The Exalted Ones in Habakkuk 3:2: Years, Deities, or God Himself?
Habakkuk 3:2 contains a puzzling phrase: “O LORD, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O LORD, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.” The Hebrew phrase bĕqereb šānîm is often translated “in the midst of the years.” But some scholars have suggested it might mean “when the Exalted Ones are approaching” or even serve as a title for God Himself as “the Exalted One.”
This unusual expression has led to much debate. Does šānîm simply mean “years,” or does it reflect a deeper theological or mythological idea, perhaps connected with ancient Near Eastern deities or exalted beings? By exploring the background of this phrase, we not only uncover layers of linguistic and cultural meaning but also see how the Gospel transforms the longing of Habakkuk into a hope fulfilled in Christ.
1. The Phrase in Habakkuk 3:2
The phrase bĕqereb šānîm occurs only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both in Habakkuk 3:2. Traditionally, translations render it “in the midst of the years” (HALAT 1478). The meaning seems to be temporal: Habakkuk is praying for God to act again in history, not just in the distant past.
But the unusual grammar has led some to suggest an alternative reading. Instead of simply “years,” some scholars argue that šānîm should be read as “the Exalted Ones.” In this case, the verse could be translated: “When the Exalted Ones approach, revive your work.” This would imply either divine beings or an epithet for Yahweh Himself.
2. Possible Interpretations of the Exalted Ones
Several interpretations have been proposed for šānîm:
Literal Years:
The most straightforward reading is “years.” Habakkuk asks God to act “in the midst of the years,” that is, in the course of history.
This fits the prophetic tone: God has acted before, and Habakkuk pleads for Him to act again soon.
Exalted Beings or Deities:
Some scholars (Reider 1954; Wieder 1974) suggest that šānîm could refer to exalted deities.
This draws on Ugaritic parallels, where El is called ab šnm—“Father of the Exalted Ones.”
Title for Yahweh:
Another view (Haak 1992) is that “the Exalted One” is an epithet for Yahweh Himself.
This would highlight His majesty and transcendence, making Habakkuk’s prayer a direct appeal to God’s sovereign power.
Each interpretation brings out different nuances, but the context of Habakkuk favors a temporal meaning while leaving room for theological richness.
3. Ancient Near Eastern Parallels
The debate is fueled by connections to Ugaritic and Mesopotamian texts. In Ugaritic mythology:
El is sometimes called ab šnm, interpreted as “Father of the Exalted Ones” or “Father of Years.”
Some scholars argue that šnm is an irregular plural of “years,” while others think it refers to divine beings.
The ambiguity reflects how words could carry both chronological and divine connotations.
Even if Habakkuk 3:2 does not directly borrow from these traditions, the linguistic parallels show that ancient Israel’s language was shaped within a broader cultural world where “years” and “exalted beings” could overlap conceptually.
4. Reading Habakkuk in Biblical Context
When read within the canon of Scripture, the simplest translation—“in the midst of the years”—fits well. Habakkuk’s prayer recalls God’s mighty acts in the past (Exodus, conquest, covenant) and pleads for Him to act again in the present.
Yet, even this plain reading points forward. The phrase suggests:
God’s timing: His works unfold across the years, according to His purposes.
Human longing: Habakkuk, caught between promise and fulfillment, prays for God’s work to be revived.
Divine mercy: Even in wrath, God’s people appeal to His covenant faithfulness (Hab 3:2).
This perspective frames history itself as a stage on which God demonstrates both justice and mercy.
5. The Gospel and the Exalted One
From a Gospel perspective, Habakkuk’s prayer finds fulfillment in Christ. Jesus is the truly Exalted One, raised from the dead and seated at the right hand of God (Phil 2:9–11). His resurrection is the ultimate answer to Habakkuk’s plea: God reviving His work “in the midst of the years.”
The early church read texts like Habakkuk 3 in light of Christ’s victory. The years of waiting culminated in the cross and resurrection. What Habakkuk could only long for, the church now proclaims: in Christ, wrath and mercy meet.
Thus, whether šānîm is taken as “years” or “Exalted Ones,” the message converges: God’s exalted plan unfolds through time, climaxing in Jesus. He is the one who brings life in the midst of years and who stands as the true Exalted One over all creation.
6. Eschatological Dimensions
Habakkuk’s prayer also resonates with end-times hope. Just as he longed for God to intervene in his generation, believers today look forward to Christ’s return. The vision of “years” reminds us that history is bounded by God’s purposes, not human power.
Revelation echoes Habakkuk’s theme of wrath and mercy. The exalted Christ is both the Lamb who was slain (Rev 5:6) and the King who will judge and renew the world (Rev 19:11–16). The “in the midst of the years” plea becomes an eschatological longing: Come, Lord Jesus, revive your work once more, and bring it to completion.
Conclusion
The expression bĕqereb šānîm in Habakkuk 3:2 may be unusual, but its meaning is clear in context. Habakkuk is crying out for God’s mighty works to be renewed in history. Whether understood as “years,” “Exalted Ones,” or even as a title for God, the phrase draws our attention to His sovereignty over time and His exaltation above all powers.
For Christians, the Gospel provides the ultimate fulfillment: Christ is the Exalted One who has acted decisively in history and will act again at the end of the age. Habakkuk’s prayer continues to resonate, teaching us to live faithfully in the waiting years, trusting that God’s purposes will prevail.
Bible Verses about God’s Exaltation
“O LORD, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O LORD, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.” (Habakkuk 3:2)
“For the LORD is the great God, and the great King above all gods.” (Psalm 95:3)
“The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” (Psalm 103:19)
“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit.’” (Isaiah 57:15)
“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!” (Psalm 57:5)
“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.” (Philippians 2:9)
“And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.” (Ephesians 1:22)
“The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens!” (Psalm 113:4)
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (Romans 16:20)
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12)
