The
earth will be filled with the knowledge of Yahweh’s glory, as the waters cover the sea.
Habakkuk 2:14
Habakkuk 2 [10.] You have devised shame to your house, by cutting off many peoples, and have sinned against your soul. For the stone will cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the woodwork will answer it. Woe to him who builds a town with blood, and establishes a city by iniquity! Behold, isn’t it of Yahweh of Armies that the peoples labor for the fire, and the nations weary themselves for vanity? For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of Yahweh’s glory, as the waters cover the sea.
Habakkuk 2 [15.] “Woe to him who gives his neighbor drink, pouring your inflaming wine until they are drunk, so that you may gaze at their naked bodies! You are filled with shame, and not glory. You will also drink, and be exposed! The cup of Yahweh’s right hand will come around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory. For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of the animals, which made them afraid; because of men’s blood, and for the violence done to the land, to every city and to those who dwell in them.
Meaning:
This verse stands as a beacon of hope and divine promise within a prophecy that, at first glance, might seem predominantly focused on judgment and the consequences of human sin. Habakkuk was a prophet who lived during a time of significant turmoil and injustice in Judah, and his writings reflect a deep struggle with understanding God's ways in the midst of such chaos. However, in the middle of Habakkuk’s pronouncements of judgment, this verse shines through as a powerful reminder of God’s ultimate plan for His creation.
Habakkuk is a unique book because it begins with the prophet questioning God. He asks why God allows injustice to thrive and why He seems slow to act against the wicked. God's response reveals that He will indeed act, using the Babylonians, a fierce and ruthless nation, to bring judgment upon Judah for its sins. However, this raises further questions for Habakkuk, as the Babylonians themselves are wicked and violent. How can a holy God use such a nation to achieve His purposes?
In response, God assures Habakkuk that the Babylonians will not go unpunished for their own sins. The second chapter of Habakkuk contains a series of "woes" against the Babylonians, denouncing their pride, greed, violence, and idolatry. It is in the midst of these declarations that we find Habakkuk 2:14, which offers a vision of hope beyond the immediate judgment.
- The Knowledge of the Glory of the LORD
Universal Recognition of God’s Glory: The phrase "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD" speaks to a future time when all people will recognize and understand the majesty, holiness, and power of God. This is not just a superficial acknowledgment but a deep, pervasive awareness of God’s presence and sovereignty. The glory of God refers to His intrinsic worth, His brilliance, and His moral perfection. In this vision, Habakkuk foresees a time when this glory will not only be revealed but also known by all people across the earth.
As the Waters Cover the Sea: The comparison to the waters covering the sea emphasizes the completeness and totality of this knowledge. Just as the seas are fully enveloped by water, so too will the knowledge of God’s glory cover the earth. There will be no corner of the world where God’s glory is not recognized or understood. This imagery suggests not just a widespread knowledge but an overwhelming and all-encompassing reality of God’s glory that cannot be escaped or ignored.
The Significance of This Promise
A Hope Beyond Judgment: In the immediate context of Habakkuk, this promise is particularly significant because it provides a hopeful contrast to the judgment being pronounced. While the Babylonians would indeed bring devastation, and while judgment was necessary because of the sins of Judah, God's ultimate plan goes far beyond punishment. It points to a future where His glory will be universally acknowledged, a future where peace, righteousness, and the knowledge of God will fill the earth.
A Prophecy of the Messianic Kingdom: Many scholars and believers see in this verse a prophecy of the coming Messianic kingdom—a time when Jesus Christ will reign on earth, and God’s glory will be fully revealed and acknowledged by all humanity. This vision aligns with other biblical prophecies, such as Isaiah 11:9, which says, "They will not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea." Both passages look forward to a time of universal peace and the reign of God’s righteousness.
God’s Glory in Creation and Redemption: The filling of the earth with the knowledge of God’s glory also speaks to the overarching theme of God’s redemptive work throughout history. From the beginning, God’s purpose has been to reveal His glory through creation, through His covenant people, and ultimately through Jesus Christ. This verse anticipates the culmination of that purpose, where God’s glory will be fully known and celebrated by all of creation.
Application for Our Lives
A Call to Spread the Knowledge of God: As believers, we are called to be participants in this unfolding plan. While we wait for the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy, we are also called to spread the knowledge of God’s glory in our own lives and communities. This involves sharing the gospel, living in a way that reflects God’s holiness, and pointing others to the greatness and majesty of God.
Finding Hope in God’s Sovereignty: In times of uncertainty or when we see injustice prevailing in the world, this verse reminds us that God’s plan is still in motion. His glory will not be overshadowed by evil, and His purposes will be fulfilled. This gives us hope and assurance, even when circumstances seem bleak.
A Vision of the Future: Finally, Habakkuk 2:14 encourages us to keep our eyes on the bigger picture. Our present struggles and the brokenness of the world are not the end of the story. God has promised a future where His glory will be fully known and where His reign will bring peace, justice, and righteousness to the earth. This vision should inspire us to live with hope, perseverance, and a deep trust in God’s promises.
Cross-References:
Isaiah 11:9: "They will not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea." This verse shares a nearly identical vision, reinforcing the idea that God's ultimate plan is for His knowledge and glory to be universally recognized.
Psalm 72:19: "Blessed be his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen." This psalmist's prayer echoes the same hope that God's glory will be evident throughout the earth.
Revelation 21:23-24: In the description of the New Jerusalem, "The city has no need for the sun, neither of the moon, to shine, for the very glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk in its light." Here, we see the culmination of this promise, where God's glory provides light and guidance for all.
Conclusion: Habakkuk 2:14 is a verse that offers profound hope and assurance in the midst of judgment and uncertainty. It points to a future where the knowledge of God’s glory will fill the earth as completely and fully as the waters cover the sea. This promise not only provides comfort to us in difficult times but also calls us to actively participate in spreading the knowledge of God’s glory here and now. As we look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy, may we be inspired to live in a way that honors God and reflects His glory to the world around us.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible