V1-4
Why Lord/ comes the prophet’s question. The problem of injustice, when
the wicked prosper, and the righteous suffer. There is destruction and violence,
strife and conflict. The “law is paralysed,” ie there is no restraint on the
people.
We confess that our observation seems to contradict our understanding of
God; we see an apparent tolerance of sins, the wicked enjoying freedom to sin,
the righteous in sorrow. Yet we need to see how God sees, and Habakkuk himself
learns this.
V5-8
God’s work, for He is neither silent nor passive; He does speak and He
does act. Watch what He is about to do.
God raises up the Chaldean army against Judah, and against many other
nations. This army is described graphically; ruthless and impetuous, feared and
dreaded, a law to themselves, promoting their own honour. Although they are
God’s instrument of judgment, that does not imply that He approves of all
their methods, but it does indicate God’s power to raise up such an army.
V9-10 The
great power and success of the Babylonian army, gathering prisoners like sand,
scoffing at other rulers, mocking fortifications erected against them.
V11
Babylon attributes his success to his own god, ignorant of the fact that
their victories are due to the power of the true God. Babylon continues,
apparently unstoppable, like the wind.
V12
As Habakkuk struggles with the circumstances he observes, and the
apparent contradictions with the very character of God, he begins to see the
distinction between God’s people and Gentiles; “we will not die,” is true
of those who know and love God; in contrast, Babylon has been raised up to
execute God’s judgment upon nations.
V13
Habakkuk’s understanding, that God is holy, “too pure to look on
(tolerate) evil,” and yet He has appointed the cruellest of nations to destroy
other nations.
V14-15
Babylon’s success, like a fisherman with a dragnet, gathering
everything in its wake.
V16
Babylon imputes his numerous victories to his dragnet, his god; through
such victories, he has gained great wealth.