What Does God Think About Babylon?
Today's reading is the beginning of Habakkuk, a search for God's attitude toward the militaristic culture of the Babylonian empire. It begins with an indirect prayer, asking for God's attitude toward the unstoppable military advance of the Chaldeans (a tribal name for the Babylonians). Then it becomes a clear prayer, asking for God's protection and hoping that God will hold the Babylonians to account for their violence. In fact, they are such a militaristic culture that the Babylonians seem to worship the means of their military power. (This will lead into tomorrow's reading, where God will promise punishment for idolatry.)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Habakkuk 1 today.