The Exegete

Woe #5 concludes with stunning contrasts between idols and the true living God; chapter three begins with Habakkuk's prayer in awe of God and his request for the Lord to revive His people

We consider three observations about idols and two stunning contrasts between idols and the living God of creation.

The Lord speaks to Babylon with the fourth “woe,” addressing debauchery and the sowing and reaping principle; and woe #5, the devastating and destructive matter of idolatry. Both of these issues have major application in today’s culture.

In Habakkuk chapter 2, Woe #3, the LORD continues to speak of judgment coming on Babylon, but He also mentions a fabulous and extraordinary future time in which the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD.

In this session we see God pronouncing the first two of five “woes” on Babylon pertaining to their sins of extreme greed and wanton violence. We also discuss the issue of where we, as God’s people, are putting our security in a culture that has striking parallels to that of ancient Babylon.

The Lord continues to speak to Habakkuk about the sin of Babylon. God also proclaims the great truth about salvation, “The just shall live by faith.” Paul refers to this verse in his great thesis on redemption.

God begins to address the coming judgement on Babylon in the time of Habakkuk and also hints at the future judgement of “mystery Babylon” in Revelation 17 & 18. God describes the wickedness of Babylon and we look at some ways to battle sin in our own lives.

Habakkuk responds to God’s warning of coming judgment with perplexity, distress, and complaints against the Lord’s plans. Habakkuk stands ready to receive a rebuke, but the Lord says to record the words of the vision so that all may know His purposes.

Habakkuk responds to the Lord’s warning of coming judgment with perplexity and uncertainty yet he proclaims the greatness of God to bring perspective and assurance.

The coming of the Babylonians for judgment on Judah is seen on the light of Deut. 28 and Jeremiah 52, which describes the destruction of Jerusalem. Also, the justice of God in using Babylon and eight lessons about God from verses 1-11.