Habakkuk's Faith
W. O. Barrett. Habakkuk 3:17-18 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail… I. THE APPREHENSION OF GREAT SUFFERING ANY WANT. Our apprehensions concerning the future are of a totally different character to the prophet's. Ours are not national, but personal and relative afflictions. II. THE EXPRESSION ON THE PROPHET'S CONFIDENCE AND JOY. Here is a very wonderful exhibition of a devout and holy character. This language of hope and joy is a striking contrast to three things — 1. The language and conduct of idolaters. 2. The low, dull, heavy feeling of the man who does not believe in the providential government of God. 3. The faint and feeble feelings of confidence in God which distinguish many real Christians. (W. O. Barrett.) Parallel Verses KJV: Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: WEB: For though the fig tree doesn't flourish, nor fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive fails, the fields yield no food; the flocks are cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls: