Habakkuk 3:19 Explained

"The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments." — Habakkuk 3:19 (KJV)

The last line of the book, and it ends with a musical direction — the complaint was set to music.

Read it in context: The Book of Habakkuk. Also gathered under verses about strength.

Habakkuk 3:19 in context

What does Habakkuk 3:19 mean?

A hind is a mountain deer, and the image is of an animal that moves confidently on ground where a person would fall. 'High places' are exposed heights, not comfort — the promise is sure footing in a dangerous position, not removal from it. The closing note to the chief musician is the quietest remarkable thing here: a book of unanswered protest was handed to the temple choir to sing.

What is the context of Habakkuk 3:19?

Habakkuk began by accusing God of not listening and was answered with news of Babylon's invasion. Nothing improved. The book closes with the song that contains 'though the fig tree shall not blossom', and this is its final verse.

How do I pray Habakkuk 3:19?

Pray it about terrain you cannot avoid. Ask for footing rather than for level ground, which is what is actually offered. And note the ending: Habakkuk turned his complaint into something the congregation sang, which is a different fate for grief than either burying it or being consumed by it.

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