Habakkuk 1: Why So Much Evil & Wickedness

Read Habakkuk chapter 1

Introduction: The book of Habakkuk is a dynamic testament to the prophet’s struggle with understanding God’s ways. In Habakkuk 1, the prophet questions God’s justice and His apparent tolerance of evil in the world. This outline will delve into the verses of Habakkuk 1, looking closely at the topics and themes of what Habakkuk said in his questions to God. We may each even see a little bit of our own selves in this Old Testament book, and in Habakkuk’s questions as well. Most of us have questioned evil or wickedness at one time or another, especially why it is allowed to flourish all around us.

I. Habakkuk’s Complaint (Habakkuk 1:1-4)
In the opening verses of Habakkuk 1, the prophet laments the violence and injustice he sees in Judah. He questions why God allows evil to prevail and the righteous to suffer. This reminds us of the psalmist’s cry in Psalm 13:1-2, where the psalmist also questions how long God will forget him and allow his enemies to triumph. Jeremiah 12:1 echoes this point of view, as Jeremiah wonders why the wicked prosper. Habakkuk’s questions sheds light the universal human struggle to understand God’s ways in the face of suffering and injustice.

II. God’s Response (Habakkuk 1:5-11)
God’s answer to Habakkuk my not be what he expected to hear. God tells Habakkuk that He will raise up the Babylonians, a ruthless and impetuous nation, to execute judgment on Judah. This is a reminder that God’s ways are higher than our ways, as stated in Isaiah 55:8-9. Though it may be difficult to understand, God’s plan for justice may involve using unlikely instruments to execute his plan, as seen in Isaiah 10:5-6 where Assyria is used as a rod of God’s anger. Habakkuk is challenged to trust in God’s sovereignty and justice, even when it seems counterintuitive.

III. Habakkuk’s Second Complaint (Habakkuk 1:12-17)
Habakkuk struggles with the notion that a holy God would use a wicked nation like Babylon to punish His own people, God’s chosen people. He questions how God can tolerate the faithlessness and violence of the Babylonians. This brings to mind the sentiments of Job 21:7, where Job wonders why the wicked live on and prosper. Habakkuk’s second question highlights the tension between God’s holiness and His use of sinful people to accomplish His purposes.

Conclusion: In Habakkuk 1, the prophet wrestles with the problem of evil and divine justice. Through his questions and God’s responses, we are reminded that God’s ways are often beyond our understanding as stated in Isaiah 55:9. We are called to trust in His sovereignty and His plan, and have faith that He will ultimately bring about justice, even through unexpected means. The power of Habakkuk 1 lies in its honest questioning by Habakkuk, and its invitation to trust in a God who is both just and merciful.