Exact dates are uncertain, but scholars estimate that he wrote his book between 609-598 B.C.

Ministry

Little is known about the prophet Habakkuk. His ministry took place in Judah in approximately 600 B.C., although exact dates and ranges cannot be fixed. He was a contemporary of Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

Preparation and Calling

Unknown

Interaction with God

Interestingly, the book of Habakkuk is addressed to God rather than being written as a history of God’s dealings with His children. As a result, we see Habakkuk complaining to God about the challenges of life, and we then get to read His answer. The prophet complains again, and God answers again. Finally, Habakkuk writes a powerful song of faith in God, expressing his belief that all will be well in the end.

Scome scholars have noted with interest that the insights gained in reading of Habakkuk’s struggles to understand God’s purposes in letting His people suffer have strong parallels to the writings of the modern prophet Joseph Smith as the fledgling Mormon church was being driven from community to community while Joseph himself was being held captive in deplorable conditions in a Missouri jail (Doctrine and Covenants 121-123).

Social Situation

The Babylonian armies were on their way to overwhelm and bring away Judah into captivity. The Judeans were of course fearful and questioning God about what would happen and why. The book of Habakkuk is insightful because it captures a central question of religion in general: what is God’s purpose or intent with me, and what am I to do?

Key Teachings

His central message was that regardless of what might happen, happiness and joy can be obtained through faithfulness to God.

Prophecies of Christ

“Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with thine anointed” (Hab. 3:13).

Living with the Prophet

The book of Habakkuk is unusual in that it is addressed to God rather than being a historical narrative of a series of events. He complains to God about his challenges, and God responds. He complains again, and again God responds. Does this sound familiar relative to your own relationship to God? Resolve to follow Habakkuk’s example of coming to a strong faith in God that all will be well in the end-and quit complaining to God about your problems. He is aware of everything you experience and will ensure that you receive the challenges and successes you need to grow. Have faith in that, and be grateful for a God who cares!

Sources

Oxford Companion to the Bible, s.v. “Habakkuk, the Book of”

Book of Doctrine and Covenants