Isaiah 7:18
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֣ה׀
H1961
וְהָיָ֣ה׀
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בַּיּ֣וֹם
And it shall come to pass in that day
H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם
And it shall come to pass in that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 14
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֗וּא
H1931
הַה֗וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
3 of 14
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יִשְׁרֹ֤ק
shall hiss
H8319
יִשְׁרֹ֤ק
shall hiss
Strong's:
H8319
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, to be shrill, i.e., to whistle or hiss (as a call or in scorn)
יְהוָה֙
that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְאֹרֵ֣י
of the rivers
H2975
יְאֹרֵ֣י
of the rivers
Strong's:
H2975
Word #:
9 of 14
a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m
וְלַ֨דְּבוֹרָ֔ה
and for the bee
H1682
וְלַ֨דְּבוֹרָ֔ה
and for the bee
Strong's:
H1682
Word #:
11 of 14
the bee (from its systematic instincts)
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Isaiah 5:26And 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 31:1Woe 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!Deuteronomy 1:44And 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 7:20Moreover the LORD thy God will send the hornet among them, until they that are left, and hide themselves from thee, be destroyed.Joshua 24:12And 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.
Historical Context
Throughout the 8th-7th centuries BC, Judah was caught between Egyptian and Assyrian (later Babylonian) imperial competition, suffering invasions from both sides.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's use of ungodly nations for judgment purposes demonstrate comprehensive sovereignty?
- What modern 'flies' and 'bees' might God be summoning for refining discipline?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The imagery of the LORD 'hissing' for Egypt (the fly) and Assyria (the bee) depicts God sovereignly summoning nations as instruments of judgment. The insect metaphors suggest both insignificance relative to God and capacity to inflict pain on Judah. This double threat—Egypt and Assyria competing for control—would make Judah a contested buffer zone. The imagery demonstrates God's control over foreign powers, using them to accomplish His purposes while they pursue their own agendas.