whole situation. And when Habakkuk learned what would happen, he would be utterly amazed. In fact, he probably would not be able to believe it. The reason for Habakkuk’s projected astonishment becomes apparent in verse 6: God would raise up the Babylonians (an empire that was to reach its height of power under Nebuchadnezzar II [605–562 BC] and last until it experienced a crushing defeat at the hands of the Persians in 539 BC). Since God’s prophet would be surprised at his announcement about the