Habakkuk [supplements To Vetus Testamentum, Vol. Xliv]

Beginning with form- and text-critical examinations of the text of Habakkuk, this work examines the role of the prophet in the historical setting of late 7th-century Judah. It assesses the policies supported by Habakkuk during the debate surrounding the demise of the Assyrian empire and Judah's role in the new political situation. It provides a basis for examining the role of prophets in Judahite society. This valuable study contains four carefully constructed chapters in which the form, content, and historical setting of Habakkuk’s prophecy are analyzed and the roles which Habakkuk and other prophets played within Judahite society are examined. In the first chapter, Haak surveys the early Hebrew manuscripts (mainly 1QpHab and the Murabbaˁat manuscript of the Twelve Prophets) and the versions of Habakkuk and concludes that "there is a basis for the textual study of Habakkuk within the consonantal tradition represented in the MT” (p. 7). He therefore adopts a text-critical methodology in which the consonantal tradition of the MT is given priority but in which emendation is considered legitimate if evidence from the manuscripts and the versions warrants. On the basis of present knowledge, Haak presumes that it is entirely possible “to arrive at an understanding of the text which is closer to the original historical setting than the understanding reflected in the present MT” (p. 10). Indeed, that is the goal of the following chapter ("Translation and Notes”). The 7th century was a time of turmoil in the Near East. The demise of the long-dominant Assyrian empire led to struggles among the remaining powers. The small nation of Judah experienced conflict and confusion as it tried to survive the rapidly changing situation. Habakkuk examines the prophecy of Habakkuk to determine the role which this prophet played in the complex struggles of the period. Habakkuk begins with form- and text-critical examinations of the prophecy attributed to Habakkuk. These studies provide a clearer understanding of the text and enable the placement of this work within its historical context. A review of the international and internal political situation indicates that the prophecy relates to a specific period within late 7th-century Judah and that its author supported particular persons and policies within this setting. This recognition allows an examination of the roles which Habakkuk and other prophets played within Judahite society. I. The Text -- The Shape Of The Text -- Excursus: The Woe Oracles -- Ii. Translation And Notes -- 1. The Translation -- 2. The Notes -- A. Superscription -- B. The First Complaint -- C. The First Oracle -- D. The First Response -- E. The Second Complaint -- F. The Second Oracle -- G. The Second Response -- The Woe Oracle I-v -- H. The Psalm: Invitation To Praise -- Deeds Of Yahweh -- Lament -- Certainty And Praise -- Iii. The Setting -- Introduction -- Historical Considerations -- The Place Of Habakkuk -- Iv. Conclusions. [translation And Commentary] By Robert D. Haak. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [157]-165) And Indexes.