What happensPermalink
Habakkuk cries out over violence, injustice, and a paralyzed law in Judah, asking why God does nothing. God answers that He is raising up the fearsome Babylonians to execute judgment. But this answer troubles Habakkuk even more: how can the holy God judge Judah with a nation even more wicked than Judah, one whose own strength is its god? He asks whether Babylon will be allowed to keep destroying nations without end.
Why it mattersPermalink
Habakkuk mistakes God’s unseen activity for inaction. But God’s answer creates a deeper problem: His judgment on wicked Judah will come through even more wicked Babylon. Habakkuk therefore moves from asking whether God will act to asking how His actions can be consistent with His holiness and justice. The chapter ends with that question unresolved: if violent empires become God’s instruments, where does the cycle of judgment stop?
Key versePermalink
Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.