Prophet Habakkuk

(basil plant)

A prophet who lived in the last phase of the kingdom of Judah. He resided in Jerusalem
at a time when Nebuchadnezzar defeated the Egyptians at Carchemish and became de facto
ruler of the Near East.

The book of Habakkuk is divided into three sections. The first is a dialogue between the
prophet and God. It is in the form of two complaints answered by two oracles.

In the dialogue Habakkuk is troubled by what he sees as God’s indifference to evil and
oppression (Hab. 1:4). However, the Lord indicates that worse is yet to come and vividly
describes the coming invasion of the Chaldeans (Hab. 1:6).

Once again Habakkuk protests that God’s chosen people should not suffer unjustly (Hab.
1:13). In response, God instructs the prophet to write down his vision on clay tablets and to
wait patiently for its fulfillment, which will come very soon.

The middle part of the book contains five curses. Each of these curses start with the
words “Woe unto him”. Additionally, a common theme appears in each of the curses. It says
that what the oppressor does to others he himself will also suffer. Pointedly, the Chaldeans are
described as plunders, exploiters, killers, and drunkards. (Hab. 2:12, 20).

The final section ends with a hymn that extols the power and glory of the Lord God,
from Whom comes salvation for His chosen people. This hymn moves Habakkuk to reaffirm his
faith in God (Hab. 3:19).