Habakkuk 3:1 introduces the prayer of the prophet Habakkuk in chapter 3, the final and last chapter that closes the prophecy. That closing chapter is presented in a distinctive poetic form, as a lyric poem and song and psalm. It is majestic and beautiful, eloquent and sublime in literary merit, admired for its beauty and sublimity and ranking among the sublimest pieces of inspired writing. In content it expresses God's glory and the prophet's trust in His power.
It is a song describing a vision of Jehovah. It pictures the prophet amid a scene of desolation. Habakkuk was contemporary with Jeremiah, reproved the oppressive and wealthy in Israel, and warned them of the coming of the Chaldeans. His time is a type of the present time. Its picture of oppression of the weak among God's people also speaks to the last days because human nature and oppression remain the same.
Because the prayer is presented as a psalm, the Selah of the psalms applies to it. Selah marks a holy pause after a great truth or fresh discovery. It allows the words or music to be solemnly repeated and the heart to assent to God's truth, like saying Amen.
Habakkuk 3:1 introduces the prayer of the prophet Habakkuk in chapter 3, the final and last chapter that closes the prophecy. That closing chapter is presented in a distinctive poetic form, as a lyric poem and song and psalm. It is majestic and beautiful, eloquent and sublime in literary merit, admired for its beauty and sublimity and ranking among the sublimest pieces of inspired writing. In content it expresses God's glory and the prophet's trust in His power.
It is a song describing a vision of Jehovah. It pictures the prophet amid a scene of desolation. Habakkuk was contemporary with Jeremiah, reproved the oppressive and wealthy in Israel, and warned them of the coming of the Chaldeans. His time is a type of the present time. Its picture of oppression of the weak among God's people also speaks to the last days because human nature and oppression remain the same.
Because the prayer is presented as a psalm, the Selah of the psalms applies to it. Selah marks a holy pause after a great truth or fresh discovery. It allows the words or music to be solemnly repeated and the heart to assent to God's truth, like saying Amen.