Habakkuk 1
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long ago there lived a man. His name was Habakkuk. That is a strange name, isn't it? Habakkuk.
Habakkuk loved God very much. But Habakkuk was sad. And a little bit angry too.
Do you know why? Look around, said Habakkuk. Everywhere there are naughty people. People who hit. People who steal. People who tell lies. And nobody stops them!
So Habakkuk began to talk to God. He said: God, do You see it? God, do You hear me? Why don't You do anything?
Habakkuk waited. And he waited. And he waited some more. But God stayed quiet.
Then, finally, God spoke. Listen well, Habakkuk, said God. I do see it. I hear everything. And I am going to do something. Something very big.
What Does This Mean?
Habakkuk did not understand everything God said. He had to think about it for a long time. But one thing he knew for sure now: God had heard him. God was not sleeping. God was busy, even when Habakkuk could not see it.
Sometimes you can't see what God is doing. But He is there. Always.
The Common Thread
Habakkuk was allowed to talk to God about everything. Even about the hard things. Even about the sad things.
And do you know what? You may too. Because much later, Jesus came. Jesus is God's own Son. And Jesus said: come to Me. Tell Me everything. I am listening.
God always listens. To Habakkuk long ago. And to you, right now.
For You
Sometimes something happens that you don't understand. Maybe someone at school was mean. Maybe you had a big fight. Maybe you are sad and you don't even know why.
Then you can do what Habakkuk did. You can just say it to God. Out loud, or softly in your heart. God, I am sad. God, I don't get it. God, please help me.
God does not think that is silly. God likes it when you talk to Him. He bends down close, and He listens. To every word.
And sometimes God does not answer right away. Then you have to wait a little. Just like Habakkuk. But God is there. Always, always there.
Talk About It
Have you ever been sad or angry? What happened?
What would you like to tell God today?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You that You listen. Also when I am sad. Also when I am angry. Also when I don't understand.
You are always there. You hear me. Thank You, God.
Amen.
Questions about Habakkuk 1
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Habakkuk 1 about?
What does Habakkuk 1 say?
What does Habakkuk 1 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Habakkuk 1?
Why is Habakkuk 1 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
He takes up all of them with the hook. He catches them in his net, and gathers them in his dragnet. Therefore he rejoices and is glad." Habakkuk watches cruelty win, and celebrate its winning. He does not pretend it is fine. He tells God exactly what he sees. Your honest complaint is not the failure of faith. Sometimes it is where prayer begins.
Yahweh, how long will I cry, and you will not hear? I cry out to you 'Violence!' and will you not save?" Notice that God kept this question in his book. Habakkuk didn't whisper it in shame. He shouted it at heaven, and heaven wrote it down. Your unanswered prayer isn't proof of weak faith. It may be the most honest thing you have said to God all year.
All of them come for violence. Their hordes face the desert. He gathers prisoners like sand."
Habakkuk is told the Babylonians are coming, and God Himself is sending them. Prisoners scooped up like sand on the shore, countless, faceless to their captors, but not to God.
When evil seems to sweep people up by the handful, remember: the One who counts the stars also counts the captives. Not one grain of sand slips past Him.
Habakkuk watches Babylon haul in nations like fish in a net and asks, "Will he therefore continually empty his net, and kill the nations without mercy?" It is the ache of someone who cannot understand why God lets cruelty keep winning. Notice, he does not stop talking to God. Bring your unanswered questions too. Silence is not more holy than honest lament.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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