Habakkuk 3:7

KJV

I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: [and] the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.

KJV (with Strong's)

I saw {H7200} the tents {H168} of Cushan {H3572} in affliction {H205}: and the curtains {H3407} of the land {H776} of Midian {H4080} did tremble {H7264}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I saw trouble in the tents of Kushan and the tent hangings shaking in the land of Midyan.

Berean Standard Bible

I saw the tents of Cushan in distress; the curtains of Midian were trembling.

American Standard Version

I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction; The curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 3:7 is a vivid depiction of the overwhelming impact of God's majestic and terrifying presence on hostile nations, specifically Cushan and Midian. As part of Habakkuk's profound prayer and song of praise, this verse illustrates the universal and destabilizing power of the Almighty, whose theophany causes even formidable peoples and their transient dwellings to be afflicted and tremble in fear, underscoring His absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Habakkuk 3:7 is embedded within the prophet's magnificent prayer, a psalm-like composition that concludes the book of Habakkuk. This chapter serves as a theological and emotional climax, following Habakkuk's intense dialogue with God in chapters 1 and 2 concerning divine justice and the impending Babylonian invasion. While the earlier chapters grapple with the problem of evil and God's use of a wicked nation (Babylon) to punish Judah, chapter 3 shifts to a vision of God's glorious intervention and ultimate triumph. The prayer recounts a past or future display of divine power, drawing on ancient Israelite traditions of God's coming as a warrior-king. Verses 3-6 describe God's majestic appearance from Teman and Mount Paran, accompanied by cosmic upheaval, setting the stage for the trembling of nations described in verse 7. The entire chapter is a powerful affirmation of faith in God's sovereign control and eventual deliverance, despite present suffering.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Habakkuk is set against the backdrop of the late 7th century BCE, a tumultuous period in Judah's history. The Assyrian Empire was in decline, and the rising power of Babylon (Chaldeans) posed an imminent threat. Habakkuk's prophecy likely occurred shortly before the first Babylonian siege of Jerusalem in 605 BCE. Cushan and Midian, mentioned in this verse, represent nomadic peoples and their territories, historically associated with regions to the south and east of Israel. Cushan (often identified with Cush or Ethiopia) suggests a powerful, distant people, while Midian was a well-known nomadic group in northwest Arabia, often hostile to ancient Israel, as seen in the narratives of [Moses](/exodus/2 "Exodus 2 - Moses in Midian") and [Gideon](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory over Midian"). The imagery of "tents" and "curtains" reflects the nomadic lifestyle of these groups, whose temporary dwellings symbolize their transient and vulnerable nature in the face of divine power. The mention of these specific peoples emphasizes God's universal dominion, extending beyond Israel to encompass all nations.

* **Key Themes:** Habakkuk 3:7 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Judgment and Power**. The verse depicts God's awesome might, so immense that it causes nations to be afflicted and tremble, emphasizing that no earthly power can stand against the Almighty. This theme resonates with other biblical accounts of God's terrifying presence, such as His descent on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - God's Descent on Mount Sinai") which caused the mountain to tremble. Secondly, the **Fear and Trembling of Nations** highlights the universal impact of God's holy wrath and justice. The "tents of Cushan" and "curtains of the land of Midian" symbolize the terror and instability that grips all who oppose or merely encounter the divine presence. Lastly, the verse underscores **God's Sovereignty Over All Peoples**. By naming specific, often formidable, groups, Habakkuk affirms God's universal dominion. All nations, regardless of their strength or historical significance, are ultimately subject to His will and power, a truth echoed in passages like [Psalm 47:8](/psalms/47-8 "Psalm 47:8 - God Reigns Over the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tents (Hebrew, _ʼôhel'_):** From the root אָהַל, meaning "a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)." This word refers to a portable dwelling, a common feature of nomadic life. In this context, "tents" are a metonymy for the nomadic peoples themselves, indicating their entire society, their way of life, and their temporary, vulnerable existence.
* **affliction (Hebrew, _ʼâven'_):** From an unused root meaning "to pant," leading to "to exert oneself, usually in vain; to come to naught." It signifies "nothingness," "trouble," "vanity," or "wickedness." Here, it describes the state of distress, sorrow, or calamity experienced by Cushan, implying a profound state of suffering or futility in the face of God's power.
* **tremble (Hebrew, _râgaz'_):** A primitive root meaning "to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)." It conveys a sense of violent shaking, quaking, agitation, or deep fear. This word vividly portrays the intense terror and instability that grips Midian, directly resulting from God's overwhelming presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction":** The prophet Habakkuk describes a vision or a past event where he witnessed the "tents of Cushan" – a poetic reference to the nomadic people of Cushan – experiencing profound "affliction." This affliction is not merely discomfort but a deep state of distress, trouble, or perhaps even a sense of futility, brought about by the overwhelming manifestation of God's power. It suggests a state of being utterly undone or rendered powerless.
* **"and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble."** This clause parallels the first, using "curtains" as a poetic synonym for "tents," further emphasizing the nomadic nature of the Midianites and, by extension, their entire territory and society. The verb "tremble" vividly conveys a violent shaking, quaking, or agitation, indicating profound fear, instability, and disquietude. The trembling signifies their inability to stand firm or resist in the face of God's majestic and terrifying presence.

