HABAKKUK Habakkuk prophesied to the kingdom of Judah between the time when the Babylonians defeated the Assyrians at Nineveh (612 B.C.).By that time, Babylon had become the leading world power.
HOW LONG...MUST I CALL FOR HELP Habakkuk had been praying that God would do something to stop the social corruption and spiritual rebellion that he saw among his own people. Yet God seemed to be doing nothing but tolerating violence, injustice and the mistreatment of godly people. His questions dealt with issues that have totally confused God’s faithful people throughout history: “Why does God wait so long to punish evil?” and “Why are our prayers not answered sooner?” Notice, however, that these “complaints,” or questions, did not stem from a cynical (distrusting), disgruntled or defiant attitude, but from a submissive and sincere heart of faith in God that truly longed for answers. I AM GOING TO DO SOMETHING God answered Habakkuk by telling him He already had plans to punish Judah for its sins. He would use the completely unmerciful and ungodly Babylonians to carry out judgment on His people. (The Babylonians had gained their independence from Assyria in 626 B.C. and destroyed Assyrian power completely in 612 - 605 B.C. The speed with which they conquered other nations was legendary [verse 8], and they sent into exile the people that they conquered [Verse 9], just like the Assyrians before them.) The thought that God would possibly use such wicked and ungodly people to punish Judah was shocking to the prophet and unbelievable to God’s people. ARE YOU NOT FROM EVERLASTING? Habakkuk was appalled that God would use such a cruel and defiant nation to attack Judah. Babylon was so arrogant about its military might that it was almost like a god to them (Verse 11). Yet the prophet was confident that God would not allow them to totally destroy his own people. Such a destructive plan would work against God’s purpose to use Israel to reveal His plan of salvation to the entire human race. YOUR EYES ARE TOO PURE This verse does not mean that God overlooks evil; after all, He is omniscient (“all-knowing”) and sees everything. The fact that He realizes everything that is going on, however, does not mean that God approves of evil. What confused Habakkuk was this: God’s use of the wicked Babylonians made it seem like He was tolerating their sin while punishing Judah; and even though Judah was behaving wickedly, it was still not as corrupt as Babylon. BIBLE STUDY TOOLS I USE:
Some of our post that might interest you: Visit our Tailspin Farms YouTube Channel . We would appreciate if you would like our videos and subscribe to our channel. Thank You! Don't miss a thing! Sign up to get updates delivered to you inbox. Thank you for joining US.
Also I would like to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment. Blessings, Margarita & Stace
0 Comments
Habakkuk is the only prophet to devote his entire work to the question of the justice of God’s government of the world. Habakkuk’s challenge is set up as a dialogue between the prophet and God, in which Habakkuk’s opening complaint about injustices in Judean society is followed by God’s promise that the perpetrators will be punished by invading Chaldeans, Babylonians. Habakkuk’s second complaint about the violence of the Chaldeans themselves is followed by a second divine response assuring the prophet of the reliability of God’s rule and calling for human faithfulness. Two important events frame Habakkuk’s prophecy: the great Babylonian (Chaldean) victory over the Egyptians at Carchemish (605 B.C.) and the second Babylonian invasion of Judah (587 B.C.), which ended with the destruction of Jerusalem. The desperate conditions in Judah during these years, arising from internal and external threats, provoked Habakkuk’s struggle with difficult and important theological questions about divine justice. Author: Habakkuk Date of Writing: c. 606 B.C. Theme or Purpose: Living By Faith / Trusting God’s Judgment Unlike Jeremiah (who lived during the same time period), Habakkuk does not address his message to the spiritually backslidden and rebellious people of Judah. Instead, his writings were aimed at the few who had remained faithful to God. He tried to help them understand how and why God was about to take certain actions against their sinful nation. Habakkuk had already personally wrested with the disturbing issue of God using terribly wicked people like the Babylonians to punish his own people (Habakkuk 1:6-13). For this reason, Habakkuk was able to assure fellow believers