Introductory Message To Habakkuk

Nothing is known of Habakkuk outside of the book which bears his name. He was a contemporary of the prophet Jeremiah. Habakkuk writes in the form of a dialogue. There are three chapters, and the opening two chapters contain a dialogue between the LORD and Habakkuk. Habakkuk wanted to know why God permits evil, and why God would use the Babylonians, an idolatrous heathen nation, and far more wicked than Judah, to punish them. Habakkuk raises some perplexing questions, and the LORD, recognizing the prophet's sincerity, answers them.

1. HABAKKUK IS WONDERING (Chapter 1).
2. HABAKKUK IS WAITING (Chapter 2).
3. HABAKKUK IS WORSHIPPING (Chapter 3).

Habakkuk has asked some good questions (1:17). These questions have long perplexed mankind.
• Why does God tolerate evil? Answer: God is longsuffering (II Peter 3:9).
• Why doesn't God judge the wicked? Answer: He will judge the wicked (cf. Matthew 24 & 25; II Thess. 1:6-10; Book of Revelation, etc.).
• Why does God use wicked people to chasten others that are less wicked? Answer: God answers this question in Habakkuk chapter 2. In the meantime, we must remember that “less wicked” is still wicked, and all sin must be judged.