←
Explanation for:
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.
10
more explanations
& daily audio-books
spoken by
– enjoy in Theosis App –
Start your
Bible-journey
with explanations
& daily audio-books
only 4$* per month
{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The throngs that went ahead and those following after Him shouted, saying, \\"Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!\\" As the straightforward meaning is evident, we shall seek the deeper spiritual significance. The multitudes emerging from Jericho accompanied the Lord and His disciples after they had brought forth the unridden donkey—previously tethered—and adorned it with the apostles' garments, with the Lord seated upon it. They laid aside their own garments and scattered branches on the path. As they completed these acts, they also proclaimed with their voices, not merely with a humble and quiet acknowledgment, but with resounding fervor: \\"Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!\\" The evangelist's statement—\\"But the multitudes that went before and those that followed\\"—indicates that both groups, comprising those who believed in the Lord prior to the Gospel and those who accepted Him afterward, together extol Jesus, suggesting that, as illustrated in the parable of the laborers hired at different times, they all receive the same reward for their faithfulness.\\n\\nRegarding the phrase \\"Hosanna to the Son of David,\\" I had previously explained in a letter to Damasus, then Bishop of Rome, and will briefly reiterate now. In Psalm One Hundred Seventeen, which is undeniably written in anticipation of Christ's coming, we find the words: \\"The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!\\" Following this, it continues: \\"O Lord, save us! O Lord, prosper us! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord,\\" and so forth. In place of the phrase translated by the Seventy Interpreters as \\"O Lord, save ye,\\" the Hebrew expresses it as \\"apa Adonai lehova osianna,\\" which Simmachus translates more clearly as \\"I earnestly beseech, O Lord, save, I earnestly beseech.\\" Therefore, let no one assume that this term is a combination of Hebrew and Greek; it is entirely Hebrew, conveying that Christ's advent signifies salvation for the world. Thus follow the words, \\"Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.\\" The Savior also speaks to this in the Gospel: \\"I am come in My Father's name, and ye receive Me not: but if another shall come in his own name, him ye shall receive.\\" The additional term \\"Hosanna,\\" meaning \\"salvation in the highest,\\" clearly indicates that Christ's coming brings salvation not only to humanity but to the entire creation, bridging the earthly and the heavenly: \\"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and of those who are on the earth, and of those who are under the earth.\\""},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"'Hosanna in the highest, blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord' (Matt. 21:9). The prophet long ago proclaimed, 'out of the mouth of babes and infants Thou hast arranged praise, for the sake of Thy enemies, to render silent the enemy and the avenger' (Ps. 8:3). Observe how innocent children, lacking the authority of a mature voice, nonetheless glorify the Creator and proclaim the apostolic message. \\n\\nWe have journeyed through a time of fasting, and by God’s grace, we have finally reached the harbor; however, let us not become negligent at this destination. Instead, let us intensify our efforts as we approach this culmination. Similarly, helmsmen, when navigating a vessel laden with precious cargo towards the dock, are especially vigilant to avoid the dangers that could jeopardize the ship and its load. In our case, we must also exercise heightened diligence, lest we forfeit the rewards of our labor; therefore, our zeal must increase. Those who race quicken their pace when nearing the prize, and wrestlers, after strenuous contests, strain their abilities as they near the crowns. We too should emulate this. What serves as the harbor for the helmsman, a reward for runners, and a crown for wrestlers is for us a sacred week, the commencement of blessings and the arrival at the crowns. This week is deemed great, not for having a greater number of days, for others are longer, nor for the number of days being more, for they are equal to others; rather, it is because during this week the Lord accomplished magnificent deeds for us. Throughout this Great Week, the ancient dominion of the adversary was vanquished, death was conquered, the strong man was bound, his vessels plundered, sin was put to death, oaths were annulled, paradise opened, heaven was made reachable, humanity united with angels, barriers were destroyed, the veil was lifted, and the God of peace reconciled the heavenly and earthly realms. For this reason, it is called the Great Week; and just as it stands as the preeminent week, the Great Sabbath is its pinnacle; as the head presides over the body, so does the head preside over the Sabbath. Thus, during this time, many enhance their devotion: some amplify their fasting, others increase their spiritual watchfulness, and still others heighten their acts of charity, demonstrating through their fervor for good works and deepened piety the magnitude of God’s grace towards us. \\n\\nJust as when the Lord raised Lazarus, crowds in