Habakkuk

A dialogue with God

Habakkuk asks God why violence goes unpunished and why he will use the even more violent Babylonians to judge Judah. The book ends with a song of trust.

Historical context

The line “the just shall live by his faith” (2:4) is quoted by Paul and was central for Martin Luther.

Explanation

Best-known passages

“O Lord, how long?” (ch. 1)
“The just shall live by his faith” (2:4)
“Although the fig tree shall not blossom” (ch. 3)