The holy prophet Habakkuk, son of Shaphat, was of the tribe of Simeon and was born in the village of Beth-Zechar. His name, meaning 'embracing', foreshadowed his strength of spirit. He reproached the iniquities of his people, strictly observing God's commandments and was granted the gift of prophecy.
Habakkuk lived during the times of the wicked kings Manasseh and Amon, when in Judah there were atrocities and oppression. The prophet mourned over the corruption of the people and cried out to the Lord for justice. In response to his prayers, God foretold the destruction of the temple and the Babylonian captivity, indicating that the Chaldeans would be the instruments of punishment.
In anticipation of the punishment, Habakkuk prayed to the Lord for the salvation of the people and was like a watchman waiting for revelation. The Lord revealed to him that salvation lies in faith and foretold woe to the oppressors. The prophet proclaimed the futility of idols and the might of the Chaldeans before the greatness of God.
When Nebuchadnezzar approached Jerusalem, Habakkuk withdrew to the land of Arabia to avoid devastation. After the expulsion of the Chaldeans, he returned to his homeland, lamented its calamities, and engaged in agriculture, awaiting the return of the captives from Babylon.
During the harvest, Habakkuk, having cooked a porridge, was sent by the Angel of the Lord to Babylon to the prophet Daniel, who was in the lion's den. After the miraculous transportation, he returned to the reapers, not telling anyone about what had happened. Habakkuk foresaw the return of the people from captivity, but he himself did not live to see this event and died in old age, being buried with honor in his field.