Jerusalem gathered to honor Him, their presence affirming the miracle, so too does the passionate observance of this Great Week signify the enormity of the works achieved within it. Today, we do not emerge from a single city like Jerusalem to greet Christ, but from all corners of the earth, countless congregations rise to meet Jesus—not with palm branches in hand, but by offering our acts of charity, kindness, virtue, fasting, tears, prayers, watchfulness, and all manner of devotion to Christ the Lord. Moreover, we honor this week, and the rulers of our world pay homage in a special way, granting rest to all involved in public service, allowing them to fully dedicate themselves to spiritual endeavors during these days. As a result, the courts have closed; they declare that litigation, disputes, and punishments should cease; let the executioners pause; the Lord’s work is fulfilled for everyone; let us, as servants, contribute something good. Their reverence extends beyond mere sentiments; royal proclamations have been issued to free prisoners from their chains. Just as our Lord, upon descending into hell, liberated those in captivity to death, so too do servants mirror His humanity by releasing those bound by earthly ties, powerless to liberate them from spiritual bonds. \\n\\nWe honor this week collectively, and I stand with you, offering instead of palm branches the gift of edification, casting in two small coins like the widow. They, with palm branches, shouted, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, hosanna in the highest!' Let us also emerge, presenting our flourishing souls instead of palm branches and exclaiming, as we sang today: 'Praise, my soul, the Lord. I will praise the Lord as long as I live' (Psalm 145:1-2)."},{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Is this the crowd that will proclaim with fervor, \\"Let Him be crucified\\"? Matthew 27:22 How did His compassion transform into their animosity? Even their statements revealed the promise of salvation. \\"Hosanna\\" in Hebrew signifies the deliverance of the house of David. Thus, they cry out to the Son of David, recognizing in Him the legacy of the eternal kingdom. They then acknowledge their blessedness in the name of the Lord. Yet, soon their shouts for His crucifixion will devolve into blasphemies. At present, however, their actions serve as a prelude to the unfolding events ahead. The multitude acts in a state of emotional turmoil, though what follows will diverge greatly. Unwittingly, they contribute to the realization of divine purposes. In this way, the entire city is stirred into action."},{"author-name":"Romanos Melodos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89774ed5fa62ff880bee5_Romanos%20Melodos.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"Ikos 1 Because You have conquered hell and vanquished death, and restored life to the world, the uninformed children sing to You, O Christ, the triumphant one, proclaiming today, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! No longer,’ they declare, 'shall children suffer because of Mary’s offspring, but one will be crucified for all, both children and elders. The sword shall no longer be raised against us, but Your side will be pierced with a lance; thus, we joyfully proclaim, Blessed is He who comes to call Adam!’\\n\\nIkos 6 The little children honored You, rightly addressing You as Son of David, O Master! You defeated the oppressor, the spiritual Goliath, whom they celebrated in their songs of victory: ‘Saul has slain thousands, but David his tens of thousands!’ (1 Sam. 18:7) This Saul represents the Law, followed by Your grace, my Jesus! The Law, like Saul, was envious and relentless in its pursuit, and through the exile of David, grace emerged. You are the Lord of David; blessed are You who comes to call Adam!\\n\\nIkos 8 Your humility was evident in the garments of Your disciples, yet it was by the power of Your might that the children’s song and the cries of the multitude united, ‘Hosanna,’ which means save! - in the highest. Save, O Most High, the humbled; have compassion on us, for the branches that wave will invoke Your mercy, He who comes to call Adam!\\n\\nIkos 13 And so, after the words, the actions reveal the truth: the hymn of the children reached the townspeople and stirred up all His adversaries.\\n\\nThe esteemed church commemorates the annual celebration, faithfully summoning its children, lover of mankind, with palm branches in hand, spreading garments of joy, so that You, along with Your disciples and friends, may walk upon them, granting profound peace to Your servants and liberation from afflictions, just as You once wiped away the tears of Mary and Martha."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The term 'Hosanna' is understood by some as meaning \\"song\\" or \\"psalm,\\" while others, more accurately, interpret it as \\"save us.\\" The Lord is known as the Coming One because His arrival was awaited by the Jewish people. In this regard, John inquires, ‘Art thou He that cometh?’ indicating the anticipated arrival. Furthermore, the Lord is referred to as the Coming One as His return can be anticipated at any moment. Consequently, it is essential for each of us to remain vigilant and ready for the end of the age and the Lord’s return."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"As the crowd that walked ahead of Him and those who followed shouted, \\"Hosanna to the Son of David,\\" they were expressing both praise and hope for salvation. Here, \\"Hosanna\\" signifies, \\"praise to the Son of David.