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The Minor Prophets
The Minor Prophets
Questioning God
Clark, G. Ross
Why does God let nations get away with their godless actions? Why does God allow evil on the
earth? Why does God allow me to suffer when my unconverted neighbor is enjoying life? Why
doesn’t God listen to my prayers and do something now?
These are penetrating questions that every one of us has asked at some point in life. In fact, it can
be healthy for us spiritually to wrestle with life’s problems and to seek an understanding of
God’s purposes. But whenever we begin a sentence with, “Why does God . . . ?” we should think
about Habakkuk, who framed these same questions 2,500 years ago.
The answers which Habakkuk received are written in the small book that bears his name. God
has graciously given us this book as part of Scripture so that we can read and understand His
purposes. Habakkuk is as relevant and contemporary as this morning’s headlines.
Background
As is the case with most of the “minor” prophets, we know almost nothing about Habakkuk as a
person. We are given his name and his office. Beyond that, we are left to speculation. The date of
the book is not certain, although it was likely in the seventh century B.C. The happy result of all
of this unsatisfied curiosity is that we can easily identify with him and his queries, even though
the circumstances of our lives are so dramatically different.
b. This book is a written two-way conversation between a perplexed Habak-kuk and a responsive
God.
c. Other prophets warned their audiences about God’s coming judgment and despaired about its
expected impact on Israel and Judah; however, Habakkuk pleads with God to bring judgment on
sinners immediately. He was puzzled as to why judgment was delayed.
First, God answers the question of why the wicked are allowed to prosper (verses 2-4). Any
success that sin brings, including the coming success of the Chaldeans, only inflames the desire
for more sin, a spiraling circle of emptiness that brings no satisfaction. The supposed “success”
of sinners does not blemish God’s glory. In fact, by contrast God’s glory is enhanced.
Second, God explains that the “success” of sinners is temporary since it comes by taking
advantage of others (verses 6-8).
Third, God explains that those seeking power and wealth are outwardly manifesting an internal
drive for security which is illusory. Power and wealth do not produce security; they produce
envy in others and dissatisfaction and guilt in the acquirer (verses 9-11).
Fourth, God states the obvious – all material gain eventually decays. Only the glory of God
endures (verses 12-14).
Fifth, God introduces the principle that how you treat others will rebound in the way you are
treated. In this case, God gives examples of how aggrandizing material goods at the expense of
others will have negative consequences (verses 15-17).
Lastly, God explains that those who worship idols, including material goods, are morally and
spiritually bankrupt. God is on His throne, He is the Judge, and only He will speak with
authority. “But the Lord is in His holy temple, let all the earth keep silence before Him” (verse
20).
To summarize, Habakkuk had asked the question “Why?” and God answered with, “Who.”
Habakkuk was originally concerned that the sinner’s “success” would tarnish God’s glory and
justice (ch 1:4), but God demonstrates that no one needs to be concerned about Him.
1. “The just shall live by his faith” (verse 4). This verse is the bedrock of three New Testament
books: Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews.
2. “The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord” (verse 14). We know
that in the future, all the earth will wonder at the glory of the Lord realized during His peaceful
and righteous reign.
3. “The Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him” (verse 20).
At the end of the day, God is the Judge on the throne and His authority rules.
a. He realizes that God is indeed working in the earth and encourages Him to continue (verses 1-
2).
b. He acknowledges that God has worked in the past in Israel’s history so it gives him a basis to
trust God for future involvement.
c. He praises the Lord and rests in God’s good judgment (verses 17-19).
In our world of terror, war, disease, and suffering, there is a tremendous comfort to be found in
relying on God’s timing and care. Like Habakkuk, I can overlook the failure around me. Instead
“I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation: The Lord is my strength…” (ch
3:18-19).