of God’s promise to deal with all wickedness in the right time and way. In the meantime, they would have to take comfort in the fat that “the righteous will live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). Even though they would not understand everything, they could still “rejoice in the LORD” their Savior (Habakkuk 3:18). Habakkuk is a short Book of only 3 chapters. In this study we will read a chapter a day, or at your own pace. I will give a summary of each chapter. Please feel free to leave your comments and thoughts below so we can discuss them. I look forward to having you join me for this online Bible study. Invite your friends and family to! Let’s Pray: “Lord, thank you for this time you’ve given me to open your Word and discover who you are. Thank you that you don’t leave us in the dark about who you are and what you are doing in the world, but that you have revealed yourself and your will through the Bible, your sacred words to us. Lord, I need wisdom as I read your Word. You promise us in James 1:5 that we only have to ask for wisdom to receive it. Lord, please give me your wisdom now as I approach your word. Help me discern the truth of this text. Help me not rely on my own understanding. Thank you God for the clarity, encouragement and hope your Word brings. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.” BIBLE STUDY TOOLS I USE:
If you would like the eBook to this Bible Study Visit our Store to Purchase a eBook download. Some of our post that might interest you: Visit our Tailspin Farms YouTube Channel . We would appreciate if you would like our videos and subscribe to our channel. Thank You! Don't miss a thing! Sign up to get updates delivered to you inbox. Thank you for joining US.
Also I would like to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment. Blessings, Margarita & Stace NAHUM BIBLE STUDY CHAPTER THREE THE CITY OF BLOOD. Nineveh is called “the city of blood” because of how it had cruelly murdered large numbers of conquered peoples. PROSTITUTION...WITCHCRAFT. Sin never exists in isolation. That is to say, one offense against God will most likely lead to another. That is because sin spreads and multiplies like an infectious disease. Not only were the Assyrians brutally cruel, but they were also extremely immoral.
I AM AGAINST YOU. Because of Nineveh’s terrible offenses against God, the Lord Himself would personally expose the corruption and deep darkness in the hearts of its residents. God declared that He would destroy them. No power on earth can protect a nation that has made God its enemy and whom God has determined to oppose. When sin reaches a certain level in any society, God will expose the people to shame by bringing down all their means of security and leaving them completely open to the consequences of their rebellion. Such a society will crumble in defeat. ARE YOU BETTER THAN THEBES. Because the Ninevites believed no one could defeat them, they failed to recall how God had brought down other great cities, such as the city of Thebes in Egypt, conquered by the Assyrians in 66 B.C. NOTHING CAN HEAL YOU WOUND Nineveh would be completely destroyed and never again rebuilt. After the city fell in 612 B.C., it became a deserted and desolate area for animals and birds (Zephaniah 2:13-15) Reflection Questions on Nahum
LORD God, King of the earth, You have created all peoples and reign over all the nations that inhabit this earth. When the nations rage and put themselves forward as mighty, You still have the final word, promising to put all the prideful in their place. Although tempted to trust in our own strength, we turn to You, even as the psalmist says, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God’ (Psalm 20:7). Teach us to live with trust in light of the prophet Nahum’s words, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him” (Nahum 1:7). All this we pray, through Jesus Christ, to whom, with You and the Holy Spirit be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. I hope you enjoyed this study as much as I have. Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Please leave me your thoughts on our study of Nahum. BIBLE STUDY TOOLS I USE:
Check back with us for the next Bible Study. I will announce the new Study soon. Hope to see you there! Some of our post that might interest you: Visit our Tailspin Farms YouTube Channel . We would appreciate if you would like our videos and subscribe to our channel. Thank You! Don't miss a thing! Sign up to get updates delivered to you inbox. Thank you for joining us.
