King James Version

What Does Habakkuk 3:7 Mean?

Habakkuk 3:7 in the King James Version says “I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble. Cushan: or, Ethiopia in: or...” — study this verse from Habakkuk chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble. Cushan: or, Ethiopia in: or, under affliction, or, vanity”

Habakkuk 3:7 · KJV

Context

5

Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet. coals: or, diseases

6

He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting.

7

I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble. Cushan: or, Ethiopia in: or, under affliction, or, vanity

8

Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? was thine anger against the rivers? was thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine horses and thy chariots of salvation? of: or, were salvation?

9

Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers. earth: or, rivers of the earth

Read Habakkuk 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble. Habakkuk's vision continues with more examples of nations terrified by God's theophany. "The tents of Cushan" (אָהֳלֵי כוּשָׁן/oholey Kushan)—Cushan likely refers to a region in Arabia or possibly Ethiopia/Cush. "In affliction" (תַּחַת אָוֶן/tachat aven) means under trouble or calamity. "The curtains of the land of Midian did tremble" (יִרְגְּזוּן יְרִיעוֹת אֶרֶץ מִדְיָן/yirg'zun yeri'ot eretz Midyan)—the tent curtains shake with terror.

Midian was Israel's ancient enemy (Judges 6-8), yet even they trembled at God's manifestation during the exodus and conquest. The parallel mentions of tents and curtains—nomadic dwelling imagery—suggests peoples living in the wilderness regions south and east of Israel. These nations witnessed God's power during Israel's journey from Egypt to Canaan and were terrified.

The point: God's theophany affects not just Israel but surrounding nations. All peoples see God's power and respond with fear. This anticipates the universal recognition of YHWH that prophets consistently proclaim—ultimately all nations will acknowledge Israel's God as the only true God (Isaiah 45:23, Philippians 2:10-11).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

During the exodus and conquest, surrounding nations heard of God's mighty acts and feared (Exodus 15:14-16, Joshua 2:9-11). Rahab testified that news of the Red Sea crossing and victories over Amorite kings terrified Canaan. The Midianites, descended from Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:2), inhabited regions east of the Jordan and south into Arabia. They later oppressed Israel during the judges period but were defeated by Gideon (Judges 7).

Habakkuk's mention of these nations recalls God's historical displays of power, encouraging faith that He will act again against Babylon. Just as Egypt, Midian, and Canaan couldn't withstand God's purposes for Israel, neither could Babylon. This historical perspective strengthens confidence in God's sovereignty over all nations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does remembering that surrounding nations feared God during the exodus strengthen faith in God's present power?
  2. What does the trembling of nations at God's theophany teach about the universal recognition of His sovereignty?
  3. How should believers pray and work toward the day when all nations acknowledge God's authority and glory?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
תַּ֣חַת1 of 9
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

אָ֔וֶן2 of 9

“in affliction”

H205

strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

רָאִ֖יתִי3 of 9

“I saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אָהֳלֵ֣י4 of 9

“the tents”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

כוּשָׁ֑ן5 of 9

“of Cushan”

H3572

cushan, a region of arabia

יִרְגְּז֕וּן6 of 9

“did tremble”

H7264

to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)

יְרִיע֖וֹת7 of 9

“and the curtains”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

אֶ֥רֶץ8 of 9

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִדְיָֽן׃9 of 9

“of Midian”

H4080

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Habakkuk. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Habakkuk 3:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Habakkuk 3:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 15:14-16Genesis 25:1-4Joshua 9:24Joshua 2:10Judges 7:24-25Numbers 31:2-12

Places in This Verse

CushanRegion · Modern: Al Bad · 28.49°N, 35.01°E1 verse across 1 book
MidianRegion · Modern: Al Bad · 28.49°N, 35.01°E51 verses across 11 books
View all places in Habakkuk 3 →

Test Your Knowledge

Habakkuk 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHabakkuk Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Habakkuk 3 with CommentaryAll Habakkuk ChaptersComplete Habakkuk QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes