Habakkuk 1
1The prophecy that Habakkuk the prophet received. 2How long, Lord, must I call for help,but you do not listen?Or cry out to you, “Violence!”but you do not save? 3Why do you make me look at injustice?Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?Destruction and violence are before me;there is strife, and conflict abounds. 4Therefore the law is paralyzed,and justice never prevails.The wicked hem in the righteous,so that justice is perverted. 5“Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed.For I am going to do something in your daysthat you would not believe,even if you were told. 6I am raising up the Babylonians,that ruthless and impetuous people,who sweep across the whole earthto seize dwellings not their own. 7They are a feared and dreaded people;they are a law to themselvesand promote their own honor. 8Their horses are swifter than leopards,fiercer than wolves at dusk.Their cavalry gallops headlong;their horsemen come from afar.They fly like an eagle swooping to devour; 9they all come intent on violence.Their hordes advance like a desert windand gather prisoners like sand. 10They mock kingsand scoff at rulers.They laugh at all fortified cities;by building earthen ramps they capture them. 11Then they sweep past like the wind and go on—guilty people, whose own strength is their god.” 12Lord, are you not from everlasting?My God, my Holy One, you will never die.You, Lord, have appointed them to execute judgment;you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish. 13Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.Why then do you tolerate the treacherous?Why are you silent while the wickedswallow up those more righteous than themselves? 14You have made people like the fish in the sea,like the sea creatures that have no ruler. 15The wicked foe pulls all of them up with hooks,he catches them in his net,he gathers them up in his dragnet;and so he rejoices and is glad. 16Therefore he sacrifices to his netand burns incense to his dragnet,for by his net he lives in luxuryand enjoys the choicest food. 17Is he to keep on emptying his net,destroying nations without mercy?
Study Context for Habakkuk 1
As you study Habakkuk 1, keep in mind the overarching themes of this old testament book: Faith, Justice, Trust. Observe how the specific events or teachings in this chapter contribute to the book's broader message.
FaithJusticeTrust
Observation: What does Habakkuk 1 reveal about the character and nature of God? What does it reveal about humanity?
Application: How does the truth presented in this chapter change how you should live, think, or pray today?
Read in context:Habakkuk 2
Study introductions and prompts are supplementary aids, not Scripture. They do not replace prayerful reading, the authority of Scripture, a faithful local church, or pastoral care.
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