and for spiritual revival to occur even amidst the difficult years of divine discipline.

**Is Habakkuk's prayer for "revival" similar to modern concepts of spiritual revival?**

Answer: While there are parallels, Habakkuk's prayer for God to "revive thy work" (H2421 _châyâh_ and H6467 _pôʻal_) is broader than just a spiritual awakening among people, though that is certainly included. It encompasses a desire for God to quicken His mighty acts, His redemptive purposes, and His covenant promises. It's a plea for God to actively intervene and demonstrate His power and faithfulness in tangible ways, both in judgment and in preserving His people. This could involve spiritual renewal, but also the fulfillment of prophecy, the preservation of a remnant, and the ultimate triumph of God's plan, even through the chaos of judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Habakkuk's prayer for God to "revive thy work" and "in wrath remember mercy" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "work" of God that Habakkuk longed to see revived and made known is supremely manifest in God's redemptive plan, culminating in Christ's incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. God's ultimate display of "mercy" in the midst of His "wrath" is seen at the cross, where the righteous wrath due to humanity's sin was poured out upon God's own Son, Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through Christ, God did not merely remember mercy but *provided* it, offering forgiveness and new life to all who believe, thereby demonstrating His justice and His mercy simultaneously ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed")). The "revival" Habakkuk sought is realized in the New Covenant, where God pours out His Spirit, bringing spiritual life to dead hearts ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - Made Alive in Christ")), and making His presence known not just in powerful acts, but intimately within His people through the Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Spirit of Truth")). Thus, Christ is the embodiment of God's revived work and the ultimate demonstration of His mercy triumphing over wrath, offering hope and redemption even in the darkest of times.

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

Psalms 85:6

Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

Psalms 90:13

Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.

Psalms 90:17

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

Hosea 6:2

After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.

Hosea 6:3

Then shall we know, [if] we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter [and] former rain unto the earth.

Isaiah 51:9

¶ Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. [Art] thou not it that hath cut Rahab, [and] wounded the dragon?

Isaiah 51:11

Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy [shall be] upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; [and] sorrow and mourning shall flee away.