The prophet's dictionary guide to the supernatural

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Habakkuk to Hypnos

588. Habakkuk—A minor prophet of the Chaldean period that served somewhere between 655 and 600 B.C., perhaps under kings Manasseh and/or Jehoiakim. He indulged in a frustrated harangue with God regarding the Lord’s decreed destruction of His people. His ranting ended with Habakkuk seeking refuge in his prophetic ward (station) to hear God’s response. His doing so says much about the nature and conditions of prophets’ latitude with God. Although Habakkuk’s outburst could have been sternly judged, and perhaps would have been if it had been someone else demanding answers of God in such a manner, because the prophet is the Lord’s mouthpiece, Habakkuk’s frustration may well have mirrored God’s. Nonetheless, his good sense to return to his prophetic station to learn God’s response shows a keen appreciation of his limits with God. Reverently, Habakkuk demonstrates his awareness of acceptable behavior before the Lord, even under the duress of severe prophecy. 589. Hades—One of the biblical designations of hell, the others being Tartarus, Gehenna, and the Abyss. The ultimate disposition of all after death penalties is the Lake of Fire. 590. Haggai—The beginning of the post-exilic prophets during Darius’s reign, Haggai conducted a very short prophetic career in 520 B.C. He was quite old when he entered the Lord’s service. As a prophet with a priestly mind, he was sent to inspire God’s people to rebuild Jerusalem’s temple and initiate His restoration of the Holy Land to its rightful people. His prophecies ended with strong encouragement because initial attempts at obeying God’s request were met with violent resistance from the powers occupying the territory. The people then reacted by abandoning the project and turning their attentions to themselves and their personal pursuits, building their homes and families, and laying only the foundation of the Lord’s house. Haggai chided them for their indolence and fear and moved them to take up the venture anew, this time to complete it. His ministry was paired with Zechariah, a much younger prophet, and together the prophetic team prophesied the project’s completion over a four-year period. It was finished about 516 B.C. Haggai’s ministry also commenced the restoration