Habakkuk 3:17-18
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This verse doesn't just describe a potential future of complete agricultural failure; it lists every single source of sustenance, from figs to olives to livestock, highlighting the utter totality of the devastation. It's not just "things are bad," it's the comprehensive collapse of life's foundational elements.
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Habakkuk has just described the terrifying revelation of God's power and judgment, which fills him with awe and trembling. This verse and the next shift to a bold declaration of faith, detailing the utter devastation of famine and loss that could result from such divine judgment or invasion. Despite facing the complete collapse of their economy and livelihood, the prophet resolves to find joy in God.
Imagine waking up to a world stripped bare. Habakkuk doesn't just hint at hardship; he paints a picture of total collapse. What does this vivid imagery tell us about his faith?
Habakkuk 3:17 isn't just a list of misfortunes; it's a carefully crafted depiction of complete desolation.
A World Turned Barren
This isn't just a bad harvest; it's the breakdown of the entire natural and economic order. Habakkuk uses this extreme scenario to set the stage for his incredible declaration of trust.
What happens when the foundation of your life crumbles? Habakkuk faces this, but his response is astonishingly firm. It reveals a faith that's anchored deeper than our surroundings.
The power of Habakkuk's statement lies in the stark contrast between the circumstances he describes and the response he offers (which comes in the next verse).
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The Choice to Trust
This shows us that true faith isn't dependent on favorable conditions. It's about trusting the character and promises of God, regardless of what we see or experience.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the covenant-keeping God of Israel. It denotes His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His people, frequently linked to His redemptive works.
alaz · Hebrew Verb
A state of profound internal gladness and exultation, often expressed through singing or external display. Biblically, this joy is not based on circumstances but is grounded in the character and works of God.
yesha · Hebrew Noun
The One who delivers, rescues, or preserves from danger, destruction, or sin. In a theological sense, it emphasizes God as the sole source of safety and eternal restoration for His people.
Habakkuk's vivid depiction of utter devastation in this verse reflects the grim reality faced by Judah during the Babylonian exile, where all sources of sustenance and security were destroyed or removed.
c. 7th Century BC
Assyrian or Babylonian Threat
Habakkuk prophesied during a time of intense geopolitical upheaval, with the Neo-Assyrian and later the Neo-Babylonian empires posing significant threats to Judah.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Under Nebuchadnezzar II, the first wave of Judean exiles, including prominent figures like Daniel, were taken to Babylon. This marked the beginning of Judah's subjugation.
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Another significant deportation occurred, including King Jehoiachin and many skilled workers. The kingdom of Judah was reduced to a vassal state.
c. 587-586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Third Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, the heart of Judean religious and national life. This event plunged the remaining population into deep despair and exile.
Post-Exilic Period
Return and Rebuilding
After decades of exile, some Judeans returned to Jerusalem, facing immense challenges in rebuilding their city, Temple, and society amid poverty and external pressures.
This passage shows a similar complete devastation of livelihood, where Job's wealth in livestock is decimated, paralleling the loss described in Habakkuk.
Jeremiah 8:22This verse speaks of the 'balm of Gilead' failing, representing a lack of healing or provision, which resonates with the complete failure of crops and livestock in Habakkuk.
Isaiah 24:16This verse describes a time of 'leanness' and betrayal in the land, reflecting a similar sense of widespread desolation and despair that Habakkuk is painting.
Luke 12:16-21The parable of the rich fool highlights the futility of trusting in material possessions and harvests, a theme underscored by Habakkuk's description of what happens when those very things fail.
Psalm 104:14-15This Psalm speaks of God providing for the land, causing the crops and plants to grow for human use, directly contrasting with the barrenness Habakkuk describes as a potential reality.
barnesHabakkuk 3:17: "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:"
Although - literally, For The fig tree shall not blossom - The prophet repeats his confidence in God, premising his knowledge that all human hopes should fail. I know, he says, all stay and support shall fail; he numbers from the least to the great…
bensonHabakkuk 3:17: "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:"
Habakkuk 3:17-18 . Although the fig-tree shall not blossom — Though all outward means of support should fail, yet will I still have a firm confidence in the power, goodness, and faithfulness of God, that he will preserve me, and supply me with all…
This verse doesn't just describe a potential future of complete agricultural failure; it lists every single source of sustenance, from figs to olives to livestock, highlighting the utter totality of the devastation. It's not just "things are bad," it's the comprehensive collapse of life's foundational elements.
Habakkuk has just described the terrifying revelation of God's power and judgment, which fills him with awe and trembling. This verse and the next shift to a bold declaration of faith, detailing the utter devastation of famine and loss that could result from such divine judgment or invasion. Despite facing the complete collapse of their economy and livelihood, the prophet resolves to find joy in God.
Habakkuk has just described the terrifying revelation of God's power and judgment, which fills him with awe and trembling. This verse and the next shift to a bold declaration of faith, detailing the utter devastation of famine and loss that could result from such divine judgment or invasion. Despite facing the complete collapse of their economy and livelihood, the prophet resolves to find joy in God.
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I wil…" — This verse doesn't just describe a potential future of complete agricultural failure; it lists every single source of sustenance, from figs to olives to livestock, highlighting the utter totality o…
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Last reviewed October 2026
