Habakkuk

Question 1

Habakkuk historical background

Answer 1

The prophecy of Habakkuk is set between the rise of the Babylonian power (626 BC) and fall of Jerusalem (587/6 BC).

Question 2

Habakkuk structure

Answer 2

1:1-2:3a Question and answer, Habakkuk and YHWH
2:5-20 A fivefold condemnation of the oppressor
3 Habakkuk’s expectation

Question 3

Habakkuk theme

Answer 3

the Faithfulness of YHWH

Question 4

Message of Habakkuk

Answer 4

A. Dialogue Between Habakkuk and YHWH (Hab 1:1-2:4)

1. First Cycle (1:2-11)
   a. First Prophetic Lament: Plea for endorsement of Hab’s ministry of the Word (1:2-4)
   b. First Divine Reply: The efficacy of the Word will be seen (1:5-11)
2. Second Cycle (1:12-2:4)
   a. Second Prophetic Lament: Why is evil still tolerated in light of Divine sovereignty (1:12-17)
   b. Second Divine Reply: YHWH is faithful to his Promises (2:1-4)

Question 5

Textual problem in Habakkuk 2:4b

Answer 5

• by my, his, or (no pronoun) faithfulness
• In the original context, the 3ms pronoun could refer back to the faithfulness of the vision or it could refer to the faithfulness of the righteous. The interpretive tradition appears to emphasize the faith of the righteous, while some modern commentators emphasize the righteous one’s living by the faithfulness of the vision (cf. Dumbrell). The interpretive tradition combined with proximity of the pronoun/antecedent favor the faith of the righteous one.

Question 6

Fivefold “Woe Oracles” (Hab 2:5-20)

Answer 6

1. Insatiable lust of oppressor 2:5-8)
2. Disaster will come to exploiters (2:9-11)
3. The illusion of the labor of the city-builder (2:12-14)
4. Condemnation for seduction of companions (2:15-17)
5. Condemnation of idolatry, which refuses to acknowledge the lordship of the Creator (2:18-19)
6. Conclusion: YHWH rules over all creation (2:20)

Question 7

Habakkuk’s Prayer (Hab 3)

Answer 7

1. Superscription (3:1)
2. The prophetic petition (3:2)
3. The manifestation of the Divine Warrior (3:3-7),
4. Purpose for YHWH’s coming (3:8-15)
   a. Historical references to the exodus
   b. Mythological references
5. Conclusion: Response of the Prophet (3:16-19)

Question 8

Habakkuk theological themes

Answer 8

A. Israel’s Heritage. Habakkuk expresses many facets of Israel’s heritage.
B. Habakkuk 2:4. A second issue worth discussing is the interpretation of Hab 2:4b, which we looked at already.
1. Meaning of the Hebrew. The Hebrew can be translated three different ways: (1) the righteous will live by his faith (NASB, RSV), (2) the righteous will live by their faithfulness (NIV NET), and (3) the righteous will live by its faithfulness, referring to the vision or the word of God given to Habakkuk. The word “faithfulness/faith” in Hebrew expresses a child’s trust in the faithfulness of a nurse to carry the child. One has faith in God and in the word of revelation when one lives faithfully. The point is that when Babylon destroys Jerusalem, God’s people will live by faith/faithfulness and not material measures.
2. Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38