Habakkuk 3
Habakkuk 3 is a prayer of the prophet Habakkuk set to music, expressing his awe of God's mighty acts and a plea for God’s intervention on behalf of Israel. This chapter is unique in its format, resembling a psalm, and shifts from Habakkuk's earlier dialogues with God to a song of reverence and trust. Habakkuk recalls God’s past deliverances and, despite the looming judgment, expresses a profound faith in God’s salvation.
Habakkuk 3:1 (NKJV)
1 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, on Shigionoth.
Habakkuk begins by introducing his prayer, which is a deeply emotional plea set to Shigionoth, a musical term suggesting a passionate or ecstatic style. This shows Habakkuk’s intense commitment to expressing his plea for God’s mercy with both reverence and emotion.
Habakkuk 3:2 (NKJV)
2 O Lord, I have heard Your speech and was afraid; O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.
Habakkuk acknowledges the fear and awe inspired by God's words, revealing his deep respect for God’s power and justice. Despite impending judgment, he prays for revival, desiring that God’s mighty acts be renewed in his time. His plea to “remember mercy” shows his hope that God’s compassion will temper His wrath.
Habakkuk 3:3-4 (NKJV)
3 God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise.
4 His brightness was like the light; He had rays flashing from His hand, and there His power was hidden.
Habakkuk reflects on God’s previous manifestations, referencing Teman and Mount Paran, associated with God’s appearance in the wilderness. God’s glory is so vast that it fills the heavens and the earth, displaying His majesty. The rays of light symbolize His power, partially revealed yet also hidden, suggesting that God’s full strength is beyond human understanding.
Habakkuk 3:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Before Him went pestilence, and fever followed at His feet.
6 He stood and measured the earth; He looked and startled the nations. And the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills bowed. His ways are everlasting.
Habakkuk recalls how God’s presence brings plagues and fear, indicating His power over all creation. The image of God measuring the earth portrays His sovereignty over it. His gaze alone causes nations to tremble, while even the ancient, immovable mountains scatter at His presence. This underscores God’s eternal authority over the physical and political realms.
Habakkuk 3:7-10 (NKJV)
7 I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction; the curtains of the land of Midian trembled.
8 O Lord, were You displeased with the rivers, was Your anger against the rivers, was Your wrath against the sea, that You rode on Your horses, Your chariots of salvation?
9 Your bow was made quite ready; oaths were sworn over Your arrows. Selah You divided the earth with rivers.
10 The mountains saw You and trembled; the overflowing of the water passed by. The deep uttered its voice, and lifted its hands on high.
These verses depict God’s mighty power over nature. Cushan and Midian’s distress at God’s power reflect historical fears in these regions when God acted on behalf of Israel. His command over rivers, seas, and mountains shows His absolute dominion, and His “chariots of salvation” suggest that His might is used to deliver His people. Nature itself reacts to God’s power, emphasizing His authority over creation.
Habakkuk 3:11-12 (NKJV)
11 The sun and moon stood still in their habitation; at the light of Your arrows they went, at the shining of Your glittering spear.
12 You marched through the land in indignation; You trampled the nations in anger.
Recalling how the sun and moon stopped at God’s command (likely a reference to Joshua’s battle), Habakkuk emphasizes God’s control over time and space. God’s arrows and spear symbolize His might in judgment, as He advances with righteous anger against oppressive nations, underscoring His role as the ultimate judge.
Habakkuk 3:13 (NKJV)
13 You went forth for the salvation of Your people, for salvation with Your Anointed. You struck the head from the house of the wicked, by laying bare from foundation to neck. Selah
Habakkuk recognizes God’s commitment to saving His people, hinting at a Messianic figure (“Your Anointed”) who plays a role in deliverance. God’s actions dismantle the strongholds of the wicked, showing His dedication to justice and His willingness to protect His people at all costs.
Habakkuk 3:14-15 (NKJV)
14 You thrust through with his own arrows the head of his villages. They came out like a whirlwind to scatter me; their rejoicing was like feasting on the poor in secret.
15 You walked through the sea with Your horses, through the heap of great waters.
God turns the enemy’s weapons against them, a symbol of divine justice, as they are defeated by their own devices. The enemies, who sought to harm and oppress the vulnerable, are ultimately humbled. Habakkuk’s imagery of God moving through the sea recalls the Exodus, a reminder of God’s past acts of salvation and His unstoppable path through opposition.
Habakkuk 3:16 (NKJV)
16 When I heard, my body trembled; my lips quivered at the voice; rottenness entered my bones; and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble. When he comes up to the people, he will invade them with his troops.
Habakkuk reacts to God’s power with physical fear and awe, his trembling body symbolizing the overwhelming presence of divine might. Yet he finds solace in the hope of “rest in the day of trouble,” indicating faith that God’s justice will ultimately prevail, even amid judgment.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NKJV)
17 Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls—
18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk expresses steadfast faith, acknowledging potential hardships, such as failed crops and lost herds, which would devastate an agrarian society. Despite these dire circumstances, he chooses to rejoice in God, trusting in His salvation, showing profound resilience and unwavering faith.
Habakkuk 3:19 (NKJV)
19 The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.
Habakkuk concludes with a declaration of God’s strength as his own. The imagery of “deer’s feet” suggests agility, grace, and stability in difficult terrain, symbolizing how God equips him to endure hardships. This final note of trust in God’s empowering presence reflects Habakkuk’s journey from fear to faith, ending on a hopeful, triumphant note.