habakkuk pt. 2
Chapter 2 of Habakkuk is God’s response to Habakkuk’s questions in chapter 1. At the beginning of chapter 2, God instructs Habakkuk to write His answer down so that others may benefit. The revelation that Habakkuk has wasn’t just for himself, but also to strengthen others. Those who would read Habakkuk’s revelation would be able to make rapid progress in their faith, however, they couldn’t do this unless Habakkuk obeyed God and wrote it down.
Habakkuk had to do three things. He had to see the vision, make it known as permanently as possible, and make it as clear as possible.
“And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.” Habakkuk 2:2
This vision wouldn’t be evident in Habakkuk's day, but it would be in the future. Habakkuk had to remain obedient to God even though he would not see the fruit of his obedience.
Habakkuk asked God why Babylon– a nation more sinful than Judah– was bringing judgment to Judah. God answered Habakuk by reassuring him that He saw the proud. Here God gives a comparison of the proud vs. the just. The proud look to self, while the just look to God and live by faith. Being just means having a relationship because of faith. The proud man is never satisfied.
“Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.” Hab. 2:4
In Habakkuk 2:7, God reassures Habakkuk that he knows how to deal with nations like Babylon. He tells Habakkuk to take comfort in the fact that He would deal with Babylon accordingly.
God moves on to address the things he displeases. There are four things He mentions. The first one is the greedy man. Verses 2:9-11 give an illustration of the greedy man, saying that he only thinks in terms of selfish gain. In verse 2:11 Habakkuk pictures a beautiful house that has been built by a greedy man, but the stones of the house cry out from the wall against the man’s greed. God is explaining that greed damages the person’s soul.
In verses 2:12-14, God explains why the violent man displeases him. The violent man thinks that his power gives him the right to abuse others for his own gain. As a correction of the violent man, the Lord reminds him of His ultimate triumph. Sheesh! That’s intense. God humbles anyone who uses others for their own gain.
The drunk. God is displeased with those who rely on alcohol for happiness. In our world today, drinking has become so normalized, especially in young adults. Now I’m not saying you shouldn’t drink at all but I am saying it is important to step back and look at why you are drinking. Is it because you are relying on it for something?
“You will have your fill of shame instead of glory. Drink, yourself, and show your uncircumcision! The cup in the Lord's right hand will come around to you, and utter shame will come upon your glory!” Hab. 2:16
God literally says that the drunk loves their cup full of drink, and now he promises a cup for them, a cup of judgment. I mean He did not hold back here.
Lastly, God explains that the idolater displeases him. They treat inanimate objects as if they have life and intelligence. They have placed these inanimate objects before God. He contrasts the lifeless idols by saying that He was alive and well in His holy temple.
It was important that Habakkuk obeyed God and wrote it down and made it clear for others to read as it gave those who read it a warning. God is saying “Hey, these things displease me. Here’s your chance to fix it.” It seems that the people of Judah have forgotten that the Lord is alive and well. Habakkuk is reminding these people that he is infact alive and well and it’s time to get their act together.
