Zechariah 14:15

And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.

And so shall be the plague ^{H4046} of the horse ^{H5483}, of the mule ^{H6505}, of the camel ^{H1581}, and of the ass ^{H2543}, and of all the beasts ^{H929} that shall be in these ^{H1992} tents ^{H4264}, as this plague ^{H4046}.

A plague like this plague will also affect the horses, mules, camels, donkeys and all the other animals in those camps.

And a similar plague will strike the horses and mules, camels and donkeys, and all the animals in those camps.

And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in those camps, as that plague.

Context

Zechariah 14 is a pivotal prophetic chapter in the Old Testament, describing the dramatic events surrounding the "Day of the Lord." This chapter details a final, climactic battle against Jerusalem, God's miraculous intervention, and the subsequent establishment of His kingdom on earth. Verse 15 specifically follows the description of a devastating plague inflicted upon the people who fight against Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:12) and the ensuing chaos and infighting among the invaders (verses 13-14). This verse extends the divine judgment to the very animals used by the invading armies and those found within their encampments, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's wrath.

Key Themes

Comprehensive Judgment: The plague described is not limited to human combatants but extends to their most vital assets—their animals (horses, mules, camels, asses, and other beasts). This signifies the absolute and all-encompassing nature of God's judgment against those who oppose His divine will and His people.
Divine Sovereignty: This verse powerfully illustrates God's ultimate control over all creation, even the animal kingdom. His power is limitless, enabling Him to execute His judgments fully and without hindrance, demonstrating that nothing is outside His authority.
The Day of the Lord: Zechariah 14:15 paints a vivid picture of the terrifying aspects of the "Day of the Lord," a time of unparalleled divine reckoning, purification, and the ultimate establishment of God's righteous rule.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "plague" used here is maggephah (מַגֵּפָה), which frequently denotes a divinely sent pestilence, epidemic, or calamity. The phrase "as this plague" directly links the affliction on the animals to the previously described plague on the humans in Zechariah 14:12. This suggests a similar, perhaps supernatural, wasting away or debilitating effect, implying a direct and miraculous intervention from God rather than a naturally occurring disease.

Practical Application

Zechariah 14:15 serves as a solemn reminder of the seriousness of divine judgment. It underscores that God's justice is thorough and all-encompassing when He acts against wickedness and rebellion. For believers, this passage reinforces the truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His unwavering commitment to His purposes. While the imagery is stark, it ultimately points to the certainty of God's victory and the eventual establishment of His peaceful and righteous kingdom, as glimpsed in passages like Revelation 21. It calls us to live in reverent awe of God, seeking His favor and aligning our lives with His will, knowing that He is the ultimate judge and king.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Zechariah 14:12

And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.