Habakkuk

“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” (Habakkuk 3:2)

Introducing Habakkuk

Learning to Pray with an Overwhelmed Prophet (Habakkuk 1:1-4; 1:12-2:1)

Watching for God in a Confusing World (Habakkuk 1:5-11; 2:2-20)

Finding Faith Amidst Trouble (Habakkuk 3:1-2, 16-19)

1. This week, we conclude our series, “God in the Ruins: The Message of the Minor Prophets,” by looking at the prophet Habakkuk. Begin your study by praying that God would speak to you through His Word.
2. Background: Habakkuk was a prophet to the southern kingdom of Judah before the fall of Jerusalem (587 BC), likely around 620-590 BC. All we know about Habakkuk is found in this book. He was a contemporary of Jeremiah and Nahum, speaking during the reign of Kings Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin (2 Chronicles 36). The book of Habakkuk has three major sections: his first complaint and God’s answer (1:1-11); his second complaint and God’s answer (1:12-2:20); and a final prayer of trusting worship (3:1-19).
3. Read Habakkuk 1:1-11. Summarize the prophet’s first complaint (1:1-4) in your own words. Why do you think Habakkuk began his complaint with “how long”?
4. In Habakkuk’s time, God’s people experienced troubles first from the Assyrians and then from the Babylonians. What does God say He is going to do, and what is the reason for this action (1:5-11)?
5. Read Habakkuk 1:12-2:20. Summarize Habakkuk’s second complaint (1:12-2:1) in your own words. What do you think it means that Habakkuk is standing watch for God’s response (2:1)?
6. Have you ever had times of waiting for God to respond to your troubles? How did you wait on God in that time?
7. What is God’s response about the attacker that is coming (Babylon) in 2:2-4?
8. In 2:5-19, a series of prophetic “woes” are leveled against the attacker. What are some of the messages here from God about the attacker and the results of their ways?
9. Why do you think the description of God in 2:20 is so meaningful in light of what has come before this point in Habakkuk 1-2?
10. Read the final prayer to God Habakkuk 3:1-19. What stands out to you in this prayer?
11. In verses 3-15 Habakkuk mingles together reflections on what God has done in the past, such as with the Exodus, and what He will do in the days to come. Why do you think the Exodus imagery was important for Habakkuk in his day and time?
12. Verses 17-19 reveal a deep faith amidst troubles. The fig tree, grapes, and olives are luxuries of the land, while the fields, sheep, and cattle are essentials for life in the land. What sort of faith declaration is Habakkuk making here?
13. What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study of the prophet Habakkuk? If you are on your own, write that down. If you are in a small group, discuss your answers with one another. Close in prayer. Choose one person in your life with whom you will share something you have learned about God this week.