Habakkuk 2:20 But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him. This prophetic book was written in troublous times. I. THE ATTITUDE OF GOD TOWARDS THE EARTH IN THE GREAT CRISIS OF ITS HISTORY. Some think by Jehovah's temple the prophet means the Church; others the universe; others heaven; others the temple at Jerusalem. We understand our text to speak of heaven as the temple of the Lord. 1. The fact that the Lord is in His temple speaks to us of the hiding of His purposes. To us, in this lower world, God's face is often veiled. Our vision is not keen enough to pierce the mysteries of that temple into which He withdraws Himself. 2. Indicates the interest which He takes in human affairs. Though the Lord is hidden, He is not unobservant. It is our consolation to know that our Heavenly Father, though unseen, is all-seeing and all-pervading. And if God care for the most insignificant individual, must He not care much more when the fate of nations hangs in the balance 3. Intimates His infinite repose in spite of all external changes. No disquiet can be felt by the Almighty. 4. He is ready to interfere effectively at the proper moment. As a rule, He conceals His designs, until the time comes for action. II. THE FITTING ATTITUDE OF MAN TOWARDS GOD IN EVENTFUL TIMES. "Let all the earth keep silence before Him." There should be — 1. The silence of humiliation. 2. The silence of adoration. 3. The silence of submission. 4. The silence of expectation. 5. The silence of quiet resolution — the resolution to follow implicitly the guidance of providence, and, at whatever cost, to do our duty to our country, the world, and to God. Parallel Verses KJV: But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.WEB: But Yahweh is in his holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before him!" |
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