Habakkuk 3:19
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Habakkuk 3:19
19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
Chapter Context
Habakkuk 3 is a prophetic dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, holiness, salvation. Written during the neo-Babylonian rise to power (c. 605-597 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Babylon's rise to power raised questions about God using pagan nations as instruments.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-19: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Habakkuk and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Habakkuk 3:19
19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
Analysis
Habakkuk concludes with triumphant declaration: 'The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places' (Yahweh Adonai cheyli veyasem raglai ka'ayaloth ve'al-bamothai yadrikheni). After describing total agricultural failure (v.17) and declaring he'll rejoice anyway (v.18), he affirms God as 'my strength' (cheyli)—source of power and ability. God 'will make my feet like hinds' feet' (veyasem raglai ka'ayaloth)—deer's feet, sure-footed on dangerous mountain terrain. 'Make me to walk upon mine high places' (ve'al-bamothai yadrikheni)—navigate successfully through difficult circumstances. This isn't presuming prosperity but expressing confidence that God will provide what's needed to navigate whatever comes. The imagery suggests agility, stability, and ability to traverse dangerous terrain successfully—not by avoiding difficulties but by divine enablement to get through them.
Historical Context
The musical notation 'To the chief singer on my stringed instruments' (lamnatzeach bingino'atay) indicates this prayer became part of temple worship. Habakkuk's personal spiritual journey—from complaint through revelation to confident faith—became resource for community worship. During exile, this conclusion would provide immense encouragement: regardless of circumstances, God remains strength, and He enables His people to navigate impossible situations. Post-exilic community, facing ongoing difficulties rebuilding, could sing Habakkuk's declaration, affirming faith despite hardships. The passage teaches that faith's goal isn't avoiding difficulties but developing confidence that God will sustain through them. This same confidence characterizes New Testament faith—'I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me' (Philippians 4:13).
Reflection
- How does the imagery of 'hinds' feet' and 'high places' depict God's enabling believers to navigate difficult spiritual terrain?
- What is the difference between faith that expects ease and faith that expects divine enablement through difficulty?
- How can Habakkuk's progression from complaint to confidence guide believers through their own spiritual struggles?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References God: Psalms 46:1, Isaiah 12:2
- References Lord: Psalms 27:1, Isaiah 58:14
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 32:13, 2 Samuel 22:34, Psalms 18:33, Ephesians 3:16, Philippians 4:13, Colossians 1:11