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unstated just what this person's consistency is related to, since a rendering like "consistency in
doing something" would be closer to the force of the word in other OT texts. A careful reading of
the whole verse, in the light of the context of the entire book of Habakkuk, should allow us to
understand the full intent of YHWH's statement.
We will proceed in steps. First, what is the overall structure of the book of Habakkuk?
The book falls into two clear parts; the first, chapters 1 and 2, and the second, chapter 3. Both
parts are headed by a superscription, and even though the first heading may preface the entire
book, the second clearly sets chapter 3 apart as a separate section. In addition, the dramatic
difference in form between the first two chapters and chapter 3 confirms this basic structure of
the book. Chapters 1 and 2 present two complaints that Habakkuk presented to YHWH, as well
as YHWH's two responses. Habakkuk's first complaint (1:2-4) asked essentially how long
YHWH would continue to not reply to the prophet's prayers. YHWH's answer (1:5-11) informed
the prophet that a divine intervention was imminent! Indeed, YHWH was raising up the
Chaldeans to bring judgment upon wicked Judah. This answer provoked Habakkuk's second
complaint (1:12-17), which mainly questioned why YHWH would use a more wicked nation (the
Chaldeans) to punish a less wicked nation (Judah). YHWH's second reply (2:1-20) is far longer
and more complex than the first. It is also highlighted by Habakkuk's statement of his disposition
to listen to the divine answer (2:1), as well as his use of a narrative introduction to YHWH's
second speech (2:2a).
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YHWH's second response is given in two parts: the first, more general,
informs Habakkuk how a righteous person can live through difficult times. The second, more
specific, reveals that the Chaldeans would indeed, themselves, be finally judged for their own
consistency."
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There were no narrative introductions to any of the three speeches in chapter 1!