Title and Author: The book of Habakkuk is named after its author, the prophet Habakkuk. The name "Habakkuk" is believed to mean "embrace" or "wrestle," which is fitting given the prophet's struggle with understanding God's ways. The authorship is traditionally attributed to Habakkuk himself, a prophet who likely lived in the late 7th century BC.

Historical Context: Habakkuk prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, likely between 609 and 598 BC. This was a time of political instability and moral decline following the death of King Josiah. The Babylonian Empire was rising to power, threatening Judah's security and sovereignty.

Audience: The primary audience of Habakkuk's message was the people of Judah. The book addresses their spiritual and moral failings and warns of impending judgment through the Babylonian invasion.

Purpose: The purpose of Habakkuk is to address the prophet's questions about God's justice and to provide assurance that God is sovereign and just, even when His ways are not immediately understandable. It serves to encourage faith and trust in God's ultimate plan.

Genre and Style: Habakkuk is a prophetic book that combines elements of lament, dialogue, and prayer. It is poetic in style, especially in chapter 3, which is a psalm.1. Habakkuk (Habakkuk 1:1)
- Habakkuk is the prophet who authors the book. He is known for questioning God about the presence of evil and injustice in the world and seeking understanding of God's plans. The book begins with "The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet received."

2. God (Habakkuk 1:5)
- God is the central figure who responds to Habakkuk's questions and complaints. He reveals His plans to use the Babylonians as an instrument of judgment and assures Habakkuk of His ultimate justice and sovereignty. In Habakkuk 1:5, God begins His response: "Look at the nations and observe—be utterly astounded! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe even if someone told you."

The Book of Habakkuk does not mention other specific individuals by name, as it primarily focuses on the dialogue between Habakkuk and God, along with descriptions of the Chaldeans (Babylonians) as a nation rather than individual people.1. Chaldeans (Babylonians) (Habakkuk 1:6)
- Description: The Chaldeans, also known as the Babylonians, are mentioned as a rising power that God is raising up to execute judgment. They are described as a "ruthless and impetuous nation" that "sweeps across the earth to seize dwellings not their own."

2. Lebanon (Habakkuk 2:17)
- Description: Lebanon is referenced in the context of the violence and destruction that will come upon those who have plundered nations. It is known for its majestic cedar trees and is often symbolically associated with strength and beauty.

3. Teman (Habakkuk 3:3)
- Description: Teman is a region or city associated with Edom, located to the southeast of Israel. It is mentioned in a theophany, a vision of God's majestic appearance, indicating the direction from which God comes.

4. Mount Paran (Habakkuk 3:3)
- Description: Mount Paran is a mountainous region in the Sinai Peninsula. It is also mentioned in the theophany, highlighting the grandeur and power of God's presence as He comes to deliver His people.1. Habakkuk's First Complaint (Habakkuk 1:2-4)
- Habakkuk begins by questioning God about the prevalence of injustice and violence in Judah. He is troubled by the apparent lack of divine intervention and asks, "How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but You do not listen?" (Habakkuk 1:2).

2. God's First Response (Habakkuk 1:5-11)
- God responds to Habakkuk's complaint by revealing that He is raising up the Babylonians (Chaldeans) as an instrument of judgment against Judah. God describes the Babylonians as a fierce and impetuous nation that will sweep across the land.

3. Habakkuk's Second Complaint (Habakkuk 1:12-17)
- Habakkuk questions God's use of the Babylonians, a nation more wicked than Judah, to execute judgment. He struggles with the idea of a holy God allowing such a ruthless people to conquer His own.

4. God's Second Response (Habakkuk 2:2-20)
- God instructs Habakkuk to write down the vision and assures him that justice will ultimately prevail. He pronounces a series of "woes" against the Babylonians, highlighting their greed, violence, and idolatry. God emphasizes that "the righteous will live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4).

5. Habakkuk's Prayer and Praise (Habakkuk 3:1-19)
- The book concludes with a prayer of Habakkuk, which is a psalm of praise and trust in God. Habakkuk reflects on God's past deeds and expresses confidence in God's salvation, despite the impending hardships. He declares, "Yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!" (Habakkuk 3:18).1. Questioning God's Justice (Habakkuk 1:2-4)
- Habakkuk begins by questioning why God allows injustice and violence to prevail. He is troubled by the apparent triumph of wickedness and the suffering of the righteous. This theme is introduced when Habakkuk cries out, "How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but You do not listen?"

2. God's Sovereignty and Control (Habakkuk 1:5-11)
- God responds to Habakkuk by revealing His plan to use the Babylonians as an instrument of judgment. This theme emphasizes that God is in control of world events, even when His methods are beyond human understanding. It begins with God saying, "Look at the nations and observe—be utterly astounded! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe even if someone told you."

