The Prayer of Habakkuk in the Bible
Quick Summary
The prayer of Habakkuk, found in Habakkuk 3, is a poetic and prophetic response to God in the face of national turmoil and impending judgment. Rather than a plea for deliverance, it is a prayer of trust and praise. It begins with a reverent cry for God to act as in the past, and ends with a declaration of unshakable faith despite present suffering. This prayer has become one of the most profound biblical examples of trusting God even when circumstances seem bleak.
Introduction
The book of Habakkuk begins not with prophecy but with complaint. The prophet questions God, asking why injustice is allowed to continue unchecked (Habakkuk 1:2–4). God responds with an unsettling answer: the Babylonians will be used as an instrument of judgment against Judah. This raises more questions for Habakkuk, who wonders how a righteous God can use a nation even more wicked than Judah (Habakkuk 1:12–2:1).
But by chapter 3, the tone shifts. Rather than more protest, we find a deeply moving prayer. This final chapter is structured as a psalm, complete with musical notations and poetic imagery. Habakkuk moves from confusion to confidence, from lament to praise. His prayer serves as a model for believers navigating the tension between faith and fear.
Verse-by-Verse Commentary on Habakkuk 3
Habakkuk 3:1
"A prayer of the prophet Habakkuk according to Shigionoth."
This introduction identifies the passage as a prayer, possibly set to music, following a particular poetic form ("Shigionoth"). The term is also used in Psalm 7. Habakkuk is not simply offering a private reflection; this is a liturgical piece meant to be shared.
Habakkuk 3:2
"O Lord, I have heard of your renown, and I stand in awe, O Lord, of your work. In our own time revive it; in our own time make it known; in wrath may you remember mercy."
This verse sets the tone for the entire prayer. Habakkuk has heard of God’s mighty deeds—parting seas, defeating enemies, delivering His people. Now he pleads for God to act again in his time. Even amid divine wrath, he asks for mercy. It is a humble, hopeful cry.
Habakkuk 3:3–15
These verses recall God's theophany—His dramatic appearance to deliver Israel. The prophet uses cosmic language to describe God's march through the earth. The language is rich with metaphor:
Teman and Mount Paran (3:3) evoke God's appearance at Sinai.
Plague and pestilence (3:5) follow God like a storm cloud.
Mountains writhe, rivers split (3:6–8).
The sun and moon stand still (3:11).
You came forth to save your people (3:13).
These images echo Exodus, the conquest of Canaan, and other moments of divine intervention. They emphasize that God is not absent—He is mighty, present, and purposeful.
Habakkuk 3:16
"I hear, and I tremble within; my lips quiver at the sound. Rottenness enters into my bones, and my steps tremble beneath me. I wait quietly for the day of calamity to come upon the people who attack us."
Habakkuk acknowledges his fear. Faith doesn’t erase trembling. He knows suffering is imminent, but he waits quietly—a dramatic contrast to his earlier cries. His peace doesn’t come from changing circumstances, but from renewed trust in God.
Habakkuk 3:17–18
"Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation."
This is one of the most beautiful declarations of faith in all of Scripture. Even if everything fails—crops, herds, livelihood—Habakkuk will rejoice. His joy is not in blessings but in God Himself.
Habakkuk 3:19
"God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights."
The final verse draws on imagery of agility and strength. Like a deer scaling cliffs, Habakkuk envisions himself lifted above his circumstances. He doesn’t escape hardship but is enabled to endure it with grace and steadiness.
Theological Themes in Habakkuk's Prayer
1. Faith Amid Fear
Habakkuk shows that faith doesn’t eliminate fear but can coexist with it. The prophet is trembling (v. 16), but he still chooses trust.
2. God’s Sovereignty
The prayer emphasizes that God is in control—over nature, nations, and history. Even when events seem chaotic, God has not relinquished power.
3. Memory as a Spiritual Practice
Habakkuk recalls past deliverance to sustain present faith. Remembering what God has done becomes the foundation for believing He will act again.
4. Joy Beyond Circumstances
Rejoicing in God rather than blessings marks mature faith. This echoes themes found in Paul’s writings, such as Philippians 4:4.
Citations and Commentary Resources
Walter Brueggemann, The Prophetic Imagination, explores the prophetic voice of lament and hope.
Elizabeth Achtemeier, Nahum-Malachi (Interpretation Commentary Series), offers theological insights on Habakkuk.
John Goldingay, Minor Prophets II, provides literary and theological commentary.
Eugene Peterson, Answering God, explores praying the Scriptures through psalm-like prayers such as this one.
The Prayer of Habakkuk: Meaning for Today
Modern readers often find themselves living in uncertain times—wars, environmental upheaval, political divisions. Habakkuk’s prayer models a faithful way to respond: honesty about fear, remembrance of God’s past actions, and rejoicing in God despite what is lost.
For churches and individuals alike, this prayer can be read as a call to resilient worship. It reminds believers that God is both present and powerful. It gives permission to tremble and trust in the same breath.
And it gives language to those moments when faith must rise even when the fig tree does not blossom.
FAQ
Q: Where is Habakkuk’s prayer located in the Bible?
A: Habakkuk 3 contains the full prayer, ending with the prophet's declaration of faith.
Q: Was Habakkuk a psalmist or a prophet?
A: Habakkuk was a prophet, but chapter 3 of his book is structured like a psalm, with musical and liturgical markers.
Q: What does "though the fig tree does not blossom" mean?
A: It's a poetic way of expressing loss and scarcity. Habakkuk says even if all his resources fail, he will rejoice in God.
Q: How is this prayer relevant today?
A: It teaches believers to hold on to joy and trust even during societal or personal crises.
