The Lord is in his holy temple; Let all the earth be silent before him.

Habakkuk 2:20

I’ve been surprised by familiar biblical passages that come from the obscure minor prophet Habakkuk. One of these passages inspired a benediction we often sang at my childhood church. I hear the melody as I read the words. “The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him” (Hab. 2:20). Imagine my surprise to find these words following five woes spoken by the LORD in His response to Habakkuk! 

Woe to him who amasses what is not his…. (v.6)

Woe to him who dishonestly makes wealth for his house…. (v.9)

Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed…. (v.12)

Woe to him who gives his neighbors drink (to make him drunk) …. (v.15)

Woe to him who says to wood: Wake up! Or to mute stone: Come alive! (v.19)

This last woe addresses rituals consecrating new idols carved by craftsmen who actually trust in what they've just created. God says, “Even though the idol cannot speak it becomes a teacher of lies. Even though it’s beautifully plated in gold, there is no breath in it at all.” God was referring to the Babylonian’s god named Murduk, a lifeless idol, merely a piece of wood or stone. Then, here comes the all-important word “but.” “But, the LORD is in His holy temple; let everyone on earth be silent in His presence” (Hab. 2:20).  

Our powerful God, deserving of reverence and worship, is alive! He’s not a piece of stone or wood but alive on His throne! All humanity will one day be silent before Him as we fall on our faces in praise and worship. How blessed we are to have a living God to worship!

Linda L