Habakkuk 1:12-2:20

This article contains the study questions and answers I’ve written for a youth Bible s

This article contains the study questions and answers I’ve written for a youth Bible study on Habakkuk 1:12-20. Feel free to use and adapt as you like. My only request is that you don’t ditch the stuff about Jesus.

Pray and Get Going

1. Have you ever felt like someone’s actions—or lack of action—don’t make sense? What about God’s actions?

This question is designed to help people connect with Habakkuk’s struggle. If you’re leading the discussion, it will be helpful to have a couple of your own examples up your sleeve. Your group should then be able to open up.

Read Habakkuk 1:12–2:1

2. What does Habakkuk believe about God in 1:12?

He believes God is eternal, holy, and the Rock. He is someone who cannot die and who brings justice. He trusts that God is in control and will judge evil.

3. Why is Habakkuk concerned about how God is using the Babylonians (see verses 13–17)?

Basically, the Babylonians are even more wicked than Judah. Habakkuk is shocked that a holy God would use evil people to judge others. It seems unfair and confusing.

4. What is Habakkuk’s mindset in 2:1? Is that a helpful mindset?

Habakkuk says he will stand at his station and wait to hear from God. He’s ready to listen and be corrected. So, he displays a humble and patient attitude. This is a very helpful mindset for God’s people to have, especially when we don’t understand what God is doing.

Read Habakkuk 2:2–20

5. What is Habakkuk told to do with the vision, and why (verses 2–3)?

He’s told to write the vision down clearly so others can read it and pass it on. God promises it will come true at the right time, even if it seems slow. Basically, chill and be patient—it’ll happen.

6. What hope is there for those who have faith in God (see verses 4, 14 and 20)?

Verse 4: The righteous will live by faith.
Verse 14: God’s glory will fill the earth like the waters cover the sea.
Verse 20: God is in his holy temple—he is still on the throne.

Even when evil seems strong, those who trust God will live, and his glory will win in the end.

7. In verses 6–19 we’re given 5 “woes”. What will happen to the Babylonians who have rejected God?

FWIW, a “woe” in the Bible is a strong warning or announcement of judgment. It’s like God saying, “Watch out. Trouble is coming because of your sin.”

Woe 1. They plundered others and now others will _ _ _ _ _ _ _ them (2:8) [plunder]
Woe 2. Their secure cities will _ _ _ _ _ _ against them (2:11) [cry out]
Woe 3. They will _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (2:12–13) [exhaust themselves]
Woe 4. They will be _ _ _ _ _ _ with _ _ _ _ _ _ (2:16) [filled with shame]
Woe 5. Their _ _ _ _ _ will be useless and silent (2:18–19) [idols]

________

In Romans 1:16-17, Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 and shows that we have hope too, even if it feels like God isn’t doing anything.

________

Read Romans 1:16–17

8. What hope do we have when it feels like God is distant? How do we get access to this hope?

We have hope because the gospel reveals God’s righteousness. It leads to life for everyone who believes, not just Jews but Gentiles (non-Jews) too. As Romans goes on, we discover that this life is eternal (2:7), brings freedom from sin (6:11), and is empowered by God’s Spirit (8:6).

We access this hope by faith, just like Habakkuk said:

“The righteous will live by faith.”
Romans 1:17, quoting Habakkuk 2:4

By “faith”, we mean trusting Jesus alone to save us.

Even when life is confusing or unfair, we can trust that God will save us by faith, not by our performance.

Pray and Give Thanks

Thank God that he is holy, just, and in control.
Thank him that we are made right with him through Jesus by faith, not by what we do.
Ask him to help you trust him when life doesn’t make sense.
Praise him that his glory will one day fill the earth.