Days 186&187: Habakkuk & Joel

The minor prophets are a little tough to really feel like you know what is going on. I think to really understand you need to do more background research than you get by just reading the text. However, the fact that we're reading through in a chronological fashion does help to put these writings into their historical context. We know that we're getting toward the end of the Divided Kingdom. The Northern Kingdom has already fallen to the Assyrians and the Southern Kingdom is still holding on but their days are numbered. It seems that the prophets Habakkuk and Joel are warning the people of Judah about what is to come.

There are a few more or less unrelated passages in these two books that stood out to me...here's the first:

For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
   it speaks of the end
   and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
   it will certainly come
   and will not delay. (Habakkuk 2:3)

This is just a reminder that God will indeed keep His word. We can count on it. And since we know this is true in history we can trust that it is true in the future.

Then there is this well known sentence:

The LORD is in his holy temple;
   let all the earth be silent before him. (Habakkuk 2:20)

What went through my mind as I read that was the NT teaching that the temple of God is now within us. Not sure what to make of that exactly but I think it's sort of interesting.

Then there is this beautiful expression of worship regardless of circumstances. God deserves our humble adoration no matter what is happening around us or to us...

Though the fig tree does not bud
   and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
   and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
   and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
   I will be joyful in God my Savior.
 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
   he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
   he enables me to tread on the heights. (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

I've always loved this verse in Joel. The custom in Bible times was that when you were deeply moved, grieved or repentant you would tear your clothing.

Rend your heart
   and not your garments.
Return to the LORD your God,
   for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
   and he relents from sending calamity. (Joel 2:13)

Then there's this passage from Joel that Peter quotes on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. It struck me that Joel specifically mentions that it's not just men, but both men and women who will receive His Spirit and serve Him.

And afterward,
   I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
   your old men will dream dreams,
   your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
   I will pour out my Spirit in those days. (Joel 2:28-29)