- Habakkuk falls into the overall genre of Prophecy, but it also uses poetic language, especially in Chapter 3 where it speaks of God (“rays flashed from his hand”; “plague followed at his heels”, etc.)
- Habakkuk also expresses his prayers in the first two chapters in the form of a lamentation.
- Because it is prophecy, the author knew that he spoke the very words of God
B. What is the original author’s intended meaning?
1. Where does meaning come from? Not reader or text, but author
2. How can I determine an author’s meaning?
3. Examine the literary context: what happens before and after?
4. Examine the historical context: when and where did this take place?
5. What was happening historically?
6. Examine the words and grammar of the passage
Some observations from the book of Habakkuk:
1. Sight of Sin is meant to turn us to God
2. Sight of difficult circumstances is meant to turn us to God
3. Sight of God is mean to turn our hearts to Joy
So, what is the author’s main intent for the book of Habakkuk?
“Joy in the Lord is found through living by faith in Him”
C. Where is Christ (finding Christ)?
- Scripture tells a 4 part story: Creation, Fall, Redemption, New Creation
- Scripture centers on the person and work of Christ
Luke 24:44 Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled. - The overall storyline of the Bible is: God sent His Son into the world to redeem sinners
Ephesians 1:9-11 making known1 to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will..." - How does this passage connect to the overall storyline of the Bible?
- How does this passage reveal man’s need for a Savior?
- How does this passage reveal God's disposition to provide a Savior?
- How does this passage predict, point to, or reflect on Jesus Christ?
Questions for personal application:
1. How does seeing God’s wrath against sin and His holiness change how seriously you view your own sin
2. How does seeing that God is Sovereign, even using a wicked nation to bring justice on Israel increase your faith in Him?
3. How can you respond and change the way you pray after seeing Habakkuk’s dependent prayer and God’s answer?