3. The Problem of Evil (Habakkuk 1:12-17)
- Habakkuk struggles with the problem of evil, questioning why a holy God would use a more wicked nation to punish His people. This theme is explored as Habakkuk asks, "Why then do You tolerate the treacherous? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?"

4. Living by Faith (Habakkuk 2:4)
- In response to Habakkuk's concerns, God declares that "the righteous will live by his faith." This theme highlights the importance of trusting in God's promises and maintaining faith despite circumstances.

5. The Certainty of Divine Justice (Habakkuk 2:6-20)
- God assures Habakkuk that the wicked will ultimately face judgment. This theme is expressed through a series of "woes" pronounced against the oppressors, beginning with, "Woe to him who piles up stolen goods and makes himself wealthy by extortion!"

6. The Glory of God (Habakkuk 2:14)
- Amidst the pronouncements of judgment, there is a promise of hope: "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea." This theme underscores the ultimate triumph of God's glory over all the earth.

7. Prayer and Praise (Habakkuk 3:1-19)
- The book concludes with a prayer that reflects Habakkuk's renewed faith and trust in God. Despite the impending hardships, Habakkuk chooses to rejoice in the Lord. This theme is encapsulated in his declaration, "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will be joyful in God my Savior."1. The Righteous One (Habakkuk 2:4)
- Description: This verse is famous for the phrase, "The righteous will live by his faith." In the New Testament, this concept is linked to Jesus, who embodies perfect righteousness and faithfulness. Christians see Jesus as the ultimate Righteous One who lives by faith and imparts righteousness to believers.


2. The Coming One (Habakkuk 2:3)
- Description: The verse speaks of a vision that "awaits an appointed time" and "will certainly come and will not delay." This is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy, pointing to the coming of Jesus, who fulfills God's promises at the appointed time.

3. The Judge (Habakkuk 3:12)
- Description: In this verse, God is depicted as marching through the earth in judgment. Jesus is often seen as the ultimate judge in Christian theology, who will come to judge the living and the dead.

4. The Savior (Habakkuk 3:13)
- Description: The verse mentions God going out "to save Your people, to save Your anointed." Christians interpret this as a reference to Jesus, the anointed one (Messiah), who brings salvation to God's people through his life, death, and resurrection.

5. The Glory of God (Habakkuk 2:14)
- Description: The verse proclaims, "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea." Jesus is often seen as the embodiment of God's glory, revealing God's nature and character to the world.1. Prophecy of the Rise of the Babylonians (Chaldeans)
- Prophecy: God reveals to Habakkuk that He will raise up the Babylonians as an instrument of judgment against Judah. (Habakkuk 1:6)
- Fulfillment: The Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar, conquered Judah and Jerusalem, leading to the Babylonian exile around 586 B.C. This historical event is documented in 2 Kings 24-25 and 2 Chronicles 36.

2. Prophecy of the Just Shall Live by Faith
- Prophecy: In response to Habakkuk's concerns about justice, God declares, "But the righteous will live by his faith." (Habakkuk 2:4)
- Fulfillment: This principle is echoed in the New Testament, emphasizing that righteousness comes through faith. It is quoted in Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, and Hebrews 10:38, forming a foundational concept in Christian theology.

3. Prophecy of Woes Against the Wicked
- Prophecy: A series of woes are pronounced against the oppressors and the wicked, including those who build cities with bloodshed and those who exploit others. (Habakkuk 2:6-20)
- Fulfillment: The eventual downfall of Babylon is seen as a fulfillment of these woes. Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians in 539 B.C., as recorded in Daniel 5.

4. Prophecy of the Earth Will Be Filled with the Knowledge of the Glory of the Lord
- Prophecy: "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:14)
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is seen as an eschatological promise, pointing to a future time when God's glory will be universally recognized. It is echoed in Isaiah 11:9 and is a theme in Christian eschatology.

5. Prophecy of God's Ultimate Triumph and Justice
- Prophecy: Habakkuk concludes with a prayer and a vision of God's ultimate triumph over evil, emphasizing that God will bring justice and salvation. (Habakkuk 3:3-15)
- Fulfillment: While this prophecy has a future aspect, it is also seen as being fulfilled in part through God's historical acts of deliverance and is ultimately fulfilled in the Christian belief in the second coming of Christ.

1. Habakkuk’s First Complaint  ( 1:1⁠–⁠11 )

a. The Perversion of Justice  ( 1:1⁠–⁠4 )

b. The LORD’s Answer: I am Raising Up the Chaldeans  ( 1:5⁠–⁠11 )

2. Habakkuk's Second Complaint  ( 1:12⁠–⁠2:20 )

a. Babylon is Worse than Israel  ( 1:12⁠–⁠17 )

b. The LORD Answers Again: Woe to the Chaldeans  ( 2:1⁠–⁠20 )

3. Habakkuk's Prayer  ( 3:1⁠–⁠19 )