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"You went forth for the salvation of Your people"

Text: Habakkuk 3:13

A MIGHTY KING DEFENDING HIS PEOPLE

One of the earliest descriptions of God defending His people may be found in the following text.

“The LORD your God, who goes before you,
He will fight for you, according to all He did
for you in Egypt before your eyes.”
Deuteronomy 1:30

Habakkuk dwelt on the thought of God coming to the rescue of His people.

“You marched through the land in indignation;
You trampled the nations in anger.
You went forth for the salvation of Your people,
For salvation with Your Anointed.
You struck the head of the house of the wicked,
By laying bare from foundation to neck.”
Habakkuk 3:12-13

1. Imagery of God as a Warrior-King in battle

a) “You marched through the land”

i) The Chaldeans were feared for their mighty army.

ii) God ought to be held in greater awe when He leads His army.

b) “In indignation”

i) The Chaldeans were famed and feared for their wrath.

ii) God was to be feared for His righteous indignation.

He is not to be viewed only as a God of lovingkindness and mercy!

2. “You trampled the nations in anger”

a) No nation in the past could resist God effectively.

b) The nations were trampled when God was angry with their sinfulness and insolence.

c) No nation in the present or future context can stand against God and triumph.

3. “You went forth for the salvation of Your people”

a) God bound Himself by a covenant oath to His people.

b) And as the liege Lord He would go forth for the salvation of His people.

4. “With Your Anointed”

a) This is often with reference to the king that God would confirm by anointing.

b) The Anointed one could count on the Lord for His help in battle.

5. The house of the wicked would be struck down and be destroyed utterly. Their very foundations would be split and laid bare!