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The book of the prophet Habakkuk – a scientific commentary on the text - Андрей Тихомиров

The book of the prophet Habakkuk – a scientific commentary on the text

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10

Год

2023

The prophetic writings of Habakkuk unfold in a three-chapter book, which holds the distinguished position of being the eighth amongst the lesser prophet books. This remarkable scripture emerged after the fall of the Assyrian empire at the hands of the Chaldeans in 612 BC. It encompasses a significant period, ranging from the rise of Babylonian dominance under the reigning Chaldean dynasty, up until the initial conquest of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar in 597 BC.

Delving into a timeless inquiry that has puzzled believers throughout history, Habakkuk's book explores the age-old question: why does a righteous and compassionate God permit the triumph of ruthless and evil individuals? This query resonates deeply with those seeking solace and understanding amidst the complexities of existence.

To shed a different perspective on this matter, it is crucial to acknowledge the varying perceptions held by atheists. For them, the answer appears unequivocal – every individual, as well as each living creature, is driven by their own self-interests, which may unintentionally conflict with the wellbeing and interests of others.

Unveiling the intricate layers of human nature and divine interaction, the book of Habakkuk serves as a thought-provoking testament, captivating both believers and skeptics alike. Its profound contemplations offer an opportunity for reflection and a deeper understanding of the mysteries that pervade our world.

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Scholarly comments are given in brackets after each verse.

Chapter 1

1 A prophetic vision that the prophet Habakkuk saw. (The suggestion of "interested" persons to Avvakum is most likely a later insertion. The dating of his prophecies is rather arbitrary).

2 How long, O Lord, will I cry out and You will not hear, will I cry out to You for violence and You will not save? (Some interpreters of the Bible believe that Habakkuk, like Nahum, was a false prophet who, instead of prophesying about the coming danger, preached the imminent destruction of Babylon, since the justice of God is not consistent with the power of the villainous Chaldeans over "righteous" Judea).

3 Why do you allow me to see wickedness and look at disasters? Predation and violence are before me, and enmity rises and strife rises. (Everywhere discord and violence).

4 Because of this, the law has lost its force, and there is no right judgment: since the wicked overcomes the righteous, then a perverse judgment occurs. (Judgment is unjust).

5 Look among the nations, and look attentively, and you will be greatly amazed; for I will do in your days such a thing that you would not believe if it were told to you. ("Broadcasts" Yahweh, that is, a Jewish priest).

6 For, behold, I will raise up the Chaldeans, a cruel and unbridled people who go about the latitudes of the earth to take possession of villages that do not belong to them. (God threatens to raise the Chaldeans, that is, the Babylonians, against the guilty people).

7 Terrible and formidable he is; from himself comes his judgment and his power. (The Babylonians are dangerous rivals.)

8 His horses are faster than the leopards and faster than the evening wolves; his cavalry gallops in different directions; his riders come from afar, they fly like an eagle rushing at its prey. (The Babylonians are dangerous rivals.)

9 All of it goes for robbery; turning his face forward, he takes the captives like sand. (Babylonians are robbers).

10 And he mocks kings, and princes serve him as a laughingstock; he laughs at every fortress: he will pour a siege rampart and take it. (The Babylonians are skilled warriors.)

11 Then his spirit is puffed up, and he walks and rages; his strength is his god. (The power of the Babylonians is in their god Marduk).

12 But are you not of old, the Lord my God, my Holy One? we won't die! You, Lord, only allowed him to judge. My rock! for punishment You appointed him. (The prophet still believes that Yahweh will not allow the final death of the "chosen" people).

13 It is not for your pure eyes to look at evil deeds, and you cannot look at oppression; why do you look at the villains and remain silent when the wicked swallows the one who is more righteous than him, ("The prophet depicts the situation, as if indicating the years of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II in Babylon – the time of the apogee of the power of Babylonia. And complaints about internal unrest and lawlessness in the country may, perhaps, serve as evidence that the prophet was at that time in his homeland.This part of the prophecy, most likely, refers to the reign of King Joachim, that is, shortly before the first captivity in 597. It is noteworthy that Habakkuk, as if repeating Jeremiah , turn to Yahweh with the same timid question about the incomprehensible, unfair attitude of God towards people").

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