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.
Original Language Analysis
וְכֵ֨ן
H3651
וְכֵ֨ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
תִּֽהְיֶ֜ה
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶ֜ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כַּמַּגֵּפָ֖ה
And so shall be the plague
H4046
כַּמַּגֵּפָ֖ה
And so shall be the plague
Strong's:
H4046
Word #:
3 of 15
a pestilence; by analogy, defeat
וְכָ֨ל
H3605
וְכָ֨ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַבְּהֵמָ֔ה
and of all the beasts
H929
הַבְּהֵמָ֔ה
and of all the beasts
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִהְיֶ֖ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
11 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בַּמַּחֲנ֣וֹת
tents
H4264
בַּמַּחֲנ֣וֹת
tents
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
12 of 15
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
Historical Context
In ancient warfare, animals were crucial for cavalry, supply lines, transport. Their destruction paralyzes armies. This plague accomplishes what Israel couldn't—complete enemy defeat without protracted battle. It demonstrates that God's deliverance doesn't require human military strength, validating Zechariah 4:6: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts."
Questions for Reflection
- What does judgment extending to animals teach about the comprehensiveness of God's wrath against His enemies?
- How does this demonstrate God's ability to deliver His people without requiring military superiority?
- In what ways does modern spiritual warfare involve God striking at 'logistics' (support systems) of evil?
Analysis & Commentary
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—the supernatural plague (verse 12) affecting enemy soldiers also strikes their animals. Five animals listed—horse (war mount), mule (transport), camel (desert travel), donkey (burden-bearing), plus 'all beasts'—indicates comprehensive judgment affecting entire enemy camp's logistics and mobility.
This recalls Exodus plagues affecting Egyptians' livestock (Exodus 9:3-6) while Israelite animals were protected—demonstrating God's discriminating judgment. Enemy armies are completely incapacitated: soldiers dying, animals rotting, logistics collapsing. This ensures total victory without Israel needing superior military force. The mention of 'tents' (enemy encampment) emphasizes that judgment strikes armies while still besieging Jerusalem, preventing retreat or regrouping. God's protection of Jerusalem is absolute and overwhelming.