“Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Revelation 14:7
The book of Habakkuk is commentary a on the impending judgment upon Israel, and the Lord’s prophet who not only declares it, but is powerfully moved by it. The book begins with a prayer of Habakkuk concerning the destruction and violence, the lawlessness, and wickedness of the people of Israel. It is after he lays out before the Lord his perception of the hopeless wretchedness of the situation, that the Lord answer’s him by saying: “Behold ye among the heathen and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days which ye will not believe, though it be told you.” (1:5) God is revealing what He will do with regard to bringing the Chaldeans against Israel, as a terrible and dreadful judgement. Habakkuk is overwhelmed at the thought, as the Chaldeans are merciless and ruthless invaders, who will kill and partially destroy Israel. Though the Chaldeans are apparently more wicked than Israel, the judgment of God upon Israel is due in great part because of the light that they have received of the revelation of God. Instead of remaining faithful to God in worship and service, they have descended into the rebellious pit of their destruction. They have built “a town with blood and established a city by iniquity.” (2:12) God, in His sovereignty, has chosen to save Israel by bringing the Chaldeans down upon them to correct them, to turn them again to Him. Though Habakkuk pleads with God to show forth His mercy, this time Israel has gone too far, for they will not respond to the mercy of God, only to His judgment. What is the hope then? It is found in the declaration of Habakkuk: “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (2:14) Why is the vision of Habakkuk different than that of the people? It is because of the true, reverential concept of the holy God. We discover this when he writes: “But the Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him.” (2:20) Here is a man, who, when he comes before the Creator of mankind, and is the sole Redeemer of sinful man, becomes silent. What can he say in the presence of the Almighty, the righteous Judge of the nations? What should be the remedy for Israel at such a time as this? Should it not be the absolute reverence of God, the hallowing of His name?
In the days of Zechariah the prophet, much prayer had been made for the restoration of Israel, and their return from captivity in Babylon. It is in response to prayer at the end of this period of judgment, but correction, that God declares to all: “I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies; My house shall be built in it, saith the Lord of hosts.” (1:16) The Sovereign God goes on to speak of prosperity, and the comforting of the people. He speaks of His dealing with the enemies of Israel who scattered and utterly demoralized the people. Then He speaks of the building and blessing of Jerusalem, and His promise of protection, and presence in the midst of her. He will so work, not only to “shake His hand” upon the nations that spoiled Israel, but He will make them a spoil of their own servants. Then comes the promise of God: “And many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and shall be My people, and I will dwell in the midst of thee.”(2:11) The overwhelming response to such revelation is the call: “Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord; for He is raised up out of His holy habitation.” (2:13) Unlike Habakkuk, waiting to see the judgment of God, Zechariah waits to see His promised blessing. Common to both men is the call to silence in worship before the Almighty, holy God.
Dear Father, Silence our hearts to behold Thee. In Jesus’ name, Amen.