Zechariah 14:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 14:15 describes a devastating divine judgment extending beyond humanity to the very animals (horses, mules, camels, asses, and other beasts) within the encampments of those who oppose Jerusalem during the climactic "Day of the Lord." This verse underscores the comprehensive and all-encompassing nature of God's wrath, mirroring the plague inflicted upon the human combatants and highlighting His absolute sovereignty over all creation in executing His righteous decrees.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 14 is the eschatological climax of the book, detailing the final confrontation between God's people and the nations, culminating in the establishment of God's universal kingdom. Verses 1-11 describe the siege of Jerusalem, God's miraculous intervention, and the transformation of the land. Verse 12 introduces a horrific plague upon the armies that fought against Jerusalem, causing their flesh, eyes, and tongues to rot while they stand. Verses 13-14 depict further chaos and infighting among the invaders, along with the plundering of their wealth. Verse 15 directly follows these descriptions, extending the same devastating plague to their animals, emphasizing the totality of the divine judgment and leaving no aspect of the enemy's power or resources untouched. This progression builds a picture of complete and utter destruction for those who defy God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Zechariah 14 is primarily prophetic and eschatological, its imagery draws from ancient Near Eastern warfare and societal structures. Horses, mules, camels, and asses were indispensable for ancient armies, serving as transport, cavalry, and beasts of burden. Their destruction would cripple military operations and logistical capabilities. "Tents" (מַחֲנֶה, _machăneh_) refer to encampments, signifying the entire military apparatus and its support system. The concept of divine plagues was well-known, particularly from the Exodus narrative where God afflicted Egypt and its livestock. This background would have made the imagery of a plague on animals deeply resonant, signifying a complete dismantling of the enemy's strength and a clear demonstration of divine power over all aspects of life, including the animal kingdom essential for military campaigns and daily life.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 14:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader prophetic literature. It vividly portrays the **Comprehensive Judgment** of God, demonstrating that His wrath is not limited to human combatants but extends to their vital resources and instruments of war, signifying a total defeat. This comprehensive judgment is a hallmark of the **Day of the Lord**, a recurring prophetic theme (e.g., [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Great and Awesome Day of the Lord") or [Amos 5:18](/amos/5-18 "Amos 5:18 - Woe to You Who Desire the Day of the Lord")) that describes a time of divine reckoning and purification. Furthermore, the verse underscores God's **Divine Sovereignty** over all creation, including the animal kingdom, and His ability to execute His will without hindrance. The plague on animals, mirroring the plague on humans ([Zechariah 14:12](/zechariah/14-12 "Zechariah 14:12 - The Plague on the Nations")), emphasizes the supernatural and miraculous nature of God's intervention in history, establishing His ultimate rule and the security of His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **plague (Hebrew, _maggêphâh'_):** (H4046) Derived from a root meaning "to strike" or "to smite," this word denotes a pestilence, epidemic, or a divinely sent calamity. In this context, it signifies a supernatural affliction, a direct act of God's judgment, rather than a natural disease. Its repetition ("as this plague") links it directly to the human plague in [Zechariah 14:12](/zechariah/14-12 "Zechariah 14:12 - The Plague on the Nations"), implying a similar, rapid, and devastating effect.
* **beasts (Hebrew, _bᵉhêmâh'_):** (H929) This term broadly refers to "dumb beasts" or "large quadrupeds," often used collectively for cattle or other animals. Here, it encompasses the specific animals listed (horse, mule, camel, ass) and extends to "all the beasts," indicating a complete and indiscriminate destruction of all animal life within the enemy encampments, vital for their military and logistical operations.
* **tents (Hebrew, _machăneh'_):** (H4264) Meaning "an encampment" or "camp," this word can refer to a temporary dwelling place for travelers or troops. In a military context, it signifies the entire army, its logistical support, and all that pertains to its operation. The plague affecting animals "in these tents" emphasizes that the judgment is directed at the invading military force in its entirety, striking at the heart of its operational capacity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass,"**: This clause specifies the primary targets of the divine plague among the animals. These animals were crucial for ancient warfare and transportation, representing the military strength and logistical backbone of the invading armies. Their affliction signifies a direct attack on the enemy's ability to wage war, move supplies, or even retreat. The listing emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment, leaving no vital animal untouched.
* **"and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents,"**: This expands the scope of the plague beyond the specific military animals to include all other animals ("beasts") present within the enemy's encampments ("tents"). This indicates that the judgment is not merely strategic but all-encompassing, affecting every living creature associated with the hostile force. It highlights the totality of God's destructive power against His adversaries.
