Habakkuk 3:7-15 NLT

[7] I see the people of Cushan in distress, and the nation of Midian trembling in terror. [8] Was it in anger, LORD, that you struck the rivers and parted the sea? Were you displeased with them? No, you were sending your chariots of salvation! [9] You brandished your bow and your quiver of arrows. You split open the earth with flowing rivers. [10] The mountains watched and trembled. Onward swept the raging waters. The mighty deep cried out, lifting its hands in submission. [11] The sun and moon stood still in the sky as your brilliant arrows flew and your glittering spear flashed. [12] You marched across the land in anger and trampled the nations in your fury. [13] You went out to rescue your chosen people, to save your anointed ones. You crushed the heads of the wicked and stripped their bones from head to toe. [14] With his own weapons, you destroyed the chief of those who rushed out like a whirlwind, thinking Israel would be easy prey. [15] You trampled the sea with your horses, and the mighty waters piled high.

            The second part of Habakkuk’s song describes the looked-for arrival of God to fight against those who oppressed Israel.  The people of Cushan and the Midianites had often been a thorn in the side of Israel.  God’s arrival to fight for His chosen people would put their enemies in states of distress and terror.

            God’s arrival is compared to a mighty flood, like a vast wave of chariots, that sweeps across the land, splitting the earth with its power.  His power, like a mighty bow and quiver full of arrows, rushes forward with such majesty that the sea, the sun and the moon all yield to Him.  God defeats the enemies of His chosen nation so thoroughly that their heads, or kings, would be completely crushed and their bones, or military structure, would be annihilated, like bones being stripped of flesh.

            God’s power to defend and save His people is awesome.  Through Jesus, God has promised to always be with those who put their trust in Him.  We sometimes feel like evil is winning all around us.  Let us be reminded that the Savior of Israel is also the Savior of Christ’ church.  He will eventually conquer evil and protect His disciples from His wrath to come.