Devotions this week based on The Prophets Week 7 – Habakkuk (WATCH HERE)
“The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.” — Habakkuk 2:20
God was going to use wicked Babylon to bring judgment on Judah. At first it didn’t make sense that God would use the wicked to punish those more righteous. But as Habakkuk “lives by faith” there is need to trust that God is working even when we can’t see it.
God was not overlooking the pride and sin of Babylon. They too would fall under God’s justice. The nation God uses as His instrument of judgment will itself face judgment. Five “woes” ring out in this section:
The Lord denounces the sin of Babylon:
- Greed: (v. 6) “‘Woe to him who piles up stolen goods and makes himself wealthy by extortion!
- Deception: (v. 9) “Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, setting his nest on high to escape the clutches of ruin!
- Violence: (v. 12) “Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by injustice!
- Exploitation: (v 15) “Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk, so that he can gaze on their naked bodies!
- Idolatry (v. 19) Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’ Or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!’ Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.”
The message is clear: no power, however mighty, stands beyond God’s justice.
Babylon builds its empire on blood and fear (2:12). It trusts in wealth and military strength. But God reminds Habakkuk, “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (2:14). The glory of human empires fades; the glory of God fills eternity.
The lesson is not just for Babylon, but for us as well. If we think we can build our personal kingdom on the efforts of our own pride, taking advantage of others for our own gain, or prioritizing material and earthly gain over the Lord, we are sorely mistaken.
It may seem like these ways work for a while. One may experience “victories.” One may have an increase in wealth. But when the heart is not aligned to the Lord, we fall under his judgment. Temporal, earthly gain and standing will not stand up against the Lord’s glory. Sin is exposed and we must fall silent without excuse.
“The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.” (2:20).
This is not the silence of fear, but of awe. When Isaiah saw the Lord in His temple, he cried, “Woe is me!” (Isaiah 6:5). When Job finally encountered God, he said, “I put my hand over my mouth” (Job 40:4). Reverent silence acknowledges the perfection and power of God.
In that silence, the Spirit of God invites us to turn from our pride and arrogance back to him. For there from His holy temple, the Lord will certainly forgive and restore us to his grace.
Apply: How are you building your spiritual home? Is it on things that will perish or things that will last? Remember real security is not in wealth or success but in God’s unshakable rule. Homes built on pride crumble; homes centered on Christ stand firm.
Prayer: Sovereign Lord, You rule from heaven and see all that happens on earth. When pride and injustice rise around us, remind us that You reign. Teach us to be silent before You, not in fear, but in faith. Humble our hearts, purify our motives, and fill us with reverent awe. May our lives proclaim Your glory. Amen.