Habakkuk 2:1-20
Q.1. How did God answer the prophet’s questions? What was he instructed to do? Why? What will happen to the ungodly? – (Hab.2:1-5)
God predicted the destruction of the proud and the wicked. However, even as God declared to Abraham long ago – the righteous will live by faith (Hab.2:4 c.f. Gen.15:6; Rom.1:17; Gal.3:11; Heb.10:38). After Habakkuk waited for God to answer, God responded (Hab.2:1 c.f. 1:2). Habakkuk was reminded that God’s timing is different from the timing of man. He was told to – 2 … Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it may run. 3 “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay (Hab.2:2-3).
Q.2. Was God aware of the evil conduct of the ungodly? How would they end? Would God’s glory be forever misrepresented? – (Hab.2:6-14)
God went on to pronounce woes on the ungodly. He stated that they will not escape either His scrutiny, or His judgment. This would have been a comfort to Habakkuk, as he thought there were no limits placed on the conduct of evil men. God made another prediction that would hearten the prophet who was caught in the midst of all the ugliness – For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea (Hab.2:14). That is not the way it has been in the past history of mankind to this point. However, it will happen.
Q.3. How would God bring their wickedness on their own heads? How do man-made idols compare with God? – (Hab.2:15-20)
The backslidden people were using wine to get drunk and were feasting on nakedness. God would expose their nakedness and bring disgrace upon them. Similarly, He would bring bloodshed on the bloodthirsty (Hab.2:15-17). He mocked the useless and lifeless man-made idols (Hab.2:18-19). They were devoid of respect – But the LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him.” (Hab.2:20).