Prophet Habakkuk,

Today we commemorate the Prophet Habakkuk, one of the minor Old Testament prophets. Besides having a “kooky” sounding name, little else is known about his life. He lived around 600 BC and probably resided in Jerusalem during a time when the Chaldeans (Babylonians) were amassing strength and sin was running rampant amongst the people.

The name Habakkuk (Avvakum in Russian) is also unusual, and of uncertain origin. Some believe it derives from the Hebrew word habaq which means “to embrace” – thus, his name would signify his choice to stay ardently embraced to God regardless of what was happening to his people (3:16-19). Other’s feel that the name denotes the “embracing of a struggle,” such as Habakkuk’s inner dilemma in which he wrestles with God’s infinite patience verses His divine justice.

According to a popular Jewish tradition Habakkuk was the son of the Shunammite woman who was visited by Elisha, who told her, “At this season next year you shall embrace (habaq) a son” (II Kings 4:16). A second tradition identifies him with the “watchman” of Isaiah 21:6.

Although he is a man of God and a man of faith, the prophecy of Habakkuk differs from the other prophets in one unique aspect: instead of receiving God’s message and taking it to the people, Habakkuk represents the Hebrews who then takes their complaint to God. In doing so, Habakkuk “wrestles with God” over some very difficult questions – the same type of questions that often cause doubt in us today: How can God permit so much suffering and death? How could God punish His own people? How can a righteous God allow evil people to prosper? Why do bad things happen to good people?

Yet though he is perplexed, has doubts, and doesn’t quite understand why God is doing what He is doing, Habakkuk’s faith remains steadfast and unshaken, regardless of whether he agrees with God or not. Habakkuk simply “takes his stand to watch and await the Lord’s answer” (2:1).

Therefore, the final conclusion of this prophecy is that we must allow God to be God and let Him to do things in His own way and in His own time. Our job is simply to trust Him and to live by faith; “The righteous will live by his faith” (2:4) being the key verse to this entire book. Habakkuk’s steadfast faith and unwavering commitment shine as excellent examples for us to follow, especially during the Great Fast!

Fr. John