← Back to Habakkuk

Habakkuk 3

19 verses

TL;DR

Habakkuk delivers a fervent prayer, marveling at God's mighty deeds against nations, trembling in awe, yet finding hope and joy in God's salvation.

Summary

In Habakkuk 3, the prophet begins by praising God’s majestic works and expressing fear when hearing His voice. He vividly describes God’s power as shining light, horned hands, and pestilence, which terrifies the nations. The text continues with images of rivers, seas, and chariots, showing God’s decisive judgment over Cushan and Midian. Habakkuk feels trembling and lamentation, yet ultimately rejoices, affirming his faith in God’s strength and salvation. He declares that the LORD will empower him like a deer on high places and praises the divine with music.

Outline
  1. Habakkuk’s opening prayer and awe of God’s revelation
  2. Vivid depictions of God’s judgment and power over enemies
  3. The prophet’s trembling, lament, and hopeful rejoicing in salvation
Themes
Divine sovereignty and powerFear and awe in the presence of GodHope and joy amid judgment
Keywords
HabakkukGodLordTemanParanCushanMidianriversseahorseschariotsbowarrowspearanointedstaveswhirlwindfig treevineoliveflockherdhigh placesstringed instruments
People
HabakkukGodLORD
Places
TemanMount ParanCushanMidianSeaRivers
Things
God’s glorylighthornspestilenceburning coalsearthnationsmountainshillstentscurtainsrivershorseschariotsbowarrowsspearanointedstavesvillageswhirlwindfig treevineoliveflockherdhigh placesstringed instruments
Key Verses
  • Habakkuk 3:4: Illustrates God’s radiant glory and power.
  • Habakkuk 3:7: Shows the trembling of Cushan’s tents, a vivid image of judgment.
  • Habakkuk 3:13: Highlights God’s salvation for His people.
  • Habakkuk 3:18: Marks the shift to rejoicing and faith.
  • Habakkuk 3:19: Conveys the believer’s confidence in God’s strength and musical praise.
Questions
  • How does Habakkuk’s description of God’s power influence his fear and awe?
  • What does the imagery of pestilence and burning coals suggest about divine judgment?
  • In what ways does the passage transition from trembling to rejoicing?
  • How does Habakkuk’s confidence in God’s salvation reflect broader biblical themes?
  • What contemporary experiences of faith echo Habakkuk’s lament and joy?
Sentiment

mixed
The passage alternates between fear, awe, lament, and hopeful joy.