E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Hornets (Josh. xxiv. 12).
“And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites.” The Egyptian standard was a hornet, and in this passage, “I sent the hornet before you,” the word hornet must be taken to mean the Egyptian army.
