Habakkuk 3:4 And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power. In this chapter we have Habakkuk's earnest prayer for deliverance from the foes of his people. He describes Jehovah's revelation of Himself at Sinai and at Gibeon as ground for believing that He will again interpose in behalf of Israel. I. IN THE WORKS OF CREATION GOD'S OMNIPOTENCE IS HIDDEN. God never makes display; in all His works we have evidences of restrained power. In nature nothing is forced to its utmost tension. All the objects of creation around us show marks of deliberate wisdom and restrained strength. The fruits of the earth. The flowers of the garden, the seasons, etc. Through all nature we see horns coming out of His hand — rays from the central sun of His omnipotence. But with regard to omnipotence, in all its essential grandeur, there is the "hiding of His power." II. IN GOD'S PROVIDENTIAL DEALINGS WITH THE RACE THERE IS THE HIDING OF HIS POWER. There are many wrongs on earth that need righting. All things in providence proceed according to an eternal plan. His worlds circulate, so do His providential dealings. God's worlds circulate quietly and without clashing; so do His providences; issuing from the source of all harmony and light they are gradually evolving light out of darkness, harmony out of discord, life out of death, happiness out of grief. III. IN CHRIST'S REDEMPTIVE WORK THERE WAS THE HIDING OF HIS POWER. Through our Saviour's life there was "the hiding of His power." Two methods are used to impress people with the idea of power. The passive method. The stock in trade of some public speakers is the trick of appearing wise. The demonstrative method of manifesting power is more popular. But how remarkably free from all display was the life of Christ. The death of Christ brings out this idea very forcibly. Lessons — 1. The hollowness of mere religious display. 2. That God has no absolute need of man's help in forwarding the interests of His kingdom. 3. Our need to get into sympathy with God. (Alex. Macfarlane.) Parallel Verses KJV: And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power.WEB: His splendor is like the sunrise. Rays shine from his hand, where his power is hidden. |
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