\\" Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord, indicating one sent from God. It acknowledges the one who is divinely commissioned. Mark adds, “blessed is the coming kingdom in the name of the Lord our father David.\\" This demonstrates their belief that the fallen throne of David was about to be restored. Thus, they joyfully proclaimed, \\"Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David, coming in the name of the Lord,\\" meaning from God. John also narrates, “blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel.\\" It is likely that this declaration came from those in front, those following, and those who went out to greet Him. “In the name of the Lord” implies also in the honor of the Lord, in the authority of the king. \\"Hosanna in the highest\\" invites all the highest powers, including the angels, to offer praise to God, who has sent a king and restored the kingdom of David. Luke, however, phrases it as, \\"glory in the highest,\\" and he notes that the disciples proclaimed, \\"Blessed is the coming King in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest,\\" linking peace to joy. Amidst this jubilant uproar, observe how the young donkey, untouched by a rider, walked quietly, symbolizing the obedience of the Gentiles and their significant transformation toward righteousness."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"‘Hosanna’ (Psalm 117:25) translates to save or grant deliverance. This expression was commonly employed by the Jews as a joyful shout during important occasions, particularly at festivals, to convey their happiness and goodwill towards the ‘Son of David,’ meaning the Messiah. - ‘Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord’: this phrase is taken from Psalm 117:26, which the crowd directed towards the Messiah, Jesus. To come in the name of the Lord signifies being a designated and intentional emissary of the Lord, embodying His presence (John 5:43). - ‘Hosanna in the highest’: this jubilant proclamation resonates not only on earth but also in the heavenly realms, where God and countless angelic beings reside (cf. Lk. 2:13-15); it represents the utmost expression of the people’s affection and devotion towards Jesus Christ."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The crowd that preceded and followed Jesus shouted, \\"Hosanna, save us, O God, Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, the anointed King of Israel, for whom we have long awaited, as proclaimed by our prophets! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David in the name of the Lord!\\" (Mark 11:10). \\"Peace,\\" and joy echoed from the angels in heaven, and glory be to God in the highest! \\"Hosanna, save us, O God, who reigns on high!\\" The excitement of the crowd grew as they reached the summit of the Mount of Olives, where they beheld Jerusalem like a magnificent tapestry—this city that has stirred the hearts of Jews throughout history, a place that eternally remembers its people and remains a cherished sanctuary. \\"If I forget you, O Jerusalem,\\" declared the Jews, “let my right hand forget its skill!” Imagination struggles to capture the divine beauty that radiated from that moment. In the foreground, the temple of Jerusalem soared above the chasm, its marble columns gleaming like an immense structure of ice, crowned by a golden dome reflecting the midday sun in dazzling lights. Its outward magnificence echoed the glorious reigns of David and Solomon, while the fortress of Antony, adorned with Roman insignia, seemed to symbolize the humiliation suffered by God's people. Pilate's praetorium was visible as well; yet, the palaces of the high priests appeared separated from the temple by deep ravines, hinting at the spiritual disconnection between their inhabitants and the God of their ancestors. Amidst these scenes, which recalled both the ancient grandeur and current degradation of their homeland, all eyes were irresistibly drawn to Jesus, who embodied the lost sanctity of Jerusalem. The expectation of the promised Messianic kingdom felt imminent. The people recalled all the miracles performed by the Lord, leading to an even greater scattering of branches and increasingly fervent shouts of \\"Hosanna!\\" The Lord was aware that this jubilation stemmed from the people’s unfulfilled desire to see Him as an earthly ruler; nonetheless, their recognition of Him as the awaited Messiah led Him to embrace their sincere expression of joy. He perceived this as the fulfillment of His heavenly Father’s plan, long foreseen by the prophets, feeling that His Father was unveiling Him to the people of Judea as their coming Redeemer.\\n\\nTo some of His adversaries, the joy of the people was unbearable, yet they hesitated to speak out against it, fearing their own judgments for such loyalty to the land. The unfolding events suggested that the Master from Galilee might soon rise to authority over them. However, they could not remain entirely silent; thus, the cunning hypocrites assumed a tone that could be mistaken for neutrality, or even kindness. \\"Teacher,\\" they cautioned, \\"rebuke your disciples; it poses a risk to both you and them since the Romans might take notice.