Habakkuk 3:2

Afraid. The prophet introduces his “prayer” by expressing his awe of the coming divine wrath, and he appeals to God to “remember mercy.” He acknowledges the wisdom of God’s dealings with men, which he formerly questioned (see on chs. 1:2, 13; 2:1), and makes humble admission of his own error. Revive. The prophet knows that God, while punishing His own people for their apostasy, will bring sure judgments upon their enemies. He also realizes that in the latter end Israel will be redeemed, and the whole earth “filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord” (ch. 2:14). Therefore, he earnestly requests God that this good “work” of restoration be “revived,” or “quickened.” Chastened in spirit, he is no less earnest in longing for the success of God’s plan for Israel (see pp. 26-30) than he was at first (see on ch. 1:2). Midst. Habakkuk pleads that God’s redemptive purpose be manifest “in the midst of the years,” not at their full expiration. In other words, the prophet longs for the fulfillment of God’s promises of final redemption. Remember mercy. The prophet well knows that man’s chief hope lies in Heaven’s mercy, not in any human goodness.