Genre
The book is classified among the prophetic literature, and is included among the twelve minor prophets
Date
In 1:6 the Chaldeans are mentioned. In the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, the Chaldeans conquered the Assyrians and were the primary force in the Near East world. The book is generally dated somewhere between the beginning of Assyrians fall (626BC) and the fall of Jerusalem (587BC).
Themes
Habakkuk reflects on the nature of God and God’s ways with Israel. He dares to question God’s justice and treatment of the wicked. The world was falling apart, and the prophet could not discern any action of God to keep it together. Despite what may appear to be doubt, Habakkuk is full of hopeful expectation that God will arise and deliver the people from impending doom. This culminates in the last four verses of the book, a beautiful song of faith in God despite surface conditions.
Outline
- dialog between the prophet and God 1:1 – 2:5
- Five Woes 2:6-20
- The song of Habakkuk 3:1-19