Habakkuk 3

“In wrath remember mercy” (vs. 1-2)—Habakkuk is strongly moved by the Lord’s response in chapter 2. The word “Shigionoth” (v. 1) apparently indicates some kind powerful emotional feeling as expressed in poetry or song, as chapter 3 is. Jehovah’s speech made the prophet afraid, but also revived his hope because of what the Lord had done before: “revive Your work in the midst of the years!” (v. 2). Or, as he says, “in wrath remember mercy”—when You punish Your people in Your wrath, remember Your mercies of former years.

God’s former interventions (vs. 3-15)—There is majestic, mighty language found in this portion of Habakkuk to describe Jehovah’s actions towards His people. “God came from Teman” (v. 3) introduces the thought. Teman is actually a city south of Israel, towards Sinai. So the indication here seems to be—and it’s a bit obscure—the mighty works of God in delivering His people from Egypt and giving them His law. All sorts of grandiose, vivid terms are used to describe God and His works: glory, works, praise, brightness, and power (vs. 3-4). He is awesome and all powerful, and “His ways are everlasting” (vs. 6-7). Verse 8, God’s wrath against “the rivers,” is perhaps a reference to the Nile or the Red Sea passage; He makes war as He pleases (v. 9). The mountains, sea, even the sun and moon trembled and revere Him (vs. 10-11). He crushes the nations in behalf of His people (vs. 12-13). The wicked are destroyed by their own devices (v. 14), and no obstacle can hinder Jehovah (v. 15). A lovely song describing the might and splendor of the Almighty.

Trusting God through every tribulation (vs. 16-19)—When Habakkuk heard of the coming punishment upon his countrymen, he “trembled” (v. 16). It would be a dark day for Israel, a day of great distress; “rottenness entered my bones.” Tribulation, trials, and chastisement come into the life of every child of God. But no matter how bad things are, there is always a reason to rejoice. Verses 17 and 18 are magnificent: “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls--yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk says—and what a wonderful example this is to us—it doesn’t matter what happens in this life, how bleak and desperate things may be, how sorrowful, sad, distressing might be our surroundings and circumstances, we should always rejoice and find joy in the Lord. He is our strength, and “He will make me walk on my high hills” (v. 19)—restore us to the blessings of “the land flowing with milk and honey.” Indeed, tremble at the wrath of God; but rejoice in His mercy.