Translations
Original
Notes
Midian was in the southern area east of the Jordan River (see Genesis 36:35). The nation was terrified by God's powerful presence (Habakkuk 3:6).
The prophet praises God's power to save. These two praise sections (Habakkuk 3:3–7 and 3:8–15) poetically reflect on Israel's exodus. Although Habakkuk focuses on God's redemption of his people, his imagery sometimes includes ideas from ancient Near Eastern stories about the gods. For example:
pestilence and plague (Habakkuk 3:5)
river and sea (Habakkuk 3:8)
sun and moon (Habakkuk 3:11)
This imagery reminds Habakkuk's original audience that the Lord alone is the one true God who rules over all these things.
Habakkuk’s prophecy concludes with a prayer that has the style and language of a psalm (a song of prayer).
Events
- Prophecies of Habakkukc. 607 BC
Places
Cushan: Unknown location, possibly related to Cush Midian: A nation descended from Abraham; oppressed Israel in the time of the judges
Glossary
Book of Habakkuk Cushan Habakkuk (Person) Selah Shiggaion, Shigionoth
Topics
Cushan: Poetic Form of Cush Ethiopia: Desolation of Midianites: Dwelt in Tents Midianites: Prophecies Concerning Midianites: Terrified at Approach of Israel Tent by Cushites