The Pulpit Commentary — Habakkuk — Section 67

Vers. 3-18.-God in histoi-y. On reading these verses containing the ode of Habakknk we find that they abound in historical allusions. The prophet recalled to mind the Divine interpositions both in mercy and in judgment which had taken place in the b~·gone days, and in the light of them contemplated the position and prospects of his people in his own time. This course was a very customary one with the Hebrew bards. They were eminently patriotic, and delighted to touch upon the national experiences of sorrow and conflict, of joy and triumph; a.nd, indeed, to such an extent did they carry this, that an acquaintance with the facts of Jewish history is essentir1l in order that we may apprehend the meaning and appreciate the beauty of their poetio strains. But whilst thus national, these mcred songs, in that they refer to principles which are of general application, and to experiences which are common to humanity, are felt by us to be universal in their character, and to belong unto us as well as to the Hebrews, that in reference to them "there is neither Jew nor Greek," in that they are calculated to instruct and edify, to stimulate and strengthen us all. 'Viewing in this light the celebrated "ode" of Habakkuk here recorded, we see illustrated in it the great fact of God's working in human history, together with the design nnd influence of this Divine operation. l. SEE ILLUSTRATED HERE THE FAOT OF THE DivmE WORKING IN RUMAN HISTORY. Looking back, the prophet traced this working: 1. In the giving of the Law on Sinai (comp. vers. 3, 4, with Dent. xxxiii. 2; Judg. v. 4, 5; Ps. lxviii. 8; Teman being another name for Seir). The manifestation of" the eternal light" is thus fittingly compared to the rising of the sun, heaven and earth reflecting his glory. The coming of God in judgment was the thought which, in the circumstances, was necessarily the most vividly present to the prophet's mind; and his allusion here to the manifestation of God in his infinite purity served as a.n appropriate prelude to this. 2. In the plagues which fell upon the Israelites in the desert, a.s the result of their disobedience (comp. vcr. 5 with Deut. xxxii. 24). The plague is referred to a.s going before God, like the ancient shield-bearer before the warrior (1 Sam. xvii. 7), or the courier before the man of ra.nk'(2 Sam. xv. l); a.nd pestilence a.s coming after, as a.n attendant follow- ing his master. 3. In the effects produced upon the Midia.nites by the advance of the hosts of God's chosen (comp. vers. 6, 7 with Exod. xv. 13-15). 4. In the dividing of the Red Sea. and the passage of the Jordan (comp, ver. 8 with Exod. xv. 8; Ps, cxiv. 3-5). Ver. 8 clearly has reference to these Divine interpositions, although the poet, rising with his theme, looked beyond those events and took a. wider sweep, and beheld God as going forth, the Divine Warrior in his cha.riot of salvation, to put his foes to confusion and to effect deliverance for his own. 5. Expressions also are used in vers. 11-15 which, though ~omewha.t veiled, doubtless suggested to the Hebrews, a.s they raised this song of praise, the sun standing still in Gibeon, a.1;1d the moon in the valley of Aja.Ion, in the time of Joshua's victory over the Amontes (ver, 11); the tragedy of the slaughter of Sisera, the representative of the head ~f the Canaanitish tribes (vers. 13, 14); and the complete discomfiture of the <;Ja.n:i,a.mtes (ve~. 12).. So that the" ode" sets forth God's hand in the events connectea with the Jewish nation, and in this way illustrates most forcibly the great fact of the Divine working in human history through all the ages. JI. SEE EXPRESSED HERE THE DESIGN OF THE DIVINE WORKING IN HUMAN HISTORY. This is ever wise and good (ver. 13). God rules over a.II, ma.king all events con- tribute to the working out of his purposes of love and mercy in the interests of the whole race. Earthly rulers pursue their own ends, and a.re prompted by considera- tions of glory and ambition but their working is in subjection to the Divine control. "The king's heart," etc. (Prov. xxi. 1). Nothing can befall us, wh~ther indivi~ually or nationally, without the permission of our heavenly )!'a.ther-:-nothrng, too, which be caDI1ot or will not overrule to the advancement of our highest mterests. "All C'ha.nge changing Works and brings good; And though frequent storms, raging, Carry fire and flood ; Ann the growing corn is beaten down, The young fruits fa.II and moulder, The vessels reel, the mariners drown A wing the beholder; 011. Ill, 1-l!J,] 'J'HF, BOOK OF IIABAKKUK.