Habakkuk 2 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter contains Yahweh’s answer to Habakkuk’s second complaint. After instructing the prophet to write down a vision, Yahweh pronounces five oracles against the oppressor (verses 6-20), each beginning with “Woe.”

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

The Righteous Shall Live by Faith

Verse 4 contrasts the proud, whose soul is not upright, with the righteous, who shall live by faith. This verse is quoted three times in the New Testament.

Idolatry

The final woe oracle (verses 18-20) condemns the making and worshiping of idols, contrasting them with Yahweh, who is in his holy temple.