HABAKKUK 3
Bible Study Notes Rev. Betsy Perkins
The Prophet Worshipping and Witnessing
- Have you ever had a vision or “revelation”(2:2) of God that left you in awe? Or heard of someone who had that kind of experience? Is it possible to learn from another person’s vision of God?
Habakkuk Prays to God (3:1-2):
- What does ‘shigionoth’ mean? Read the last line of Habakkuk 3. What do you think these messages at the beginning and end of the chapter tell us about what comes in betweeen?
- What were God’s deeds and fame that Habakkuk might have had in mind? What emotions is Habakkuk experiencing as he thinks of these things?
- What does Habakkuk ask of the Lord at the start of his prayer?
Habakkuk prayed because he wanted God’s work to succeed. God had told him that He was ‘working a work’ in the world (1:5), and now the prophet prayed that God would keep that work alive and cause it to prosper. What God was doing wasn’t the work Habakkuk would have chosen, but he accepted God’s plan and prayed, “Thy will be done.” ~ Warren Wiersbe
- Why do you think Habakkuk reminds God to “remember mercy”? How is this similar to Moses’ prayer in Exodus 34:9 after the Israelites worship a golden calf?
- Did God show mercy to the Israelites in answer Habakkuk’s prayer?
- Warren Wiesbe writes, “If, like Habakkuk, you ever become discouraged about the condition of the church, the state of the world, or your own spiritual life, take time to pray and seek God’s mercy. Charles Spurgeon said, ‘Whether we like it or not, asking is the rule of the kingdom.’ The greatest need today is for intercessors.” Take a few moments to pray for people, places and situations that are in need of God’s mercy.
Habakkuk Ponders His Vision of God (3:3-15):
- As God appears in Habakkuk’ vision what does he see (vs.3-5)? What images does he use to try to describe God?
- Can you recall other times when plagues and pestilence preceded God’s acts of power and rescue?
- What is the greatest “revelation” of God which we have been given? Read John 1:14.
Pharaoh wouldn’t acknowledge the truth, so he couldn’t experience the grace. The first plague of Moses in Egypt was the turning of water into blood (Ex.7:14-25), while our Lord’s first recorded miracle was the turning of water into wine. ~ Warren Wiersbe
- After God’s arrival in the vision (vs.3-5), what three things does God do (vs.6)?
- The word ‘shook’ in verse 6 can also mean ‘measured’. Close your eyes and imagine God with this description from Warren Wiersbe: Invading generals either push forward to gain ground or they fall back in retreat, but the Lord simply stood and faced the enemy unafraid. In fact, He calmly measured the earth as a sign that He possessed it. To measure something is an indication that it is yours, and you can do with it what you please. It’s also a preliminary step to action, as though the Lord were surveying the situation and estimating how much power it would take to execute His wrath on the nations. With your eyes still closed, imagine God doing this in our world today.
- How do the nations and the earth respond to God and to his actions (vs.6-7)?
- How are the images in verses 8-10 reminiscent of God’s rescue of Israel out of Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land?
- Read Psalm 114. What similarities are there with Habakkuk’s vision?
- How are the images in verses 11-12 reminiscent of God’s help to Israel as they claimed the Promised Land in the time of Joshua? Read Joshua 10:12-14.
- What is happening in Habakkuk’s vision in verses 13-15? Do you think Habakkuk is describing God’s rescue in the past or envisioning one that is yet to come? Could it be both?
- What impression are you left with by the end of Habakkuk’s song of God’s victory?
Habakkuk Praises God (3:16-19):
- How does Habakkuk react to his encounter with God and to the revelation God gave him?
Many people have the idea that it’s always an enjoyable experience getting to know God in a deeper way, but that’s not what the saints of God in the Bible would say. Moses trembled at Mount Sinai when God gave the law. Joshua fell on his face before the Lord, as did David. Daniel became exhausted and ill after seeing the visions God gave him. The vision of Christ’s glory on the Mount of Transfiguration left Peter, James and John facedown on the ground filled with terror. When John saw the glorified Christ, he fell at His feet as though dead (Rev.1:17). ~ Warren Wiersbe
- Given Wiersbe’s description of people’s encounters with God, how eager are you to encounter God yourself? Would you be willing to receive a revelation or answers from God if it came at a personal price?
- What does Habakkuk commit to do in verse 16?
- What are the difficulties that Habakkuk imagines in verse 17? How does he say he will respond to those challenges in verse 18? Could you say the same? If not, what might help you trust God in that way?
If Habakkuk had depended on his feelings, he would never have made this great confession of faith. When Habakkuk looked ahead, he saw a nation heading for destruction, and when he looked around, he saw everything in the economy about to fall apart. When he looked within, he saw himself trembling with fear. But when he looked up by faith, he saw God, and all his fears vanished. To walk by faith means to focus on the greatness and glory of God. ~ Warren Wiersbe
- When Habakkuk began his book he was down in the dumps. After expressing his complaints and questions to God he climbed up to stand on the ramparts, watching and waiting for God reply. Where does he picture himself in verse 19, after hearing God’s Word and seeing God’s glory? Where are you today?
Though his lips were trembling and his legs were shaking, the prophet burst into song and worshipped his God. What an example for us to follow! Habakkuk teaches us to face our doubts and questions honestly, take them humbly to the Lord, wait for His Word to teach us, and then worship Him no matter how we feel or what we see. God doesn’t always change the circumstances, but He can change us to meet the circumstances. That’s what it means to live by faith. ~ Warren Wiersbe
In light of this passage and our discussion, what one truth about God and about yourself stand out as something to “take to heart” this week?
Are there steps you will take, by God’s grace, to more fully apply it to your life?
Resources: NIV Zondervan Study Bible, 2015
J. Gordon McConville, Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Prophets, Volume 4, 2002
Warren W. Wiersbe, BE Amazed: Restoring an Attitude of Wonder and Worship, 2010
Tim Mackie, The Bible Project, How to Read Habakkuk (RightNowMedia)
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