| Aspect |
Description |
| Authorship |
Traditionally attributed to the prophet Habakkuk, who is believed to have been active around the late 7th century BCE. |
| Time Period |
The likely composition of the book dates back to roughly 609-598 BCE, which is during the final years of the Assyrian Empire and the early dominance of the Babylonian Empire. |
| Contemporary Events |
Key events during this period include the fall of Nineveh in 612 BCE, the Battle of Carchemish in 605 BCE, and the rise of Babylon as a major power. |
| Geopolitical Context |
The region was marked by significant political turbulence, with the Babylonians and the Medes emerging as dominant powers after the decline of Assyria. Judah, the Southern Kingdom of Israel, was caught in the middle of these conflicts. |
| Religious Climate |
Judah was undergoing spiritual and moral decline, with widespread idolatry and corruption. Josiah's reforms had attempted to correct the course, but subsequent kings reversed these changes. |
| Main Themes |
The main themes include the justice and sovereignty of God, the faith and righteous living of individuals in times of crisis, and the eventual downfall of oppressors. |
| Key Messages |
Habakkuk questions God about the prevalence of evil and injustice. God's response emphasizes that divine justice will prevail in God's timing, encouraging faith and patience among the faithful. |
| Literary Style |
The book is composed of dialogues between Habakkuk and God, a vision of judgment against the Babylonians, and a concluding song of trust and praise. |
