Introduction to Habakkuk

Name

The book of Habakkuk is named for its author, Habakkuk, the prophet. We cannot be sure of the meaning of Habakkuk’s name. A majority of scholars argue for a Hebrew meaning based on the word ḥāb̠aq, which means “to embrace” or “to wrestle.”

Some scholars suggest the name is Akkadian from the word h̑ambaququ, which is the garden plant’s name. This interpretation seems unlikely to me. 

When we read the book, it seems as though Habakkuk is wrestling with God, attempting to understand God’s purpose, and finally concludes that he must accept God and live by faith whether he understand everything about God’s purpose or not.

Author

Habakkuk pronounced an oracle from the Lord (v. 1).

Genre

Prophecy (seventh of twelve books commonly referred to as the “Minor Prophets”).

Literary Form

Poetic prophecy except for a prose introduction in verse 1.

Time Frame

Habakkuk does not precisely date the book. The reference to Babylonians in Habakkuk 1:6 would indicate a seventh-century B.C. time period. There are three time periods put forth by the majority of scholars: 1) the reign of Manasseh (697-642 B.C.), 2) the reign of Josiah (640-609 B.C., or 3) the reign of Jehoiakim (609-598 B.C.).

I think the most likely date is between 606-604 B.C., which corresponds with the Babylonian’s victory at Carchemish (605 B.C.). This aligns well with the description Habakkuk provides in Habakkuk 1:7-11.

Emphasis

The emphasis of the book of Habakkuk is on God’s greatness and His sovereignty, His holiness and justice, and the need to trust in God and live a righteous life.

Outline

1. Habakkuk complains about injustice in Judah (1:1-1:4)
2. God’s first response to Habakkuk  (1:5-1:11)
3. Habakkuk questions God’s fairness  (1:12-2:1)
4. God’s second response to Habakkuk (2:2-2:20)
5. Habakkuk’s psalm to God (3:1-3:19)