Habakkuk: Why LORD?
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The short but powerful book of Habakkuk reveals a man with questions...questions about why the world was the way it was, why God was allowing suffering, and what hope he could have. Here are some initial thoughts and questions to get you going on a read-through of this book.


Big Picture: God remains sovereign over a world going headlong into evil.

From the Message (Eugene Peterson): "Most prophets, most of the time, speak God's Word TO us...But Habakkuk speaks our word to God. He gives voice to our bewilderment, articulates our puzzled attempts to make sense of things, faces God with our disappointment with God."

Background: Babylon was a world power that would destroy Israel. Judah's recent kings were evil and persecuted their own people.

"The problem as God gave Habakkuk to see it:
God, how long do I have to cry out for help before you listen?
How many ties do I have to yell, 'Help! Murder! Police!' before you come to the rescue?
Why do you force me to look at evil, start trouble in the face day after day?
Anarchy and violence break out, quarrels and fights all over the place.
Law and order fall to pieces. Justice is a joke.
The wicked have the righteous hamstrung and stand justice on its head." Hab. 1:1-4 the Message


Chapter 1: Habakkuk asks questions.

What questions did he ask?
What was going on that prompted the questions?
What questions do you ask of God?

Chapter 2: The LORD’S answers:

What does the Lord say to Habakkuk?
Why would the Lord allow destruction?
Why is Israel experiencing such things if they are God's people? (2)
At the end of chapter 2 what are we reminded of?

Chapter 3: Habakkuk’s prayer

What feelings does he share?
What does he conclude?
Why do you think it was made into a song?


Personal Application: How does this book can give Christians hope in the midst of an evil world?
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