Introduction:
Abacuc, more commonly known as Habakkuk, is one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament of the Bible. The name "Habakkuk" is derived from the Hebrew word "חֲבַקּוּק" (Ḥăḇaqqûq), which is believed to mean "embrace" or "wrestle." The Book of Habakkuk is unique among the prophetic books as it primarily consists of a dialogue between the prophet and God, focusing on the themes of justice, faith, and the sovereignty of God.

Historical Context:
The exact dates of Habakkuk's life and ministry are not definitively known, but it is generally accepted that he prophesied during the late 7th century BC, likely during the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah (609–598 BC). This period was marked by significant political turmoil, with the rise of the Babylonian Empire and the decline of Assyrian power. The impending threat of Babylonian invasion and the moral and spiritual decay within Judah form the backdrop of Habakkuk's prophecies.

Structure and Content:
The Book of Habakkuk is composed of three chapters and can be divided into the following sections:

1. Habakkuk's First Complaint (Habakkuk 1:1-4):
Habakkuk begins with a lament over the violence, injustice, and wickedness prevalent in Judah. He questions why God seems indifferent to the suffering and wrongdoing around him. "How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but You do not listen, or cry out to You, 'Violence!' but You do not save?" (Habakkuk 1:2).

2. God's Response (Habakkuk 1:5-11):
God responds to Habakkuk's complaint by revealing His plan to raise the Babylonians as an instrument of judgment against Judah. This response surprises Habakkuk, as the Babylonians are known for their ruthlessness and idolatry. "Look at the nations and observe—be utterly astounded! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe even if someone told you" (Habakkuk 1:5).

3. Habakkuk's Second Complaint (Habakkuk 1:12-2:1):
Troubled by God's use of a wicked nation to punish Judah, Habakkuk questions the justice of this divine plan. He struggles with the idea that a more wicked nation could be used to judge a less wicked one. "Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate the faithless? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?" (Habakkuk 1:13).

4. God's Second Response (Habakkuk 2:2-20):
God instructs Habakkuk to write down the vision and assures him that justice will ultimately prevail. The righteous are called to live by faith, and the downfall of the proud and wicked is foretold. "Behold the proud; his soul is not upright in him. But the righteous will live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4). This section includes a series of "woes" pronounced against the oppressors.

5. Habakkuk's Prayer (Habakkuk 3:1-19):
The book concludes with a prayer of Habakkuk, which is a psalm of trust and praise. Despite the impending judgment and suffering, Habakkuk expresses his faith in God's salvation and sovereignty. "Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!" (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

Theological Themes:
The Book of Habakkuk addresses profound questions about the nature of God's justice and the problem of evil. It emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God, even when His ways are not immediately understandable. The declaration that "the righteous will live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4) is a central theme that resonates throughout the Bible, notably in the New Testament writings of Paul.

Legacy and Influence:
Habakkuk's message has had a lasting impact on both Jewish and Christian thought. His struggle with understanding God's ways and his ultimate expression of faith have provided comfort and inspiration to believers facing trials and uncertainties. The Apostle Paul cites Habakkuk 2:4 in his letters to the Romans and Galatians, underscoring the enduring significance of living by faith.ABACUC

ab'-a-kuk (Latin Abacuc): The form given the name of the prophet Habakkuk in 2 Esdras 1:40.

And on the Third Day after the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ...
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Authorship.
... to Porphyry's objection to these additions that "Susannae Belisque ac Draconis fabulas
non contineri in Hebraico, sed partem esse prophet?? Abacuc filii Jesu ...
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Abacuc
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ABACUC. ab'-a-kuk (Latin Abacuc): The form
given the name of the prophet Habakkuk in 2 Esdras 1:40. ...
/a/abacuc.htm - 6k

Aaron's

/a/ab.htm - 8k

Abaddon (7 Occurrences)

/a/abaddon.htm - 12k

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