3 God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth. 4 His splendor was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden. 5 Plague went before him; pestilence followed his steps. 6 He stood, and shook the earth; he looked, and made the nations tremble. The ancient mountains crumbled and the age-old hills collapsed— but he marches on forever. 7 I saw the tents of Cushan in distress, the dwellings of Midian in anguish.
The praise of worship comes not by focusing on the sins, or the character of the people on earth, but the person and character of God. Worship is ascribing worth to the Lord, either by reflecting on His character or on His work. In this chapter He is seen as the Holy One and His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth.
The revelation of God to the prophet changed him. The fear of the Lord certainly comes with the awareness of His holiness which must judge sin, but his awareness is also knowing God is merciful. Habakkuk prays for mercy. Mercy is the mission by which Jesus was sent to deal with our sin.
I believe what captures the prophet’s mind is how God’s power and glory was revealed in the past with the nation brought from Egypt to the promised land. God sent plagues on Egypt to humble Pharaoh. They experienced pestilence. The birth of the nation came through God’s revelation to Moses. Rays of light shown around Moses when he bought the law from the Mountain. The reference from Teman and Mount Paran were located in the boundaries of Canaan to be conquered. God led them by his glory in the cloud by day and fire at night. The conquering of the land by Joshua was terror to the pagan nations. The power of God shook mountains. All the people of neighboring counties were alarmed.
In verse 7 Habakkuk mentions two tribes that experienced the Lord’s wrath: The Cushan and Midianites. Even non-believers are humbled under God’s power. We see this week the effects of an earthquake in Moracco where thousands are killed. Who can stand against God’s power? No one!
Habakkuk was both full of fear and wonder for what God was going to do again. Our world has seen the effects of worldwide plaque with the coronavirus. Many have died and there are regular warnings the various strands are increasing. God is sovereign over any pestilence. It must be understood, when someone is afflicted with a disease which has become a pandemic, it is not because that person individually has sinned but are bystanders of spiritual warfare.
Knowing what God has done and believing what God is going to do, where do we stand, and what do we do? Pray, praise, and trust in God completely.
Application: Take these last days to share your confidence in the One who saves us. Habakkuk didn’t run from God. He ran to Him and found peace.
Prayer: We praise You O God and know that You are on Your Throne and are sovereign over all. We trust You Lord and know that we will forever be in Your presence.
