Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 7:18

18 And it shall come to pass in that day , that the LORD shall hiss for the flie , that is in the uttermost p[illegible: 1+ letters] of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria .

Known to God, and appointed by him, for the execution of these Judgments.

See on Isa. 5. 26.

The Flies. So he calls these Enemies, to imply either their great Numbers, or their speedy March, or their unavoidable Assault.

In, or near, or towards their Extremity or End, where they go out into the Sea.

Of the River Nilus, which may be called rivers, either for its greatness, for which cause the Title of rivers is given also to Euphrates, Psal. 137. 1. and to Tig[illegible: 1+ letters]is, Na[illegible: 1+ letters]. 2. 6. or because, towards the end of it, it is divided into seven famous Streams, by which it emptieth it self into the Midland Sea, Isa. 11▪ 15. He seems plainly to design and describe the Egyptians, who were always dangerous Neighbours to Iudah, and did probably animate and assist the Philistins, and Edomites, and others, against them, and at last made a formal Invasion and Conquest of their Land, 2 Kings 23. 33, &c. Besides, when the Chaldaeans had in good measure subdued the Egyptians, it is very probable that great numbers of the Egyptian Soldiers did list themselves in the Chaldaean Army, and with them invade the Land of Iudah.

The Bees, the Assyrian Army, who are compared to Bees, as for their numerous Forces and orderly March, so for their fierce Attempts and mischievous Effects.

In the Empire of Assyria, or Babylon; for these two were united into one Empire, and therefore in Scripture are promiscuously called sometimes by one Title, and sometimes by the other.