Isaiah 7:18

KJV

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall hiss for the fly that [is] in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that [is] in the land of Assyria.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass in that day {H3117}, that the LORD {H3068} shall hiss {H8319} for the fly {H2070} that is in the uttermost part {H7097} of the rivers {H2975} of Egypt {H4714}, and for the bee {H1682} that is in the land {H776} of Assyria {H804}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, when that day comes, ADONAI will whistle for the fly in the farthest streams of the Nile in Egypt and for the bee in the land of Ashur.

Berean Standard Bible

On that day the LORD will whistle to the flies at the farthest streams of the Nile and to the bees in the land of Assyria.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, that Jehovah will hiss for the fly that is in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 7:18 presents a stark prophetic declaration from the Lord, delivered through the prophet Isaiah, to warn King Ahaz and the people of Judah of impending divine judgment. This verse vividly portrays God's absolute sovereignty over the nations, depicting Him effortlessly summoning the powerful empires of Egypt and Assyria—symbolized by a swarming fly and a stinging bee—to invade Judah. This divine summons underscores that these formidable world powers are not acting independently but are mere instruments in God's hand, to be used for His purposes of discipline and judgment upon His people for their unbelief and reliance on human alliances rather than divine faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the larger prophetic narrative of [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Sign of Immanuel"), specifically following the divine offer of a sign to King Ahaz and Ahaz's subsequent refusal to ask for one. The preceding verses (e.g., [Isaiah 7:1-9](/isaiah/7-1-9 "Isaiah 7:1-9 - The Syro-Ephraimite War")) describe the Syro-Ephraimite War, where Aram (Syria) and Israel (Ephraim) allied against Judah, causing great fear in Jerusalem. Isaiah's initial message to Ahaz was a call to faith: "Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid" ([Isaiah 7:4](/isaiah/7-4 "Isaiah 7:4 - Do Not Fear")). God then offers Ahaz a sign to confirm His promise of deliverance ([Isaiah 7:10-11](/isaiah/7-10-11 "Isaiah 7:10-11 - God Offers a Sign")). When Ahaz, in a show of false piety, refuses to ask, God declares He will give a sign anyway—the birth of Immanuel ([Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel")). However, the immediate deliverance from Aram and Israel would be followed by a far more devastating invasion from Assyria, which Ahaz would foolishly invite by seeking their alliance. Verse 18, therefore, marks a crucial pivot, detailing the agents of this future, more severe judgment that would befall Judah due to its king's lack of faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is Judah during the reign of King Ahaz (735-715 BC), a period of intense geopolitical flux in the ancient Near East. The dominant power on the horizon was the rapidly expanding Neo-Assyrian Empire to the northeast, which was aggressively extending its control. To the southwest lay Egypt, a long-standing regional power, though its influence was waning. Judah found itself precariously situated between these two colossal powers. The immediate threat was the Syro-Ephraimite alliance, which sought to depose Ahaz and install a puppet king. Ahaz, rather than trusting the Lord's promise of protection, was inclined to seek an alliance with Assyria, a move that would ultimately lead to Judah's vassalage and severe oppression, as foreshadowed in this prophecy. The imagery of flies and bees is culturally resonant; both insects were common pests in the ancient Near East, known for their swarming, stinging, and destructive potential, making them apt metaphors for invading armies and their devastating impact.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Control** over all nations and human history. God is not merely a passive observer but actively orchestrates the movements of powerful empires, using them as instruments for His purposes, whether for judgment or deliverance. This is a recurring theme, seen also in passages like [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Judgment for Unbelief and Disobedience**. Ahaz's refusal to trust God and his subsequent reliance on foreign alliances, as documented in [2 Kings 16:7-9](/2_kings/16-7-9 "2 Kings 16:7-9 - Ahaz's Alliance with Assyria"), directly leads to the very nations he sought to manipulate becoming agents of divine discipline. Thirdly, it illustrates the **Consequences of Rejecting God's Counsel**. The Lord's warning through Isaiah was a call to trust and repentance; its rejection brought about the promised devastation, emphasizing that God's word is always fulfilled, whether in blessing or in judgment. This passage also reinforces the theme of God's **Providential Use of Wicked Nations** to achieve His righteous ends, even when those nations act out of their own malice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hiss (Hebrew, _shâraq'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to be shrill," this word implies whistling or hissing, often used to call animals or signal a gathering. In this context, it powerfully conveys God's effortless and sovereign command over nations. It suggests that the mighty empires of Egypt and Assyria are so completely subservient to His will that He can summon them with a simple, almost casual, sound, much like a shepherd calls his flock or a beekeeper calls his bees. This emphasizes God's ultimate authority and the subservience of even the greatest human powers to His divine purpose.
* **fly (Hebrew, _zᵉbûwb'_):** This term refers to a fly, especially one of a stinging nature. In the ancient Near East, flies, particularly horseflies or gadflies, were a pervasive nuisance, swarming in large numbers, especially around water sources like the Nile. As a symbol for Egypt, it suggests a vast, annoying, and pervasive force that would spread across the land, bringing irritation and infestation. The "uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt" specifically points to the marshy, fly-infested regions of the Nile Delta, indicating the origin of this swarming invasion.
