Where Is Your Justice, O God?

Where Is Your Justice, O GOD? (Habakkuk)
Mnemonic: Habakkuk (back-talk): talks back to God

Exposition
Q1. O Lord, why don't you do something about this injustice? (1:2-4)
Habakkuk's theology of God (judge, vindicator, deliverer, answerer) doesn't match his experience in the world (injustice, oppression, violence, silence).

A1. I am, by raising up Chaldeans (1:5-11).
Nineveh fell to Babylon in 612 BC. Then Nebuchadnezzar defeated Egypt in 605 BC (see Jer 46) & turned his eyes upon Judah.

Q2. What kind of justice is that?! (1:12-2:1).
How can a holy God use a wicked nation to judge a more righteous nation?

A2. The proud will perish, but the just shall live by his faith (2:2-20)
WOE to:
a. plunderer of nations (2:6b-8)
b. those who build houses from evil gain (2:9-11)
c. those who build cities by blood & iniquity (2:12-14)
d. those who are drunk on blood of innocent (2:15-17)
e. idolaters (2:18-20)

This is why God first uses Babylon for judgment & then brings Babylon to judgment. God is revealing his justice & glory in the earth.

3. Prayer of Habakkuk: "Revive your work, & in wrath remember mercy" (3)

LITERARY STRUCTURE:
a. 1st complaint: How long must I wait for your salvation? (1:2-4)
b. 1st answer: coming of powerful army of Babylon (1:5-11)
c. 2nd complaint: How can You allow the wicked to judge? (1:12-17)
d. Turning pt.: Proud will soon be punished, but righteous live by faith (2:1-5)
c'. 2nd answer: I will judge the wicked & glorify my justice (2:6-20)
b'. Final answer: Coming of much more powerful army of God (3:1-15)
a'. Final resolution: I will wait for your salvation (3:16-19)