Where Is Your Justice, O GOD? (Habakkuk) Mnemonic: Habakkuk (back-talk): talks back to God
Exposition Q1. O Lord, why don't you do something about this injustice? (1:2-4) Habakkuk's theology of God (judge, vindicator, deliverer, answerer) doesn't match his experience in the world (injustice, oppression, violence, silence).
A1. I am, by raising up Chaldeans (1:5-11). Nineveh fell to Babylon in 612 BC. Then Nebuchadnezzar defeated Egypt in 605 BC (see Jer 46) & turned his eyes upon Judah.
Q2. What kind of justice is that?! (1:12-2:1). How can a holy God use a wicked nation to judge a more righteous nation?
A2. The proud will perish, but the just shall live by his faith (2:2-20) WOE to: a. plunderer of nations (2:6b-8) b. those who build houses from evil gain (2:9-11) c. those who build cities by blood & iniquity (2:12-14) d. those who are drunk on blood of innocent (2:15-17) e. idolaters (2:18-20)
This is why God first uses Babylon for judgment & then brings Babylon to judgment. God is revealing his justice & glory in the earth.
3. Prayer of Habakkuk: "Revive your work, & in wrath remember mercy" (3)
LITERARY STRUCTURE: a. 1st complaint: How long must I wait for your salvation? (1:2-4) b. 1st answer: coming of powerful army of Babylon (1:5-11) c. 2nd complaint: How can You allow the wicked to judge? (1:12-17) d. Turning pt.: Proud will soon be punished, but righteous live by faith (2:1-5) c'. 2nd answer: I will judge the wicked & glorify my justice (2:6-20) b'. Final answer: Coming of much more powerful army of God (3:1-15) a'. Final resolution: I will wait for your salvation (3:16-19)
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