* **bee (Hebrew, _dᵉbôwrâh'_):** Derived from a root implying "orderly motion," this word denotes a bee. Bees are known for their organized colonies, their aggressive defense when provoked, and their painful sting. As a symbol for Assyria, it perfectly encapsulates the disciplined, highly organized, and militarily aggressive nature of the Assyrian army, which would invade Judah with devastating and painful force. The imagery of a bee swarm evokes an overwhelming, stinging, and destructive onslaught.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass in that day":** This phrase is a common prophetic marker, pointing to a specific future time when God's word will be fulfilled. It signifies a divinely appointed moment, often associated with judgment or significant historical events, emphasizing that the prophecy is not merely speculative but a certain future outcome orchestrated by God.
* **"that the LORD shall hiss":** This clause highlights God's active role and absolute sovereignty. The "hissing" is an anthropomorphic depiction of God's effortless summoning. It implies that the mightiest nations are but pawns in His hand, responding instantly to His call, much like trained animals. This underscores His ultimate control over world powers and historical events, demonstrating that their movements are entirely subject to His divine will.
* **"for the fly that is in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt":** This identifies Egypt as one of the instruments of God's judgment. The "fly" symbolizes the Egyptian army, characterized by its swarming numbers and pervasive, annoying presence. The "uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt" refers to the distant, marshy regions of the Nile, emphasizing that God's summons reaches even the most remote corners, bringing forth the designated agent of His will, regardless of their geographical distance or perceived autonomy.
* **"and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria":** This identifies Assyria as the second, and perhaps more formidable, instrument of God's judgment. The "bee" symbolizes the Assyrian army, renowned for its disciplined organization, aggressive tactics, and devastating "sting" or destructive power. The phrase "in the land of Assyria" simply states their origin, reinforcing that God's command extends across vast distances to bring forth His chosen agents of discipline, demonstrating His comprehensive reach and authority over all earthly kingdoms.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 7:18 is rich in **Imagery** and **Metaphor**. The "fly" representing Egypt and the "bee" representing Assyria are powerful **Metaphors**, transforming these formidable empires into common, yet impactful, insects. This not only makes the prophecy vivid and memorable but also underscores God's perspective: from His vantage point, even mighty nations are easily summoned and controlled, like pests. The act of "hissing" is an instance of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human-like action (whistling or calling) to God, which emphasizes His direct and effortless command over creation and nations. The phrase "uttermost part" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, stressing the vast reach of God's summons, implying that no corner of the earth is beyond His control. Furthermore, there is a strong sense of **Irony** in the passage: King Ahaz sought to avoid the Syro-Ephraimite threat by relying on Assyria, yet God declares that these very nations (Egypt and Assyria) will become the instruments of a far greater judgment upon Judah, highlighting the futility and tragic consequences of human schemes when pursued apart from divine trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 7:18 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including human nations and their leaders. It demonstrates that history is not a random sequence of events but is meticulously orchestrated by the Lord, who raises up and casts down empires according to His divine purposes. This principle is seen throughout Scripture, where God uses seemingly independent world powers—whether for judgment, as here, or for the deliverance of His people. The "hissing" signifies His effortless command, reminding us that even the most formidable human forces are ultimately subservient to His will. This verse serves as a powerful warning against relying on human strength, political alliances, or worldly wisdom instead of placing complete trust in God. It underscores that disobedience and a lack of faith inevitably lead to divine discipline, often through the very means one sought to avoid or control, thereby affirming God's justice and the certainty of His word.
* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod of Anger")
* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - God Summons Nebuchadnezzar")
* [Habakkuk 1:5-6](/habakkuk/1-5-6 "Habakkuk 1:5-6 - God Raises Up the Babylonians")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 7:18 calls us to a profound trust in God's sovereign control over all things, even in times of global instability or personal crisis. Just as God effortlessly summoned ancient empires to fulfill His purposes, He remains actively involved in the affairs of nations and individuals today. This truth should lead us away from fear and anxiety, and toward a deeper reliance on His wisdom and power, rather than on human strategies or alliances. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies: in the shifting sands of worldly power or in the unshakeable foundation of God's faithfulness. When we observe nations rise and fall, or experience personal difficulties, this verse reminds us that God is always working, even through challenging circumstances, to bring about His righteous will and to refine His people. It encourages us to pray for discernment to recognize His hand in current events and to respond with faithfulness and obedience, knowing that true security, peace, and purpose are found only in Him, the sovereign Lord of history.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or in the world do you tend to rely on human strength or alliances rather than God's sovereignty?**
* **How does the imagery of God "hissing" for nations impact your understanding of His power and control?**
* **What are the "flies" and "bees" in your life or in the world today that God might be using for His purposes, even if they seem threatening?**
* **How can recognizing God's ultimate control over nations shape your prayers and actions regarding global events?**

