FocusViolence in Judah and the Chaldeans
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The prophet's complaint about injustice receives an answer announcing the rising Chaldean power.
interpretation Habakkuk 1:3
KJVWhy dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.
Read it in context
Habakkuk’s First Complaint
Start reading at Habakkuk 1:1 (Habakkuk 1:1 to Habakkuk 1:4).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The prophet's complaint about injustice receives an answer announcing the rising Chaldean power.
- 1:1 The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see.
- 1:2 O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!
- 1:3 Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.
- 1:4 Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Habakkuk is the named prophet and the speaker of the book's prayer. Biblical references: Habakkuk 1:1; Habakkuk 3:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Habakkuk 1:1–2:20): Habakkuk brings his complaints to the LORD and receives an answer concerning violence and the Chaldeans. The woes address the arrogant oppressor. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Judah's community facing violence and the Babylonian threat, with the vision to be written so it can be read. Much of the book is a dialogue between the prophet and the LORD. Biblical references: Habakkuk 1:2; Habakkuk 1:6; Habakkuk 2:2. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Habakkuk’s First Complaint. Read Habakkuk 1:1 through Habakkuk 1:4 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The prophet's complaint about injustice receives an answer announcing the rising Chaldean power. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The rise of the Chaldeans forms the announced historical setting, but the book does not provide a precise royal date for the dialogue. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The questions concern wrongdoing among the people and the threat of an invading power; the prayer ranges through remembered scenes of the LORD's acts. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Habakkuk’s First Complaint (Habakkuk 1:1 to Habakkuk 1:4). Start reading at Habakkuk 1:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The New Testament cites the statement that the just shall live by faith. Its use should retain the original contrast between arrogant wrongdoing and faithful endurance. See Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Hebrews 10:38. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Bring hard questions honestly before God and distinguish complaint from the answer received. The closing confession models trust that does not depend on present abundance. interpretation
Cited: Habakkuk 1:1, Habakkuk 1:4, Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Hebrews 10:38
Who wrote it, and how we know
Habakkuk
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens as the burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see.
Habakkuk 1:1
Early traditionTradition names Habakkuk.
Related passages
- Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause… Ps 12:1-2 Ps 55:9-11 Ps 73:3-9 Ps 120:5-6 Eccl 4:1 Eccl 5:8 Jer 9:2-6 Ezek 2:6
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Habakkuk 1
Habakkuk records the prophet's questions, the LORD's responses, woes, and a concluding prayer. Keeping the speakers distinct is essential: a question or complaint is not identical to the divine answer. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Habakkuk 1:1 Habakkuk 1:2 Habakkuk 2:2
The LORD’s Answer
Habakkuk 1:5–11FocusViolence in Judah and the Chaldeans
Connection to the wholeThe prophet's complaint about injustice receives an answer announcing the rising Chaldean power.
interpretation Habakkuk’s Second Complaint
Habakkuk 1:12–17FocusJustice and waiting in faith
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The prophet questions the use of a violent nation and is told to attend to the appointed vision and live by faith.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Habakkuk
Habakkuk records the prophet's questions, the LORD's responses, woes, and a concluding prayer. Keeping the speakers distinct is essential: a question or complaint is not identical to the divine answer.
Habakkuk 1:1 Habakkuk 1:2 Habakkuk 2:2
FocusViolence in Judah and the Chaldeans
Connection to the wholeThe prophet's complaint about injustice receives an answer announcing the rising Chaldean power.
interpretation The further question and appointed answer
Habakkuk 1:12–2:5FocusJustice and waiting in faith
Connection to the wholeThe prophet questions the use of a violent nation and is told to attend to the appointed vision and live by faith.
interpretation Woes against the oppressor
Habakkuk 2:6–20FocusWrongdoing exposed
Connection to the wholeThe woes identify the conduct for which the arrogant oppressor will be judged.
interpretation The prophet's prayer
Habakkuk 3:1–19FocusRemembered acts and trust amid loss
Connection to the wholeThe closing prayer remembers the LORD's power and reaches a confession of rejoicing even when ordinary provisions fail.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.