Habakkuk is a short prophetic book born out of long, anguished questions: How can a loving, righteous God allow His people to suffer under corrupt leaders and violent empires—and why keep trusting Him when the answers seem worse than the problem? In this introductory episode, Krisan Marotta sets the stage for Habakkuk’s struggle by walking through Israel’s history, the rise of Assyria and Babylon, and the spiritual collapse of Judah under kings like Manasseh and Jehoiakim. 

In this week’s episode, we explore:

• Why life’s “bad surprises” can feel so incompatible with faith in a loving, sovereign God
• How Habakkuk gives voice to the believer’s cry: “How long, O Lord?” in the face of injustice, violence, and national turmoil
• The key moments in Israel’s story—from Abraham to the divided kingdom—that lead to Habakkuk’s time
• How the fall of Assyria, the reforms of Josiah, and the rise of Babylon shape the crisis behind Habakkuk’s questions
• What it meant for Judah to live under corrupt rulers and oppressive foreign powers, even while remaining God’s covenant people
• The two central questions that frame the whole book: Why does God let His people suffer, and why keep believing when rescue doesn’t come? 

After listening, you’ll have a clear sense of where Habakkuk fits in biblical history and why his questions are still ours today. You’ll be better prepared to read this short prophetic book with understanding—seeing not only the geopolitical chaos of his day, but the way God invites His people to know Him more deeply when circumstances grow darker, not brighter. 

Series: Habakkuk: Faith Under Fire