Matthew 21:9

“And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.”

Context:Matthew 21:9 is part of the account of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, which occurred during the week leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection. This event took place on what is known as Palm Sunday, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey while crowds of people greeted Him with shouts of praise and adoration.

The Multitudes:The verse begins by describing the multitudes that went before and followed Jesus. These were the people who accompanied Jesus on His journey into Jerusalem. Their enthusiastic shouts of praise and proclamation of Jesus as the Son of David and the blessed one coming in the name of the Lord reflect their recognition of Jesus’ identity as the long-awaited Messiah.

Hosanna:The word “Hosanna” is an exclamation of praise or adoration. It is derived from the Hebrew phrase “hoshiya na,” which means “save now” or “save, I pray.” By using this word, the multitudes were acknowledging Jesus as the Savior and expressing their hope and desire for salvation.

Son of David:When the multitudes declared Jesus as the “son of David,” they were acknowledging Him as the rightful heir to the Davidic throne, the promised Messiah from the lineage of King David. This title emphasized Jesus’ royal and messianic identity, affirming the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming of the Messiah.

Blessed is He:The declaration “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord” is a quotation from Psalm 118:26. This verse originally referred to the arrival of a king or a pilgrim in Jerusalem. By using these words to welcome Jesus, the multitudes were recognizing His divine authority and giving Him honor and reverence.

Hosanna in the Highest:The phrase “Hosanna in the highest” expresses the highest form of praise and worship to God. The multitudes were declaring their praise to God for sending Jesus, the Messiah, into the world. They acknowledged that Jesus’ arrival brought salvation and deliverance, and they exalted God as the highest authority.

Key Takeaway:

Matthew 21:9 captures the enthusiastic praise and recognition given to Jesus as He entered Jerusalem. The multitudes acknowledged Him as the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of David, and the blessed one who comes in the name of the Lord. Their shouts of “Hosanna” expressed their desire for salvation and their acknowledgement of Jesus’ authority and divine nature. This verse highlights Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and emphasizes the importance of recognizing Him as the promised Savior.