Also, I would like to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a short message or comment. Blessings, Margarita & Stace NAHUM BIBLE STUDY CHAPTER TWO AN ATTACKER. This chapter gives a detailed prophetic description of the attack on Nineveh and its destruction by the Babylonian alliance in 612 B.C. HE SUMMONS. “He” is probably the Assyrian king, calling on his soldiers to resist the attackers. THE RIVER GATES. These gates apparently are the floodgates or dams that controlled the Khoser River, which ran through the city. They may have been closed to gather a large body of water and then suddenly released with tremendous force to damage the walls of the city. ITS WATER IS DRAINING AWAY. Some interpret this as a picture of the people fleeing from the city, like water rushing out of a large container. THE LIONS’ DEN. The Assyrians had unmercifully attacked, robbed and totally destroyed other nations, much like lions that kill and tear apart their prey. The Assyrians showed no compassion or mercy for the people. Now they would be attacked, conquered and killed without mercy (verse 10). Jesus teaches His followers about this principle when He said, “all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52; Revelation 13:10). I AM AGAINST YOU. It was God Himself who stood opposed to Nineveh. Their brutality, cruelty and inhumane acts had been so extreme that the almighty God of the universe declared war against them. The opportunity for them to repent and turn to God for mercy was past. They would now receive the torture and grief they deserved (Revelation 18:6-8). Check back tomorrow for Nahum Chapter Three Bible Study. Hope to see you there! I hope you are enjoying this study as much as I am. Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Please leave me your thoughts below. If you would like the eBook to this Bible Study Visit our Store to Purchase a eBook download. BIBLE STUDY TOOLS I USE:
Some of our post that might interest you: Visit our Tailspin Farms YouTube Channel . We would appreciate if you would like our videos and subscribe to our channel. Thank You! Don't miss a thing! Sign up to get updates delivered to you inbox. Thank you for joining US.
Also I would like to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment. Blessings, Margarita & Stace NAHUM BIBLE STUDY CHAPTER ONE NINEVEH. Prophesying sometime between 663-612 B.C., Nahum predicted the downfall of Nineveh, Assyria’s Capital city. Nineveh had once repented of its extreme wickedness and turned to God for mercy in response to Jonah’s preaching more than 100 years earlier. However, the people had returned to their false gods and their practice of cruelty and oppression. The Assyrians had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and were now attacking and robbing parts of Judah. Nahum comforts God’s people by telling them that God would defend them and destroy the Assyrians. Nineveh’s fall occurred in 612 B.C., when it was conquered by a political and military alliance that included the Babylonians, Medes and Scythians. A JEALOUS AND AVENGING GOD. “Jealous” is used here in the sense of the Lord’s eagerness and passion for protecting His people (Deuteronomy 4:24; 5:9). He would take revenge on those who opposed His Word and kingdom by justly repaying them for their rebellion and hostility toward Him and His people (Deuteronomy 32:35,41). THE LORD IS SLOW TO ANGER. God is extremely patient because He wants to give sinners time to repent (2 Peter 3:9) - to change their attitude toward Him, admit their sin, turn from their own ways and follow His purposes. However, there is a limit to His kindness and patience. Those who stubbornly continue in their own way will finally face His justified anger and judgment (Romans 11:22). PLOT AGAINST THE LORD The Assyrians were plotting ways to destroy the city of Jerusalem and the nation of Judah, but God would not allow their plans to be carried out. GOOD NEWS. This passage is similar to the passage in Isaiah 52:7.
Check back tomorrow for Nahum Chapter Two Bible Study. Hope to see you there! I hope you are enjoying this study as much as I am. Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Please leave me your thoughts below. BIBLE STUDY TOOLS I USE:
If you would like the eBook to this Bible Study Visit our Store to Purchase a eBook download. Some of our post that might interest you: Visit our Tailspin Farms YouTube Channel . We would appreciate if you would like our videos and subscribe to our channel. Thank You! Don't miss a thing! Sign up to get updates delivered to you inbox. Thank you for joining US.
Also I would like to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment. Blessings, Margarita & Stace THE BOOK OF NAHUM BIBLE STUDY We are doing a online Bible Study open to anyone around the world! Let's start with what this Book is about. Author: Nahum Date of Writing: c. 630-620 B.C. Theme or Purpose: Nineveh's Approaching Destruction. There were two basic purposes for the prophecy Nahum delivered.
