Habakkuk 3:5

KJV

Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet.

KJV (with Strong's)

Before {H6440} him went {H3212} the pestilence {H1698}, and burning coals {H7565} went forth {H3318} at his feet {H7272}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Before him goes pestilence, and close behind, the plague.

Berean Standard Bible

Plague went before Him, and fever followed in His steps.

American Standard Version

Before him went the pestilence, And fiery bolts went forth at his feet.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 3:5, part of the prophet's awe-inspiring prayer and psalm, presents a vivid and terrifying depiction of God's majestic and fearsome advent. It portrays the Lord as a divine warrior marching forth, preceded by devastating pestilence and followed by consuming fiery coals, signifying His absolute power, His unchallengeable holiness, and the inevitable execution of His righteous judgment against all opposition, while simultaneously bringing salvation for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Habakkuk 3 is a magnificent psalm and prayer, serving as the climax of the book. Having received God's answers to his initial complaints about injustice (Habakkuk 1-2), the prophet responds with a profound declaration of faith and awe. This chapter is a theophany, a grand revelation of God's glorious and terrifying presence, drawing heavily on ancient Near Eastern imagery of divine appearances, often associated with storm, fire, and natural phenomena. Verses 3-15 describe God's majestic march from Teman and Mount Paran, depicting Him as a cosmic warrior whose presence shakes the earth and whose power controls all creation, culminating in His purpose to save His people and judge the wicked, as seen in [God's ultimate purpose in theophany](/habakkuk/3-13 "Habakkuk 3:13 - God's Purpose in Theophany"). Habakkuk 3:5 specifically details the destructive elements that accompany God's advance, emphasizing the unstoppable nature of His coming.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Habakkuk prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, likely just before the Babylonian invasion (late 7th century BCE). The people of Judah were steeped in sin, and God was raising up the Babylonians as His instrument of judgment. The imagery of God as a divine warrior coming with pestilence and fire would have resonated deeply with an ancient Israelite audience familiar with accounts of God's powerful interventions in history, such as the plagues in Egypt (e.g., [Exodus 9:15](/exodus/9-15 "Exodus 9:15 - God's Power Over Pharaoh")) or the manifestation of His presence at Mount Sinai, where [the mountain was covered in smoke and fire](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - Mount Sinai in Fire"). Such descriptions underscored God's absolute sovereignty over both natural forces and human empires, a crucial message for a nation facing imminent destruction and questioning God's justice.
* **Key Themes:** Habakkuk 3:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Majesty and Power**, portraying God as an unstoppable, overwhelming force before whom nothing can stand. The destructive elements of "pestilence" and "burning coals" are not random but serve as instruments of His irresistible might, demonstrating His control over creation and destruction. Secondly, the verse highlights **Judgment and Wrath**, emphasizing that these elements are manifestations of God's holy wrath against sin and His enemies. This imagery underscores the seriousness of opposing a holy God, as seen throughout the prophetic literature where divine judgment is a recurring motif, such as in [Isaiah's warnings against sin](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah 1 - The Lord's Controversy with Judah"). Finally, it speaks to the **Terrifying Nature of God's Presence**, especially when He comes in judgment, reminding humanity of the utter inability of anything to withstand His advance, yet paradoxically, this same power is the source of salvation for His faithful people, as Habakkuk himself concludes in [his declaration of joy in the Lord](/habakkuk/3-18 "Habakkuk 3:18 - Habakkuk's Joy in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pestilence (Hebrew, _deber'_):** From the root meaning "to destroy," this word (H1698) refers to a plague, disease, or epidemic. In biblical contexts, `deber` is frequently depicted as a direct instrument of God's judgment, often used to punish sin or to clear the way for His purposes, as seen in the plagues against Egypt or the judgments against disobedient Israel. Its presence "before him" signifies that divine judgment is an immediate and unavoidable consequence of God's advance.
* **Burning coals (Hebrew, _resheph'_):** This term (H7565) literally means "a live coal" but can also denote lightning, an arrow (especially a fiery one), or even fever. Here, it conveys intense heat, destructive power, and rapid, devastating impact. The phrase "went forth at his feet" suggests that this destructive force emanates directly from God's presence, serving as a consuming fire that follows His every step, leaving no escape for His adversaries.
* **Before him (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** This word (H6440), often translated as "face" or "presence," signifies proximity and direct confrontation. When used with a preposition like "before him," it emphasizes that pestilence is not merely accompanying God but is an immediate precursor, an extension of His very presence and will. It highlights the direct and personal nature of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Before him went the pestilence":** This clause vividly portrays the immediate and terrifying effect of God's approach. "Pestilence" (deber) is personified as an advance guard, moving ahead of God, signifying that disease, plague, and death are direct instruments of His will and a foretaste of His judgment. It implies that His very presence brings about devastating consequences for those who stand in opposition to Him, clearing the way for His coming.
* **"and burning coals went forth at his feet":** This second clause reinforces and amplifies the imagery of divine judgment and power. "Burning coals" (resheph) represent intense, consuming fire, like lightning or fiery arrows, that emanates directly from God's path. The phrase "at his feet" suggests an almost effortless and continuous outpouring of destructive power, indicating that wherever God steps, consuming judgment follows. This imagery evokes the overwhelming and inescapable nature of God's wrath.

