Verse 7
"I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction; The curtains of the land of Midian did tremble."
"The tents of Cushan ... curtains of Midian ..." "However these words are understood, "The general reference is to God's interposition against Israel's foes of old."[20]
Cushan should be read as "Cush," because the extra syllable, "an" was added for musical reasons, enabling it to correspond to Midian in the following line. There are other examples of this in the Bible, Lot's name being written in Genesis as Lotan.[21] Cush has been identified as Cush, King of Syria, the first oppressor of Israel (Judges 3:8-10), from whom Othniel delivered them. Midian was in league with Balak and Balaam in the efforts which led to the corruption at Baal-Peor. Thus, these two names may, in a sense, stand for the first and last opponents of Israel who were discomfited and defeated by the Lord.
The entire Exodus history of Israel continues to appear in these fervent references by Habakkuk; and this no doubt accounts for the chapter's being incorporated into the public worship of Israel.
"Tents ... curtains ..." These mean the same thing, and they stand here "by metonomy for the inhabitants of the places mentioned."[22]
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