The Pulpit Commentary — Habakkuk — Section 68

Yot in evil to men is goorl for mnn. 'fhen let our heart be holder, For more and more shall e.ppee.r the plan Ae the wor]J e.nd we grow older." (T. T. Lynch.) Dy a process of Divine ovolutiJn, God causes the upheavings and commotions of al\ kinds which occur in the history of the world to result in the good of humanity; and whilst there is occe.sion for us, as we note his hand in human history, to say to him with reverence and awo, " In anger thou marchest through the earth; in wrath thou treadest down the nations" (Revised Version), yet _we find abundant reason for adding, in the spirit of true adoration, " Thou goest forth for the s'llvation of thy people, for the salvation of thine anointed" ( ver. 13). Ill. SEE SUGGESTED HERE THE INFLUENCE THIS THOUGHT OF THE DIVINE WORKING I:li BUMAN HISTORY EXERTS UPON LOYAL HEARTS. 1. In view of God's terribleness in judgment which marks his working in human history, such are filled with sacred awe. The prophet represents his whole being as convulsed with terror as he thought of the retributions God would, in righteousneos, inflict (ver. 16). 2. In view of God's gracious purpose, in all his interpositions to sa,e, restore, and bless the race, such are inspired with holy joy. Hence, a'trange paradox! whilst oppressed in spirit they are also glad in heart. "They tremble and rejoice," and this is their rapturous song in the night, expressive of their whole-souled trust through all, "Although the fig tree shall not blossom," etc. (vers. 17-19).-S. D. H. Ver. 4 (last clause).-The Divine concealment~. "The hiding of his power." I. IN THE CONTEMPLATION OF THE NATURE AND OPERATIONS OF OUR GoD WE ARE MET BY THE DIVINE CONCEALMENTS. He is a God "that hideth himself" (Isa. xlv. 15); "He doeth great things past finding out," etc. (Job ix. 10); "He giveth no account of any of his matters" (Job xxxiii. 13); "He maketh darkness his secret place" (Ps. xviii. 11); "How unsearchable," etc.! (Rom. xi. 33). 1. We realize this as we think of his Being and perfections. "Who by searching," etc.? (Job xi. 7). He is veiled to us by the very covering of his splendour. " Who coverest thyself," etc. (Ps. civ. 2). 2. .A.nd we also realize this as we think of his working. Mystery meets us in every department of his operations. The scientist and the theolog;ian alike become baffled in their researches, the former having to admit his partial failure as he strives to penetrate the mystery of the universe, and the latter being perplexed at the seeming inequality of God's ways in the providential governmrnt of the world, and feeling himself enclosed as with a veil when he ventures to inquire into the high themes of revelation. " There is the hiding of his power." Notice- 11. CERTAIN COURSES ARE OPEN TO us rn VIEW OF THIS GREAT FACT. 1. There is that which is pursued by the sceptic. He reasons-God cannot be known; therefore all thought on. the part of man concerning him is needless and vain; a.II worship of him is folly; all structures reared by his servants to his honour mean waste; his very existence is but a possibility. Here we have the old atheism, banishing God from his universe; the old atheism, only arrayed in a newer and more subtle guise. 2. 'l'here is, however, "a more excellent way." Though our God is infinitely beyond our poor stretch of thought, yet hejmay be known by us. Beyond the comprehension of human reason he is nevertheless present to faith, and deigns to reveal himself to the pure and loving heart. .A.nd we do well to remember this, and to repose the trust of our hearts in him, and then to set ourselves to inquire whether, after all, the partial obscurity of the Divine nature and operations may not be wisely and graciously as well ns necessarily designed. And pursuing this course, such quieting thoughts as the following, bearing upon the Divine concealments, will be suggested to us. (1) That our personal well-bein" is Rdvanced by this partial concealment which characterizes our God. It would n~t be well for us to have complete knowledge of him or his purposes and plans, since then there would be no room for the exercise of faith, patience, resignation ; life would cease to be a timti of discipline; and there would be no scope for trial and no stimulus to earnest and thoughtful inquiry. (2) That these Divine concealments, whilst they are for our good, also contribute to the advancement of the Divine glory. "It is the glory of God to conce:11 a thing" (Prov. xx.v. 2). Ii HADAKKUK, F  66 THE BOOK OF HABAKKU'K. [OH, III, 1-19.