My purpose is to seek to awaken interest in the small, neglected book of Habakkuk. Though one of the so-called minor prophets, it is anything but minor as to content and present-day application.

The Prophet's Burden

Habakkkuk was burdened by the state of the people of Israel, and perplexed that God would allow a wicked nation as the Chaldeans to bring such devastation upon them. He learned, however, that Jehovah has "ordained them [i.e. the Chaldeans] for correction" (1:13). Evil in God's people was no less obnoxious to Him than evil in the Gentile nation. Hence, God must purge evil from His people, as He most certainly will punish the wicked ones. He may even use His discipline upon them.

Application: Christendom has failed. Grief fills the heart of the devoted follower of Christ, but God's ways are righteous and He will accomplish His purposes in holy judgment.

The Prophet's Attitude

Linking himself with the ruin and rebellion of Israel the prophet says in Habakkuk 2:1, "I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say to ME, and what I shall answer when I am reproved." He is alert to God's ways and expresses desire to be responsive to His voice of reproof to himself.

Application: May we ever see our need of watchfulness, realizing God has lessons for us so that our state of soul may glorify Him, though all else fails.

A Vision of Hope Given

The Lord responds to the prophet by giving him a vision. In Habakkuk 2:2, we read, "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." The vision in verse 3 projects a future hope at an appointed time, and it is to be waited for with a promise it will surely come to pass. Hebrews 10:37 leaves us with no doubt that it concerns the Person of Christ who would come—"For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry."

Principle of Blessing

Though the proud and rebellious will reject the word, yet we read the promise, "The just shall live by his faith" (2:4). The "just" are the saved ones who have received God's testimony concerning His Son and have been made the righteousness of God in Him. They have received eternal life and thus live. Faith in Christ alone has given them this blessing.

Application: God gives the believer a sure hope. The second coming of Christ is nearer than when we believed. Perhaps today He will come! While we wait, let us run to tell others the message of the vision we have read and believed.

Has some interest in Habakkuk been awakened? If so, continue the study in chapter 3, and follow him in his prayer and rejoicing.