Interpretation of the prophet Habakkuk

“Interpretation on the Prophet Habakkuk” is part of the “Interpretation on the 12 Minor Prophets,” written by Blessed. Theodoret of Cyrus in the 30-40s. V century at the request of friends. He uses a typological method of interpretation and pays sufficient attention to clarifying the chronology of the prophet's life. According to the author, when interpreting the Old Testament, one should not forget about its direct and historical meaning: “I know that others, understanding the entire prayer of Avvakum historically, argued that the Prophet predicted this about the return from Babylon... But I would consider it incongruous with anything, when reality prevails and the shadow is covered by the body, to understand a prophecy about something else that does not quite correspond to this” (Chapter 3). The commentary is a sequential presentation of all 3 chapters of the Book of the Prophet Habakkuk. There are people who are very upset when they see the prosperity of those who do injustice. And some doubt that God provides for all kinds of people; while others believe, it is true, the doctrine of Providence, but they are perplexed why human affairs are arranged this way. Taking upon himself the face of the latter, the wonderful Prophet Habakkuk expresses bewilderment, as if he himself wanted to find out the reason for what is happening in the world, and offers a solution to the bewilderment that the grace of the Spirit taught him. For it was not the Prophet himself, as some have supposed, who suffered from doubt; but he introduces the questions of others, and offers teaching about what they are seeking. The divine David did the same; for he brings in a face saddened by the success of wicked people, and says: My feet do not move in the least; my feet are not shed in the least. Because I am jealous of the wicked, the world of sinners is in vain (Psalm 72:2, 3). And having expressed many similar things, he also pointed out the solution to the confusion. For he says: this work is before me, until I enter into the sanctuary of God: and I understand them at the last (Ps. 72:17). Having recognized this by the grace of the Spirit, he added: Moreover, for their flattery you have laid down the name of evil. Thou didst depose, and sometimes I became proud. How was it desolate? suddenly disappeared, perished for her iniquity. Like the sleepiness of those who rise (Ps. 73:18-20). And after a few words, teaching not to inquisitively inquire into the divine dispensations, but to believe in simplicity the words of God, he says: You had cattle: and I will go out with You (Ps. 72:22, 23); that is, just as cattle follows those who are in front, and goes without asking where their path is, so I must believe Your words and follow Your laws; because in doing this I will not be left without Your care. And that David, not doubting himself, but depicting human thoughts, proposed the above questions, this makes clear the very beginning of the psalm; for it is said: if the God of Israel is good in heart (Ps. 72:1). But whoever confessed God to be good, obviously confesses at the same time that He is also a good Trustee. We find much of the same in other psalms and other Prophets. The prophecy of the godly-wise Habakkuk is similar to this. Apparently, he is perplexed why daring people are more successful in the affairs of well-behaved people, and why punishment does not follow the lawless in their footsteps. But that he did not offer us his own thoughts, but prepared preventive medicine for the sick, presented the prophecy in the form of bewilderment and a solution to it, the very beginning of the prophecy testifies to this.