The final chapter of Habakkuk is the prophet’s response to God’s words and answer. It is a prayer, a poem, a psalm, and a song all in one. The first verse says it is a prayer “upon Shigionoth.” While we don’t know the exact meaning of the word, it appears to be a musical or liturgical instruction meaning something like “with song” and instructs something lively or pressing. (Only Psalm 7 also includes this word as an instruction.) This is significant as we realize that his response to God’s judgment, truth, and promise was worship. Though he clearly felt uncertainty, pain, distress, and sadness, he worshipped because worship is not based in our feelings but God’s character and worth. Habakkuk was not struggling with his belief I God’s existence. Rather, he was questioning God’s presence. As Habakkuk thought on God’s supposed inaction, he asked “How long?” and “Why?”. He did not get a specific answer to those questions; however, when he listened to God’s reply and came to understand God’s character, Habakkuk’s attitude produced both praise and petition.

Scripture References: Psalms 7:1-17, Habakkuk 3:1-19

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From Series: "The Book of Habakkuk"