#### Literary Devices
Habakkuk 3:5 is rich in literary devices that amplify its powerful message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the description of God having "feet" and pestilence "going before him," attributing human-like movement and presence to the divine, making God's advent more tangible and awe-inspiring. The verse employs striking **Imagery**, painting a picture of God as a fearsome warrior accompanied by natural and supernatural destructive forces. **Personification** is used for "pestilence," which "went" before God, giving an abstract concept active agency. The parallel structure of the two clauses, though not strictly synonymous, creates a sense of **Climax** and **Intensification**, with "pestilence" preceding and "burning coals" following, both serving as instruments of divine judgment. This contributes to the overall **Theophanic** portrayal, where God's manifestation is accompanied by overwhelming power and destructive elements, similar to ancient Near Eastern storm-god motifs, but here applied to the sovereign God of Israel. The elements of "pestilence" and "burning coals" also serve as **Symbolism** for divine wrath, judgment, and the inescapable consequences of opposing God's holy will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Habakkuk 3:5 powerfully articulates the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty and His nature as a righteous judge. The imagery of pestilence and burning coals preceding and following Him underscores that His holiness demands justice, and His power ensures its execution. This is not a capricious act, but a demonstration of His unwavering commitment to His covenant and His ultimate control over all creation and history. For the faithful, this terrifying display of power is a source of comfort, knowing that the same God who judges the wicked also fights for and delivers His people. It reminds us that all things, even destructive forces, are ultimately subservient to His divine will and purpose, working towards the establishment of His kingdom and the vindication of His righteousness.

* [Exodus 12:29](/exodus/12-29 "Exodus 12:29 - The Tenth Plague")
* [Psalm 18:8-14](/psalms/18-8-14 "Psalm 18:8-14 - God's Theophanic Deliverance")
* [Deuteronomy 32:24](/deuteronomy/32-24 "Deuteronomy 32:24 - Consequences of Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Habakkuk 3:5 calls us to a profound sense of awe and reverence for God. In a world that often seeks to diminish God or confine Him to human categories, this verse shatters such notions, reminding us that He is utterly transcendent, holy, and powerful beyond comprehension. For the believer, this truth should cultivate deep trust and unwavering faith, knowing that the God who commands pestilence and fire is also the One who fights for us, protects us, and will ultimately deliver us from all evil. It encourages us to live in humble submission and obedience, recognizing that our lives are lived before the One whose presence brings both judgment and salvation. For those who do not know Him, it serves as a stark warning of the inescapable reality of divine judgment, urging repentance and reconciliation before the day of His terrifying advent. This passage compels us to consider the seriousness of sin and the immense privilege of being reconciled to such a formidable yet loving God through His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God's powerful advent in Habakkuk 3:5 shape your understanding of His holiness and justice?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge or deepen your trust in God's sovereignty, especially when facing difficult or uncertain circumstances?**
* **What practical implications does the reality of God's unchallengeable power have for your daily walk of faith and your response to sin?**

### FAQ

**Does Habakkuk 3:5 describe a literal event or symbolic language?**

Answer: Habakkuk 3:5, along with the broader description of God's advent in Habakkuk 3, uses highly poetic and symbolic language to describe a theophany – a manifestation of God's presence. While it draws on historical events like the Exodus and the giving of the Law at Sinai, the vivid imagery of "pestilence" and "burning coals" is primarily symbolic. It represents the overwhelming, destructive power and righteous judgment that accompany God's majestic presence, rather than a literal, physical procession with these elements. This kind of imagery is common in biblical descriptions of God's powerful interventions, such as in [Psalm 97:3](/psalms/97-3 "Psalm 97:3 - Fire Goes Before Him") or [Nahum 1:5-6](/nahum/1-5-6 "Nahum 1:5-6 - God's Indignation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Habakkuk 3:5 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who embodies both the terrifying holiness and the redemptive power of God. While the Old Testament imagery of pestilence and burning coals speaks of God's judgment against sin, in Christ, this judgment is paradoxically absorbed and transformed. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of divine wrath, allowing believers to escape the "pestilence" of sin and the "burning coals" of God's righteous judgment. His crucifixion was the ultimate manifestation of God's justice and love, where the consuming fire of God's holiness was satisfied in Him. Furthermore, Jesus is the one who will return in ultimate power and glory, not only as Savior but also as Judge. Passages like [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return as Judge") depict Christ returning with eyes like "blazing fire" and a sharp sword, signifying His role in executing the final, decisive judgment upon all unrighteousness. Thus, the terrifying advent described in Habakkuk foreshadows the dual reality of Christ's first coming, where He took the judgment upon Himself, and His second coming, where He will execute it perfectly, ensuring that all creation bows before the one who is [God manifest in the flesh](/1_timothy/3-16 "1 Timothy 3:16 - God Manifest in the Flesh").

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

Exodus 12:29

¶ And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that [was] in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.

Exodus 12:30

And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for [there was] not a house where [there was] not one dead.

Numbers 16:46

And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.

Numbers 16:49

Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah.

Psalms 78:50

He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence;

Psalms 78:51

And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of [their] strength in the tabernacles of Ham:

Psalms 18:7

Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.