“You marched through the land in indignation; You trampled the nations in anger. You went forth for the salvation of Your people, for salvation with Your Anointed.”
Habakkuk 3:12-13
The prophecy of Habakkuk begins with the prophet lamenting to God, almost complaining, about all the wickedness that is rampant in Israel. He says there is violence everywhere, the law is powerless, there is no justice, perversity reigns, and the wicked surround those few who are righteous. Worse still, it seems as though God is not doing anything about it.
God then answers Habakkuk and tells him that He is doing something about it. The time has come for judgment. To Habakkuk’s surprise God says He is will bring the Babylonian army to come and bring terrible destruction and judgment on Israel for her sins. Habakkuk responds by challenging God’s decision. He says, basically, surely not! “We shall not die. O Lord, You have appointed them for judgment; O Rock, You have marked them for correction.” (Habakkuk 1:12). They worship false gods. How can a holy God use them as His instruments of judgment? Aren’t you supposed to be on our side?
God responds to Habakkuk telling Him to trust in Him. God is always righteous. The punishment always fits the crime. God is bringing justice and His justice, His judgments, always benefit His people, the people of faith. Judgment and salvation always go together. Habakkuk was made to realize that not all living in Israel live by faith. God is bringing judgment upon the wicked whether it be Jew or Gentile and saving His people whether Jew or Gentile. The judgment of God will bring an end to the violence and perversity Habakkuk sees. His judgment will establish justice and His law. His judgment will turn the world upside right and the wicked will no longer surround the righteous.
Habakkuk 3:12 is a verse where Habakkuk remembers the great judgments of God upon the wicked in the Exodus and the conquest of the Promised Land. The destruction of Israel by Babylon in 586BC will be in the same category as these other great “Days of the Lord.” Habakkuk will have to trust that God is doing the right thing for the salvation of His people, His kingdom, His Anointed.
Of course, Habakkuk’s prophecy ends with just such a bold declaration. “I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:18
Glory to the Lord of hosts!
His mercy endures forever!
Pastor Flynn
