Habakkuk

Well, following on from Nahum is the prophet Habakkuk, whose name I always have trouble spelling! From the introductions to this book that I read, it seems that Habakkuk lived during the time when Nebuchadnezzar was conquering the world. He probably prophesied in Judah during the later years of Josiah's rule and into the reign of King Jehoiakim. Unlike his godly father Josiah, Jehoiakim did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord (II Kings 23:37). So many of the Kings of Israel did likewise, and just because someone had a godly father, didn't necessarily mean they were godly themselves. Similarly, having an ungodly father (doing that which was evil in the sight of the Lord) did not necessarily mean the child turned out the same way.

Habakkuk cried out against the moral corruption of idolatrous Judah which prevailed in his day. He foretold how God would use the ruthless Babylonians to bring His judgment on Judah.
During those horrifying times the just shall live by his faith became the watchword of the faithful (Habakkuk 2:4; and the major theme of Romans 1:16-17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38).

The Book of Habakkuk encourages all believers to accept,

• by faith,
• every situation,
• trusting that righteousness
• and justice will ultimately triumph

according to the righteous judgment of the One True God.