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.

ZECHARIAH 14:15KJV
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Zechariah 14:15 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 14:15 mean?

Zechariah 14:15 says that the same devastating plague described earlier will also strike the animals—horses, mules, camels, donkeys, and all other livestock—that belong to the people in the enemy camps. The verse emphasizes that not only humans but all the animals in these camps will suffer the effects of this plague.

The prophet Zechariah is speaking about a future time of judgment against nations that come against Jerusalem. In this context, God’s punishment is described as so thorough that it affects every living thing in the enemy’s camp, not just the people. This detail highlights the totality of the judgment and the seriousness of the situation for those opposing Jerusalem.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 14:15

  • The word for "plague" (מַגֵּפָה, maggephah) is used here to describe a severe, often deadly affliction. Its use for both people and animals underlines the sweeping nature of the disaster.
  • The word for "beasts" (בְּהֵמָה, behemah) is a general term for domesticated animals or livestock, showing that the judgment is not limited to just the specific animals listed but includes all animals in the enemy camps.
  • The word for "tents" (מַחֲנֶה, machaneh) refers to encampments or temporary dwellings, pointing to the military context—these are the camps of the armies gathered against Jerusalem.

Why Zechariah 14:15 matters

  • Zechariah 14:15 clarifies that the judgment is not just on people but extends to everything associated with the invading forces, showing the completeness of the event.
  • The mention of specific animals and all beasts in the camps helps the reader picture the scale and seriousness of the plague, making the warning more vivid and concrete.
  • This verse ties into the larger theme of Zechariah 14, where God’s protection of Jerusalem is matched by a decisive and all-encompassing defeat of its enemies, reinforcing the idea of God’s power and justice.

Where else these words appear

“mule” Hebrew H6505 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 13:29 And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.
  • 2 Kings 5:17 And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD.
  • Nehemiah 7:68 Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six: their mules, two hundred forty and five:

“plague” Hebrew H4046 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 9:14 For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth.
  • Numbers 26:1 And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying,
  • 1 Chronicles 21:17 And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.

“these” Hebrew H1992 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
  • Numbers 13:3 And Moses by the commandment of the LORD sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel.
  • Psalms 16:3 But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

“camel” Hebrew H1581 · used in 51 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Genesis 30:43 And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.
  • 2 Kings 8:9 So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?