In this study we will read the book of Nahum. I will give a summary of each chapter, and leave you with some questions to think about. Please feel free to leave a short note or comment. Also I welcome any other thoughts or ideas favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Please leave my your thoughts below on the study. I look forward to having you join me for this new online study. Invite your friends! Let's get started! BIBLE STUDY TOOLS I USE:
If you would like the eBook to this Bible Study Visit our Store to Purchase a eBook download. Some of our post that might interest you: Visit our Tailspin Farms YouTube Channel . We would appreciate if you would like our videos and subscribe to our channel. Thank You! Don't miss a thing! Sign up to get updates delivered to you inbox. Thank you for joining US.
Also I would like to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment. Blessings, Margarita & Stace WHAT MISERY IS MINE! Micah grieves over the corruption of the society in which he lived. Violence, dishonesty and immorality were practiced freely among the people of Israel. Few people were really godly (Verse 2), and family love had nearly disappeared (Verse 6). If we are truly devoted to God and His purposes, we will also grieve over the evil and ungodliness we see around us. It should cause us to pray more earnestly for our nation and for those we know who do not have a personal relationship with God. We must plead for the Lord to do whatever it takes to bring them to Him (Verse 7-9) and to use us in the process. I WATCH IN HOPE FOR THE LORD. When surrounded by a morally sick and spiritually lost society, Micah put his faith in God and trusted Him to fulfill His promises. Micah knew that God would take care of him personally and would one day carry out justice against all evil and reveal everything that is right (Verse 9).
I WILL RISE. Those who remained faithful to God would face difficult days ahead because of God's judgment for the nation's sins. However, Micah boldly expressed a faith that looked beyond the temporary triumph of their enemies to the time when God would restore the nation to its highest glory. "I will rise" is a statement of faith that is similar to Job's statement in the middle of his suffering (Job 19:25-27). SHEPHERD YOUR PEOPLE. These verses are a prayer of supplication(a humble plea or request), asking God to fulfill the words of Verse 8-13. Micah's main concern was that God - as the great Shepherd - would once again lead, guide and take care of Israel. Reflection Question:
I hope you enjoyed this study as much as I have. Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Please leave me your thoughts on our study of Micah. BIBLE STUDY TOOLS I USE:
If you would like the eBook to this Bible Study Visit our Store to Purchase a eBook download. Don't miss a thing! Sign up to get updates delivered to you inbox Thank you for joining me.
Also I would like to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment. Blessings, Margarita & Stace LISTEN TO WHAT THE LORD SAYS The Lord had a "case" or dispute against His people. He demanded that they step forward to hear His accusations and to justify their evil actions, it that was possible. What right did they have to reject their covenant God - the One who set them apart from all other nations, who gave them His special laws and promises and who rescued them time and time again? Yet they had continually disobeyed His laws. The specific charges against the people are given in Verse 9-16. WHAT HAVE I DONE TO YOU? God asks His people what He had done to deserve their rejection - had He failed them in some way?
WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF YOU? This passage is one of the great summary statements of the Bible, It gives the clearest and most complete picture of how God expects His people to conduct themselves. The verse gives a threefold definition of God's standard of goodness and what our commitment to Him involves:
THE LORD IS CALLING. The Lord lists some of Israel's sins - their offenses toward Him - and announces the judgment they had to face as a consequence of those sins. BIBLE STUDY TOOLS I USE:
If you would like the eBook to this Bible Study Visit our Store to Purchase a eBook download. Don't miss a thing! Sign up to get updates delivered to you inbox Thank you for joining me.
