Isaiah 7:18 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God will summon enemy forces—represented as flies and bees—from distant Egypt and Assyria.
The Context of Isaiah 7:18
God will summon distant powers (Egypt and Assyria) as instruments of judgment.
What Does Isaiah 7:18 Mean?
The image shifts to a metaphor of summons: the LORD will 'hiss' (whistle or call) for flies from Egypt and bees from Assyria, calling them to Judah like a swarm. Flies and bees represent the forces of distant powers—symbols of invasion and pestilence. Egypt (to the south) and Assyria (to the north) are the great powers surrounding Judah. By hissing for these pests, God is depicted as controlling and summoning the very enemies that will afflict Judah.
This vivid image emphasizes divine control over political powers. God does not merely allow judgment; He actively directs it. The flies and bees will come as instruments of God's purpose, not as independent agents. The picture is both terrifying and theologically significant: all forces, even those that seem opposed to God's purposes, ultimately serve His plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 7:18
What does Isaiah 7:18 mean?
God will summon enemy forces—represented as flies and bees—from distant Egypt and Assyria.
What is the context of Isaiah 7:18?
God will summon distant powers (Egypt and Assyria) as instruments of judgment.