Plague went before Him
This phrase suggests the presence of divine judgment and power. In the biblical context, plagues are often associated with God's intervention, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12). These plagues demonstrated God's supremacy over the Egyptian gods and His ability to protect and deliver His people. The imagery of a plague going before God indicates His ability to clear the path and prepare the way for His purposes. It reflects the awe-inspiring and sometimes fearsome nature of God's presence, as He moves to accomplish His will. This can also be seen as a type of Christ, who, in His earthly ministry, demonstrated authority over sickness and disease, symbolizing His power over sin and death.

and fever followed in His steps
The mention of fever following in His steps continues the theme of divine power and judgment. Fever, often associated with illness and suffering, can symbolize the consequences of sin and the purifying aspect of God's presence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, fever and disease were seen as manifestations of divine displeasure or judgment. This phrase may also allude to the aftermath of God's judgment, where the effects linger as a reminder of His holiness and justice. In a broader biblical context, this can be connected to the refining process believers undergo, as described in passages like Malachi 3:2-3, where God's presence purifies and refines His people. This refining is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who purifies believers through His sacrifice and ongoing sanctification.

1. Habakkuk
A prophet in the Old Testament who dialogues with God about the suffering and injustice he observes in Judah. His book is a mix of lament, prophecy, and praise.

2. God (Yahweh)
The central figure in this passage, depicted as a divine warrior whose presence brings both judgment and deliverance.

3. Plague and Pestilence
These are personified as agents of God's judgment, often used in the Old Testament to demonstrate God's power and sovereignty over nations.God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is depicted as a divine warrior whose presence brings both judgment and deliverance. This reminds us of His ultimate control over all events, including those that seem chaotic or destructive.

The Purpose of Divine Judgment
Plagues and pestilence are not arbitrary but serve a purpose in God's plan, often as a call to repentance and a demonstration of His power and holiness.

Trust in God's Justice
Even when faced with difficult circumstances, believers are encouraged to trust in God's justice and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.

The Role of Faith in Uncertain Times
Like Habakkuk, we are called to live by faith, trusting in God's promises and His character, even when we do not fully understand His ways.(5) Before him went the pestilence. . . .--Better, Before Him shall go the plague, and burning pestilence shall go forth where He sets His feet. Kleinert remarks that it was with these angels of death that Jehovah revealed Himself in the south, and destroyed the armies of Sennacherib (2Kings 19:35).

Verse 5. - After describing the splendour of the theophany, the prophet now turns to the purpose and effects of God's appearing. He comes to avenge and judge, therefore before him went the pestilence. Before him stalks plague, to punish his enemies and the disobedient, as in Egypt, in Canaan (Exodus 23:27; 1 Samuel 5:9, 11); and among his own people (Numbers 11:33; Numbers 14:37, etc.; Leviticus 26:25). For "pestilence" the LXX. reads "word." Burning coals went forth at his feet. "Fiery belts" followed his advance, "hailstones and coals of fire" (Psalm 18:12, 13); as in Psalm 97:8, "A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies on every side." But, regarding the parallelisms of the hemistiches, it is better to take resheph in the sense of "fever heat," as in Deuteronomy 32:24; scorching fever follows in his train. Jerome translates the word, diabolus, looking on the evil spirit as the agent of the Divine vengeance. The Jews, he says, had a tradition that Satan was called Reseph, from the speed of his movements. The LXX. has, "It (the word) shall go forth into the plains," which Jerome interprets, "shall make the crooked straight and the rough ways smooth."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Plague
דָּ֑בֶר (dā·ḇer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1698: A pestilence

went
יֵ֣לֶךְ (yê·leḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

before Him,
לְפָנָ֖יו (lə·p̄ā·nāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

and pestilence
רֶ֖שֶׁף (re·šep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7565: A live coal, lightning, an arrow, fever

followed
וְיֵצֵ֥א (wə·yê·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

in His steps.
לְרַגְלָֽיו׃ (lə·raḡ·lāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudenda


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OT Prophets: Habakkuk 3:5 Plague went before him and pestilence followed (Hab Hb)