Also I would like to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment. Blessings, Margarita & Stace BUT YOU, BETHLEHEM. Micah prophesies that a godly ruler would come out of Bethlehem who would fulfill God's promises to His people. This verse refers to Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 2:1, 3-6), who is "from ancient times" (from eternity, without beginning or end; John 1:1; Colossians 1:7; Revelation 1:8); yet He would be born as a human and live among people (Verse 3; John 1:14; Philippians 2:7-8). THEREFORE ISRAEL WILL BE ABANDONED. God would abandon Israel - allowing the nation to go its way and suffer the consequences of its actions. It would have to survive without the many benefits God had desired for them until the promised One is born (Christ). "She who is in labor" refers physically to the virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, and spiritually to the faithful few in Israel who will be serving God up until that time. all hope for Israel - and for all nations - comes from the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. "The rest of His brothers" refers to the northern tribes of Israel, showing that the Messiah would be for all of Israel twelve tribes twelve tribes (Judah consisted of two tribes and Israel consisted of ten of the original tribes. TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. Like Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6-7; 61:1-2), Micah did not distinguish between the first and second comings of Jesus Christ to the earth. Some of his descriptions may have implications for both arrivals. When Christ returns to destroy all evil (following the tribulation judgments on the earth, Revelation Chapters 6-19), Israel will live securely and Christ will reign over all the world. HE WILL BE THEIR PEACE. Only Jesus the Messiah will bring lasting peace to Israel (this will occur in its most complete way when He returns to earth to rule for the last thousand years at the end of history, Revelation 20). Yet with His first coming, Christ has already brought God's peace to individuals who have accepted His personal sacrifice for their sins, received His forgiveness and have the assurance of eternal life (Romans 5:1-11). Because they have entrusted their lives to His leadership, true followers of Jesus will not be condemned to receive eternal punishment (John 14:27; Ephesians 2:14). ASSYRIAN Assyria represents all God's enemies. The Messiah will one day rescue and free His people from all who oppose them and their worship of God. DEMOLISH YOUR CHARIOTS When the Messiah returns to judge the world for its evil, He will take away Israel's need and ability to make ware (Verse 10-11). He will also take away from the nation all sin, witchcraft and idolatry (worship of false gods [which really represent demons] or other things instead of the true God, Verse 12-14). All those in Israel who are not loyal to God and His ways will be destroyed, along with the rest of God's enemies. Reflection Question:
I hope you are enjoying this study as much as I am. Please leave me your thoughts on our study of Micah. BIBLE STUDY TOOLS I USE:
Don't miss a thing! Sign up to get updates delivered to you inbox Thank you for joining me.
Also I would like to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment. Blessings, Margarita & Stace IN THE LAST DAYS. Micah tells of a time at the end of earthly history when God will rule over the entire world.1. It will be a time of peace, goodness and happiness. God will be honored and worshiped not only by a unified Israel, but also by all the nations of the world. 2. The "mountain of the LORD'S temple" (Jerusalem) will be the center of God's government. This future kingdom will begin when Christ returns to destroy all evil and to establish His reign on earth Revelation 20:4) WALK IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. How should we live while we wait for God's kingdom to come in its complete form? Micah tells us. Walking "in the name of the LORD" means that we must live in a way, that is worthy of being associated with God. As Christ's followers, we are to be God's representatives - reflecting His character, serving His purposes and exercising His authority over evil. We must go about our daily lives with a strong awareness of God's presence, which will encourage our faith in God and keep us from doing things that are not right. In the process, we will be able to influence others to follow Christ (2 Peter 3:11-12). WHY DO YOU NOW CRY ALOUD. The prophet switches his focus again from future hope to the present doom that awaits Jerusalem. He tells the people that they will be taken captive to Babylon. This was an amazing prediction since Micah spoke this prophecy 100 years before the Babylonian Empire became the leading world power (the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem in 586 B.C.). But hope rises again, for Micah foresees Jews one day returning from Babylon (Verse 10). Reflection Question:
BIBLE STUDY TOOLS I USE:
Don't miss a thing! Sign up to get updates delivered to you inbox Thank you for joining me.
Also I would like to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment. Blessings, Margarita & Stace |
AuthorI'm Margaret "Margarita". I am a Christian, wife, mother and grandmother. I talk about faith, my Christian walk, & our life on the farm. I have learned so much & continue to learn from the Word of the LORD. I hope this space will give you encouragement and inspiration in your walk with God. Archives
March 2022
Categories
All
|
Handcrafted items made with love.
Farm / Homesteading eBooks Faith eBooks Notary Public Service Goats when available |
New items coming soon.
|
Tailspin Farms
2273 FM 1681 Stockdale, Texas 78160 |
210-771-7205
Email - mcgoats@tspinfarms.com |