#### Literary Devices
Habakkuk 3:7 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where "tents of Cushan" and "curtains of the land of Midian" are synonymous expressions for nomadic peoples, and "in affliction" and "did tremble" describe similar states of distress and fear. This reinforces the universal impact of God's power. **Metonymy** is employed through the use of "tents" and "curtains" to represent the entire nomadic societies of Cushan and Midian, highlighting their transient and vulnerable nature. The imagery of these temporary dwellings being afflicted and trembling serves as a powerful **symbolism** for the instability and terror that grips all earthly powers when confronted by the eternal and sovereign God. The verse also utilizes **Personification** by attributing the human emotion of trembling to the "curtains" of the land, making the impact of God's presence more visceral and immediate. This vivid language contributes to the overall **theophany** described in the preceding verses, portraying God's appearance as an awe-inspiring, earth-shattering event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Habakkuk 3:7 serves as a profound theological statement about God's absolute sovereignty and His active involvement in the affairs of nations. It underscores the biblical truth that no earthly power, no matter how formidable or distant, can withstand the manifestation of God's glory and judgment. The affliction and trembling of Cushan and Midian are not merely physical reactions but represent the spiritual and political destabilization that occurs when God reveals His power. This passage reaffirms that God is not a localized deity but the universal King, whose authority extends over all peoples and territories. It provides comfort to the faithful, knowing that the God who makes nations tremble is also the one who fights for His people, bringing justice and deliverance in His time.

* [Psalm 96:13](/psalms/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - God Judges the World with Righteousness")
* [Isaiah 2:19](/isaiah/2-19 "Isaiah 2:19 - People Hide from the Terror of the Lord")
* [Revelation 6:15-17](/revelation/6-15-17 "Revelation 6:15-17 - The Kings of the Earth Hide from the Lamb's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Habakkuk 3:7 calls us to a profound reverence for a God whose power is so immense that it causes nations to tremble. In a world often dominated by human pride, political instability, and the rise and fall of empires, this verse reminds us that ultimate authority rests not with earthly rulers or military might, but with the Almighty. For believers, this truth offers immense comfort and stability. When we face personal trials, national crises, or global turmoil, we can rest in the assurance that our God is sovereign over all. His power is not merely a historical relic but an active force that continues to shape history and will ultimately bring about His perfect justice. This understanding should cultivate a deep sense of worship, humility, and unwavering trust in His plan, knowing that He is working all things for His glory and the good of those who love Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the image of nations trembling before God's presence impact your understanding of His power and sovereignty?**
* **In what areas of your life or in the world do you need to remember that God's power is supreme over all earthly forces?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's ultimate authority provide comfort or challenge your perspective on current events?**

### FAQ
**Why are Cushan and Midian specifically mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: Cushan and Midian are mentioned to emphasize the universal scope of God's power and judgment. Historically, they represent formidable nomadic peoples often associated with regions south and east of Israel. Cushan (often linked to Cush/Ethiopia) suggests a powerful, distant nation, while Midian was a well-known group that had historically posed threats to Israel (e.g., during the time of [Gideon](/judges/7 "Gideon's Victory over Midian")). By naming these specific groups, Habakkuk illustrates that God's authority extends beyond Israel to encompass all nations, regardless of their strength or geographical location. Their affliction and trembling signify that no earthly power can stand against the Almighty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Habakkuk 3:7, with its depiction of nations trembling before God's majestic presence, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Habakkuk anticipates a divine warrior bringing judgment and salvation, the New Testament reveals Jesus as the embodiment of this divine power and the ultimate judge and deliverer. The trembling of Cushan and Midian foreshadows the universal submission that will occur when every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, as prophesied in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus"). His first coming brought salvation and initiated the kingdom of God, but His second coming will be marked by a cosmic display of power that will cause all nations to tremble, just as Habakkuk described. The fear and affliction of the nations in Habakkuk's vision point to the ultimate judgment that Christ will execute, where those who reject Him will face the wrath of the [Lamb](/revelation/6-16 "Revelation 6:16 - The Wrath of the Lamb"). Conversely, for believers, the same power that makes nations tremble is the power that secures their salvation and guarantees their future hope, as Christ has triumphed over all principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). Thus, the terrifying majesty of God displayed in Habakkuk finds its redemptive and ultimate expression in the person of Jesus, who is both the righteous judge and the compassionate Savior.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 15:14

The people shall hear, [and] be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.

Exodus 15:16

Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be [as] still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.

Numbers 31:2

Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.

Numbers 31:12

And they brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil, unto Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and unto the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the camp at the plains of Moab, which [are] by Jordan [near] Jericho.

Judges 7:24

And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan.

Judges 7:25

And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb; and they slew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb, and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side Jordan.

Genesis 10:6

¶ And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan.