Habakkuk 3:9
Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Habakkuk recounts Israel's foundational salvation history—exodus and conquest—to strengthen faith for coming judgment. Just as God fought against Egypt and Canaan's nations using supernatural means (plagues, sea-parting, sun standing still), He will fight against Babylon. The 'oaths of the tribes' recalls promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve tribes. These covenant oaths guaranteed God's faithfulness regardless of circumstances. For exiles facing Babylonian destruction, remembering God's past supernatural interventions provided hope: the God who split seas and stopped the sun could surely preserve a remnant and ultimately judge Babylon.
Questions for Reflection
- How does remembering God's past acts of salvation (exodus, conquest) strengthen faith during present trials?
- What does God's sovereignty over nature demonstrate about His ability to accomplish His purposes despite human opposition?
- How do God's covenant oaths provide assurance of His faithfulness even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises?
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Analysis & Commentary
Thy bow was made quite naked (קֶשֶׁת עֶרְיָה תֵעוֹר/qeshet eryah te'or)—God's bow is completely uncovered, ready for battle. The double expression emphasizes totality: stripped bare for action. This recalls God as Divine Warrior fighting for Israel against enemies. According to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word connects divine warfare to covenant promises—God fights because He swore to the patriarchs and tribes.
Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers (נְהָרוֹת תְּבַקַּע־אָרֶץ/neharot tevaqa-aretz) depicts God splitting the earth so rivers flow forth. This likely references the exodus: splitting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21), water from the rock (Exodus 17:6, Numbers 20:11), or Jordan's division (Joshua 3:16). The imagery portrays God as sovereign over creation, using nature itself as His weapon. When God acts in salvation, even geological features obey His command.