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Again we know very little of
the prophet Habakkuk. This work was probably written between 625 and
600 b.c. This is a most unusual book because it is actually an
account of a conversation between the prophet and Jehovah. The great
value of the book is that it actually shows us the words, mind or
thinking of God. Let us note the wonderful lessons as we hear
Jehovah give verbal answers to the prophets prayer.
There are a number of
wonderful statements in this book that are some of the most powerful
messages of our day. The nations exhaust themselves for
nothing. (2:13-14) "For the earth will be filled with the
knowledge of the
glory of the Lord, as the waters that cover the sea. The Lord
is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him."
(2:20) "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on
the vines, though the olive crop fails and fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
(3:17-18)
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The early part of chapter 1
is the prayer of the prophet to God. The prophet is struggling
with violence and sin all around. The prophet complains that it
seems that wickedness always wins, and justice is always
perverted. The answer of heaven is that if the prophet will be
patient and watch he will see the power of God as the Babylonians
are used to correct this great injustice in Judah.
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In the latter part of this
chapter the prophet raises another question. He inquiries more
specifically regarding why the Lord puts up with such treachery
among men. The 2nd chapter is the Lord's reply, and this time
the prophet is directed to write the message down so that it may
be carried by herald to the people. In this chapter the Lord
declares 5 woes on those who simply use other people for their
own gain. At least a part of the answer given to the prophet is
that the Lord will deal with the sinner in his own way and his own
time. It is a fact that no sinner will escape the wrath of God.
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In the 3rd chapter the
prophet offers a prayer of praise to Jehovah. This prayer reveals
that the prophet has understood the message of God and that he is
anticipating the righteous acts that the Lord has promised. He no
longer is struggling, but he is waiting on the Lord.
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