\\" They feigned ignorance of the fact that the entire nation was rejoicing, not merely the disciples; they intended to diminish the Lord's victory, implying it was solely the disciples’ fault, while the entire nation might suffer consequences. Such is the way of powerless evil that delights in discord! What was the Lord’s response? Recognizing the insincerity behind their counsel, He did not chastise them directly but remarked, \\"If they keep silent, the very stones will cry out.\\" This statement alluded to the prophecies, compelling the Pharisees to remain silent, for they were well-versed in the Scriptures. Six days later, at the moment of the Savior’s crucifixion, the scattered stones bore witness to His prophetic words. The sight of impending destruction met with the fickleness of the crowds, who would soon abandon cries of \\"Hosanna!\\" in favor of \\"Crucify Him!\\"— a shift that revealed the latent Pharisaic malice buried deep within their hearts—brought profound sorrow to the holy soul of our Savior, a sorrow that was evident on His Divine countenance. Perhaps standing at the very spot where the formidable Roman legions would camp thirty-eight years later, He paused on His donkey, silently gazing mournfully upon Jerusalem, as if searching for signs of spiritual life within it. The tears that streamed from His eyes communicated the absence of that which He sought, for He wept not just over Lazarus’s grave, but over the city doomed to destruction, lamenting over His people who would be engulfed by grave troubles. \\"O, if only you had recognized, even on this day, what could bring you peace! But this—this remains hidden from your sight!\\" For the days will come upon you when your enemies will surround you on every side, ravaging you, and your children within you; not one stone will remain on another, because you did not perceive the time of your divine visitation (Luke 19:42-44). To the Heart-follower, the future appears as clearly as the present: He foresaw that this beloved nation was forsaken by God, with Roman armies besieging exultant Jerusalem, its walls crumbling, its temple ablaze, countless Jews falling to the sword, while countless more were taken captive into slave labor, leaving all Israel as a parable of disgrace among the nations—seeing all this, uncontrollable tears flowed profusely from His divine eyes! He who wept over Jerusalem does not deserve the slander of the Pharisees as a deceiver of the people nor wished ill upon His homeland. It was time to continue. In the Kidron Valley, along the verdant slopes of Olivet, the encampments of distant pilgrims swelled as they gathered. When they caught wind of the jubilant cries and learned that Jesus was approaching, they flocked eagerly to witness Him, creating a stir throughout the city as He entered."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"During that period, Jerusalem was bustling with a multitude of Jews gathered to commemorate the Passover feast. Among them were individuals who had witnessed the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus, whose awe at the event compelled them to share their experiences. They boldly proclaimed that Jesus had brought Lazarus back to life from the grave. As this remarkable news spread swiftly throughout the city, the people gathered to greet Jesus as He descended from the mountain, waving palm branches in anticipation. Filled with the certainty that their long-expected salvation had finally arrived, they believed that the Son of David was about to reveal Himself as the King of Israel and liberate them from Roman oppression. With great fervor, they cried out, \\"Salvation! Salvation! Blessed is our King who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!\\" The term \\"hosanna\\" signifies salvation and was used by the Jews as an exclamatory expression of joy during significant celebrations, akin to a modern cheer. Thus, the phrase \\"Hosanna in the highest\\" signifies a wish for their jubilant praises to resonate not just on earth, but also in the highest heaven, where God resides."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As the procession began, the disciples and the surrounding crowd were seized by uncontainable excitement. Overflowing with joy for their Master, the apostles cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” This jubilant proclamation was taken up by the people, and news spread among them of how He had brought Lazarus back to life. The path ascended gradually toward the Mount of Olives, meandering through lush fields and beneath leafy trees, before sharply turning northward at its peak. At this moment, for the first time, the view of Jerusalem emerged, previously obscured by a spur of the mountain. In the clear atmosphere, rising majestically from the deep valley around it, stood the city renowned for its historical significance. The morning sun sparkled on the marble spires and gilded rooftops of the temple, casting a brilliant reflection that dazzled those who gazed at it. This awe-inspiring panorama of the city captivated many Jewish and Gentile travelers, who halted their horses to marvel at the breathtaking sight in silent wonder. At that time, Jerusalem, adorned with majestic towers, was deemed one of the wonders of the world, presenting a magnificent display that today’s Jerusalem cannot begin to compare with. And now this glorious city appeared before Christ, its rightful Sovereign! Yet, the true King did not focus on the outward beauty of the city; rather, He observed the inner state of its people. