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What Are The Destinies Of Those Who Is Habakkokkuk

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After the determination of God to destroy his enemies as mentioned in 1:6, it suddenly mentions about comfort to those who seek refuge in him in 1:7. Also, it says God cares for those who trust in him. Then in the next verse, the hymn moves back to the main theme of destruction. It shows a contrast of two destinies of those who take refuge of God and those who oppose God. Why it appears at this location? The commentary refers this verse as parallel with Psalm 34:8; 100:5 and 135:3 (p.24). It suggests the absence of any names in the prophecy means that people (of Jerusalem or of Nineveh) have to decide whether they want to be people to whom verse 7 applies (care) or people to whom verse 8 applies (destruct) (p.25). I do not agree it is a choice for the people of Nineveh as in verse 8 it mentions about the unequivocal ending of Nineveh. …show more content…

However, after Habakkuk raises the question in 1:12-17, there seems to be a moment of silence in 2:1. Why? The commentary mentions that in some OT stories people apparently get an immediate response when they turn to Yahweh to ask something but in other people have to wait (p.65). The commentary suggests that it witnesses to the fact that Yahweh does respond but also the fact of Yahweh’s freedom. I agree with the commentary that Habakkuk should not think up a response and assume it was Yahweh's. There is a difference between prophecy and theological reflection. Although there is no mention in the book, I am speculating whether Habakkuk confrontational attitude changes during that waiting period resulting in his submission to Yahweh and accepting worst situation in chapter

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