Introduction to Habakkuk

II.Habakkuk’s Psalm (3:1-19)

A.Habakkuk’s fear (3:1)

B.God’s theophany (3:2-15)

C.Habakkuk’s faith (3:16-19)

Jeremiah is called to be a prophet; he warns of invasion from the north. 626

Second phase of King Josiah’s reforms when the book of the law is found in the temple 622

Jeremiah’s temple sermon 609

Judah’s King Josiah seeks to block the movement of Pharaoh Neco II’s Egyptian troops as they pass through territory north of Judah en route to join forces with Assyria. Josiah is killed by the Egyptians at Megiddo. 609

Josiah’s son, Jehoahaz II, succeeds him and is deposed, replaced by his brother, Jehoiakim. 609

Pharaoh Neco II presses on to engage the Babylonian army at Carchemish with the aim of saving what is left of the Assyrian Empire. Nebuchadnezzar leads the Babylonians to defeat Neco at Carchemish. 605

Habakkuk prophesies shortly before or after the battle at Carchemish to point out what the growing Babylonian strength means for Judah. 605

Jehoiakim makes a decision to turn from his alliance with Egypt and submit to Nebuchadnezzar. 604

Jehoiakim ignores Jeremiah’s warning and turns back to Egypt for support after Egypt defeats Babylon at Migdol. 601

Nebuchadnezzar attacks Jerusalem and leads the citizens of Judah into exile. 605, 597, 586

A reinforced Babylonian army approaches Judah; Jehoiakim dies. 598

Nebuchadnezzar plunders the temple, takes Jehoiachin and the royal family into exile, and Zedekiah becomes king. 597

Ezekiel begins to prophesy. 593

Zedekiah rebels against Babylon and is taken to Riblah along with his family. At Riblah he witnesses the executions of his sons, before his own eyes are blinded. Then Zedekiah is taken to Babylon. He apparently dies in captivity. 587

Gedaliah is appointed governor of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in 587. He is soon assassinated.

As punishment for the uprising against Gedaliah, Nebuchadnezzar deports more citizens. 582