### FAQ
**What do the "fly" and "bee" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: The "fly" symbolizes Egypt, and the "bee" symbolizes Assyria. These are powerful metaphors used to depict the invading armies of these two dominant empires. The fly, particularly a stinging or swarming variety, represents Egypt's pervasive and numerous forces, often associated with the marshy, fly-infested regions of the Nile. The bee, known for its organized colonies, aggressive nature, and painful sting, represents the disciplined, formidable, and destructive military campaigns of the Assyrian Empire. God uses these common insects to illustrate His effortless command over these mighty nations, showing them to be mere instruments in His hand.

**Why does the LORD "hiss" for them?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "hiss" (_shâraq_) implies whistling or summoning, often used to call animals or signal a gathering. This anthropomorphic language emphasizes God's absolute and effortless control over the nations. It suggests that the powerful empires of Egypt and Assyria are so completely subservient to His will that He can summon them with a simple sound, much like a shepherd calls his flock or a beekeeper calls his bees. This imagery underscores God's ultimate authority and the subservience of even the greatest human powers to His divine purpose, highlighting that they are merely instruments for His judgment or other plans, as seen in [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod").

**What is the significance of "in that day"?**

Answer: "In that day" is a common prophetic idiom used throughout the Old Testament, particularly in Isaiah. It refers to a specific, divinely appointed future time when God's word will be fulfilled, often involving judgment, deliverance, or a significant shift in history. In the immediate context of [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Sign of Immanuel"), it points to the future period of devastation that would follow Ahaz's refusal to trust God and his subsequent alliance with Assyria, which would bring about the very invasions described. More broadly, in prophetic literature, "that day" can also point to the ultimate "Day of the Lord," encompassing the final judgment and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 7:18 speaks of a temporal judgment on Judah through the nations of Egypt and Assyria, its deeper theological truths find profound fulfillment and ultimate meaning in Jesus Christ. The "day" of judgment foreshadowed here points ultimately to the "Day of the Lord," which culminates in Christ's final return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The sovereign God who effortlessly "hisses" for nations to execute His will is the same God revealed in Christ, who holds "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The judgment brought by the "fly" and "bee" for Judah's unbelief foreshadows the ultimate judgment that will fall upon all who reject the true "sign" of Immanuel, God with us ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")), who came to save His people from their sins ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People")). Christ, as the rightful King and Judge, will ultimately command all forces, visible and invisible, to bring about His perfect justice and establish a new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). Thus, the terrifying sovereignty depicted in Isaiah 7:18 finds its redemptive and ultimate expression in the Lord Jesus, who is both the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and the Lion of Judah who will execute righteous judgment ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah")).

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

Isaiah 5:26

And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly:

Isaiah 31:1

¶ Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Joshua 24:12

And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, [even] the two kings of the Amorites; [but] not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.

Deuteronomy 1:44

And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, [even] unto Hormah.

Deuteronomy 7:20

Moreover the LORD thy God will send the hornet among them, until they that are left, and hide themselves from thee, be destroyed.

Isaiah 13:5

They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, [even] the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.

Exodus 8:24

And the LORD did so; and there came a grievous swarm [of flies] into the house of Pharaoh, and [into] his servants' houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm [of flies].