Habakkuk

by Heath A. Thomas

Overview

 The book of Habakkuk has much to teach us about suffering and complaint, faith and fear, and the fidelity of God in times of trouble; it generates reflection on prayer, peace, violence, and faithfulness. In this volume—one of the few commentaries examining Habakkuk by itself—Heath Thomas explores this overlooked Old Testament prophet in order to hear God’s word for us today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781467450669
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	07/17/2018
Series:	The Two Horizons Old Testament Commentary (THOTC)
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	180
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Heath A. Thomas is dean of the College of Theology and Ministry and professor of Old Testament at Oklahoma Baptist University. He has written several books on the Old Testament, including his other work on Habakkuk, Faith amid the Ruins.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Abbreviations xi

Part I Introduction and Commentary

Introduction 3

Hearing Habakkuk 9

Biblical and Systematic Theology 31

The Poetry of Habakkuk 35

The Theology of Habakkuk 37

Habakkuk in the Church 43

Conclusion 56

Habakkuk 1 59

Translation 59

Summary 61

Commentary 62

Excursus: The Power of Lament Prayer 67

Habakkuk 2 97

Translation 97

Summary 99

Commentary 100

Excursus: The Power of Silence 135

Habakkuk 3 139

Translation 139

Summary 142

Commentary 143

Excursus: The Power of Memory 148

Part II Theological Horizons

Major Themes in the Minor Prophet: Habakkuk and Biblical Theology 157

Introduction 157

Habakkuk in the Old Testament 157

The New Testament 162

Conclusion 168

Centering Shalom: Habakkuk and Prayer 169

Introduction 169

Relating Shalom and Prayer 173

God's Shalom World and Prayer 175

Shalom Shattered 185

Shalom in the New Creation 189

Dead Ends to Doorways: Habakkuk and Spiritual Formation 191

Introduction 191

Dead Ends 193

Doorways 197

Select Bibliography 212

Author Index 225

Subject Index 228

Scripture Index 230

Editorial Reviews

Daniel Block
-- Wheaton College
"Heath Thomas's volume on the small prophetic tractate of Habakkuk represents theological interpretation at its best. He offers a fair and balanced reading throughout, judiciously weighing the options available and arriving at sound conclusions. But the feature that commends this work above most is its theological gravitas. It assumes that the goal of exegesis is theological conviction that translates into life."

Paul R. Raabe
-- Concordia Seminary
"A thoroughly researched commentary on the prophet Habakkuk. In addition to paying careful attention to the book's Hebrew and poetry within its historical context, Thomas considers Habakkuk's theology in conversation with biblical theology, systematic theology, and church history. This volume promises to be of great benefit to all readers."

J. Andrew Dearman
-- Fuller Theological Seminary
"Including wonderful, short treatises on various theological subjects, Thomas's commentary shows that Habakkuk inhabited the depths of lament and the high places of spiritual communion. Thomas also shows why that spiritual profile matters, then and now. This engaging treatment of Habakkuk is exemplary biblical theology at work."

From the Publisher