Hab 1:1-11'

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Hab 1:1-2:5 HABAKKUK COMPLAINS AND GOD ANSWERS

First complaint and answer (Hab 1:1-11 ) Despite Habakkuk’s zealous preaching and fervent prayer, Judah shows no sign of improvement. All around him the prophet sees violence, lawlessness, injustice and all sorts of other social evils. Knowing God is holy and just, he asks God how long will he allow this wickedness to go unpunished (Hab 1:1-4).

God replies that he is preparing the Babylonians (Chaldeans) to punish Judah. God has not told the Judeans about this, because he knows they would not believe him. They would not believe that he would use such a wicked nation to punish his own people (Hab 1:5-6).

Then follows a description of the Babylonians that demonstrates the ruthlessness of their sweeping conquests. Arrogant and powerful, they do as they wish regardless of laws, justice, kings or armies (Hab 1:7-11).