Habakkuk 3:16-19

Habakkuk's Response to God's Message -- Habakkuk 3:16-19: When Habakkuk heard God's message he responded in fear. He knew that destruction was coming upon his nation. He also knew that later God would destroy the Chaldeans. The prophet could remember how God had brought destruction upon evil nations and now God would bring chastisements upon Judah through the Chaldeans. "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls." (Habakkuk 3:17) This kind of misfortune was brought upon nations as punishment for the sins of its people. Habakkuk was anticipating a time when he and his people would struggle even to survive. Yet in such a time his resolve was to worship and serve God.

Habakkuk's hope was in the Lord God. He said, "I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk was convinced that things would get bad, but he was committed to serving God regardless. It was easy for the people to promise to do right. In Exodus 24:3 we read, "All the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do." These same people soon turned to idolatry. We know not what became of Habakkuk but we do know of his commitment to the Lord. He said, "The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments." (Habakkuk 3:19) Habakkuk knew as we should know that all strength and success comes from God. Trust in God is the way of escape from trials. Habakkuk three closes with the words, "To the chief singer on my stringed instruments." This is likely instructions to sing these words of Habakkuk as a psalm.