The prophet Habakkuk authored the book that bears his name, though he is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. In addition to his prophetic role, he served as a temple musician and is believed to have been a contemporary of Nahum, Zephaniah and Jeremiah.
The name Habakkuk carries symbolic meaning. It is linked to an Akkadian garden plant that could provide shelter in a desolate land, offering both shade from the heat and warmth from the cold. The imagery is fitting, because in Habakkuk we read that God’s people could find protection in Him amid physical devastation and spiritual decline.
Habakkuk ministered to the southern tribes (Judah) after the northern tribes (Israel) had already been taken captive by Assyria. The people were entrenched in their sin, and God’s judgment loomed. Babylon, which would soon take them captive, was growing in power.
Another interesting fact about Habakkuk is that the book contains no public addresses. Instead, it records the prophet’s personal struggles with faith amid rampant sin. The book outlines an exchange between the prophet and God, in which Habakkuk questions why the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer. God responds that judgment is coming via the Babylonians. Habakkuk raises a second complaint about God’s use of wicked people to carry out His purposes. God clarifies that He will spare the faithful but execute judgment on the faithless.
Can you not relate to Habakkuk’s questions? “Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong?” (Hab. 1:3). Doesn’t your heart cry out like Jeremiah’s, asking, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive?” (Jer. 12:1)
A mature view of providence recognizes God’s use of the wicked to accomplish His purposes. Yet, when you see them flourish, don’t you also wonder, “Why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he?”
The entirety of chapter two contains God’s response. It begins with a command to be still and ends with an instruction to be silent.
Undoubtedly, Habakkuk had more questions, but he found satisfaction in God’s responses. He didn’t beg for rescue, nor did he ask the Lord to remove hardship. He didn’t demand more detail about how, when, where or what God was doing. Habakkuk received assurance that none of it had gone unnoticed and that everything would be addressed at the appropriate time. All would be made right.
Habakkuk may be an inconspicuous figure, but his response to God’s direction to be still and silent may be why the book is part of the permanent record. He chooses to be satisfied. The final chapter is a chronicle of Habakkuk’s prayer of faith. He recounts how God has worked throughout history to accomplish His will. Even as Habakkuk’s “lips quiver” at the sound of approaching invaders, he chooses to “quietly wait for the day of trouble.” He rejoices, even at the thought of utter ruin.
Can you do it? Can you be still and silent until God acts? Are you willing to be satisfied with the answers given? Can you be faithful, even when afraid? Can you rejoice in the Lord simply because He is your salvation? Strive to be still, silent and satisfied in the Lord.