Why do the wicked prosper? — the just shall live by faith
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
Habakkuk 2:4Habakkuk is unique among the prophets. Instead of delivering God's message to the people, Habakkuk delivers his questions to God. Writing around 605 BC, just before Babylon's first invasion of Judah, Habakkuk sees violence, injustice, and wickedness everywhere. He cries out: How long, O LORD? Why do you tolerate wrong? God answers: I am raising up the Babylonians to judge Judah. Habakkuk is shocked: the Babylonians are more wicked than Judah. How can a holy God use an evil nation as his instrument? God answers: the Babylonians will also be judged. In the meantime, 'the just shall live by his faith.'
The structure is a dialogue. Chapter 1: Habakkuk's first complaint and God's answer. Chapter 2: Habakkuk's second complaint and God's second answer, including five woes on the wicked. Chapter 3: Habakkuk's prayer — a theophany (appearance of God) and a declaration of trust. Despite the circumstances, Habakkuk will rejoice in the LORD.
Habakkuk 2:4 — 'the just shall live by his faith' — is quoted three times in the New Testament (Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38). It became the rallying cry of the Reformation. Luther said this verse alone could sustain a man for his entire life. Habakkuk wrestles with the problem of evil and emerges with faith. He does not get all his questions answered, but he gets something better: a vision of God's sovereignty and a commitment to trust him no matter what.
Read in one sitting for the full dialogue
'Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.' This is the theological hinge of the book. The proud — those who trust in themselves, their power, their wealth — will fall. The righteous — those who trust in God — will live by faith. This does not mean 'live' in the sense of 'be saved' (though Paul applies it that way in Romans and Galatians). In context, it means 'survive, endure, persevere.' When the Babylonians come, those who trust in God will hold on. Faith is not passive resignation. It is active trust in God's character when circumstances scream otherwise. This verse became the foundation of the Reformation doctrine of justification by faith alone.
'For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.' Sandwiched between woes on the wicked is this stunning promise. Yes, evil is real. Yes, Babylon will oppress. But the final word is not Babylon's triumph. It is God's glory filling the earth. This is an eschatological promise — it awaits the return of Christ. But it is also a present reality. Every act of faithfulness, every proclamation of the Gospel, every life transformed is a down payment on this promise. The knowledge of God's glory will cover the earth like water covers the ocean floor — totally, completely, inevitably.
'Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.' This is one of the most powerful declarations of faith in Scripture. Habakkuk lists total economic collapse — no figs, no grapes, no olives, no grain, no sheep, no cattle. Everything is gone. Yet I will rejoice. Not because of circumstances. Because of who God is. This is faith at its purest. Habakkuk does not understand. He does not see deliverance. But he trusts. And that is enough.
'O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth.' Habakkuk's opening is raw and honest. He is angry. Frustrated. Judah is corrupt, and God seems silent. This is the cry of every believer who has watched injustice prevail and wondered where God is. Habakkuk does not hide his doubts. He brings them straight to God. And God does not rebuke him. He answers.