In that day, the Lord will whistle for the fly that is at the head of the Egyptian streams and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria—the prophecy of judgment uses the imagery of insects (flies and bees) to represent Egypt and Assyria, suggesting that these powers will be instruments of God's judgment on Judah. The whistling (summoning) suggests God's control over these powers; they come at God's bidding. The specific mention of Egypt and Assyria suggests the international powers that will eventually threaten Judah; Ahaz's refusal to trust God will lead him to seek alliances with these powers and eventually to submission to Assyria. The imagery of insects suggests that these seemingly powerful nations are ultimately small and controllable from God's perspective. This verse subtly criticizes the politics Ahaz is likely pursuing (seeking Assyrian protection) by suggesting that such alliances will bring judgment. The verse establishes that human political maneuvering, whatever its apparent logic, is subordinate to God's purposes.

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