Habakkuk

Q: Why is 'the righteous shall live by faith' important?

This verse (Habakkuk 2:4) is quoted three times in the New Testament (Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38). It became the watchword of the Reformation. It teaches that right relationship with God comes through trusting Him, not human achievement.

Prophet who Questioned God

Old Testament

Habakkuk was a prophet who boldly questioned God about why evil went unpunished and why God would use the wicked Babylonians to judge Judah. God's answer taught him that "the righteous shall live by faith." His book ends with a profound declaration of trust in God.

Character Traits

QuestionerFaithfulWorshipperHonest

Life Timeline

First Complaintc. 609-605 BC

Habakkuk questions God about why He tolerates injustice in Judah.

HAB 1:2-4

God's Answerc. 605 BC

God reveals He will use Babylon to judge Judah.

HAB 1:5-11

Second Complaintc. 605 BC

Habakkuk questions how God can use wicked Babylon to judge less wicked Judah.

HAB 1:12-2:1

Visionc. 605 BC

God assures Habakkuk that 'the righteous shall live by faith' and Babylon will also be judged.

HAB 2:2-20

Key Locations

Judah

The kingdom facing Babylonian judgment about which Habakkuk questioned God.

Spiritual Lessons

Honest Questions, Faith's Answer

Habakkuk models bringing honest complaints to God. He didn't understand God's ways but chose to trust anyway. His declaration 'Though the fig tree does not bud... yet I will rejoice in the Lord' shows faith that persists despite unanswered questions.

Key Verses

Habakkuk 1:2-4 Habakkuk 2:4 Habakkuk 3:17-19

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 'the righteous shall live by faith' important?+

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