* **"as this plague."**: This concluding phrase serves as a powerful comparative link to the plague described on the human combatants in [Zechariah 14:12](/zechariah/14-12 "Zechariah 14:12 - The Plague on the Nations"). It implies that the affliction on the animals will be of the same supernatural, devastating, and debilitating nature, leading to their rapid and horrific demise. This parallelism underscores the severity and divine origin of the judgment, ensuring that the enemy's entire force, human and animal, is utterly incapacitated.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 14:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of comprehensive divine judgment. **Parallelism** is evident in the phrase "as this plague," directly linking the affliction on the animals to the previously described plague on the human combatants in [Zechariah 14:12](/zechariah/14-12 "Zechariah 14:12 - The Plague on the Nations"). This creates a sense of symmetry in divine retribution, emphasizing the thoroughness of God's judgment. The detailed listing of animals—horse, mule, camel, and ass—followed by the broader "all the beasts," is a form of **Merism**, where specific parts are named to represent the whole, underscoring the all-encompassing nature of the destruction. Furthermore, the description of such a widespread and devastating plague, particularly one affecting animals so vital to ancient warfare, functions as **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the scale of the destruction to impress upon the reader the absolute power and severity of God's intervention on the Day of the Lord. The animals themselves can be seen as **Symbolism** for the military might and resources of the invading armies, making their destruction a symbolic representation of the complete dismantling of the enemy's power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 14:15 profoundly reinforces the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty and His ultimate control over all creation, even the animal kingdom, in the execution of His divine judgments. This passage is a stark reminder that the "Day of the Lord" is a time of comprehensive reckoning, where nothing—neither human strength nor vital resources—can withstand God's wrath against rebellion. It highlights the principle that when God acts in judgment, His action is thorough and leaves no stone unturned, ensuring the complete defeat of His adversaries and the ultimate triumph of His righteous kingdom. This divine judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to the nations' opposition against Jerusalem and, by extension, against God Himself.

* [Exodus 9:3-6](/exodus/9-3-6 "Exodus 9:3-6 - The Plague on Livestock")
* [Revelation 19:21](/revelation/19-21 "Revelation 19:21 - The Defeat of the Beast and False Prophet")
* [Psalm 78:49-51](/psalm/78-49-51 "Psalm 78:49-51 - God's Plagues on Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 14:15, while depicting a terrifying scene of divine judgment, offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's justice is not superficial but penetrates every aspect of rebellion and opposition to His will. For believers, this passage underscores the certainty of God's ultimate victory over all evil and the establishment of His righteous reign. It invites us to live in reverent awe of a God who is both merciful and just, one who will ultimately set all things right. This passage should motivate us to align our lives with His purposes, to trust in His sovereign plan, and to find our refuge in Him, knowing that He is the one who judges the nations and protects His own. It also prompts us to consider the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work, which extends to all creation, even as His judgment does.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the comprehensive nature of God's judgment in this verse deepen your understanding of His sovereignty?**
* **What does the extension of the plague to animals teach us about the totality of God's power and His commitment to justice?**
* **How should the certainty of God's ultimate victory, as depicted in passages like Zechariah 14, influence our daily lives and our response to present-day challenges?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the plague extending to the animals in Zechariah 14:15?**

Answer: The extension of the plague to the animals—horses, mules, camels, asses, and all other beasts—is highly significant for several reasons. First, it emphasizes the **comprehensive and all-encompassing nature of God's judgment**. It's not just the human combatants who are afflicted, but every vital resource and instrument of war associated with them. In ancient warfare, these animals were indispensable for cavalry, transport, and logistics. Their destruction cripples the enemy's military capacity entirely. Second, it highlights **God's absolute sovereignty over all creation**. Just as God afflicted the livestock of Egypt in the Exodus plagues, here He demonstrates His power over the animal kingdom to achieve His purposes. Third, it underscores the **severity and totality of the "Day of the Lord,"** showing that God's wrath leaves no aspect of the rebellious forces untouched, ensuring their complete and utter defeat. This mirrors the plague on the human combatants described in [Zechariah 14:12](/zechariah/14-12 "Zechariah 14:12 - The Plague on the Nations"), indicating a divine, supernatural intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zechariah 14:15 describes a terrifying judgment on the Day of the Lord, its ultimate fulfillment and theological trajectory point to Christ. The comprehensive judgment depicted here foreshadows the final and complete victory of God over all evil, which is fully realized in Jesus Christ. He is the one who will return as the righteous judge, not only to defeat all opposing forces but also to establish His eternal kingdom (as seen in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return as King of Kings")). The thoroughness of the plague on the animals, crippling the enemy's resources, speaks to the absolute and undeniable authority Christ possesses to dismantle every power and principality that sets itself against God ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). Furthermore, the "Day of the Lord" is ultimately the day of Christ's triumph, where He brings about perfect justice and ushers in a new creation, free from the curse of sin and rebellion ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "Revelation 21:1-5 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, this verse, in its stark portrayal of judgment, ultimately magnifies the glory and power of Christ, who alone is worthy to execute God's righteous decrees and establish His everlasting peace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.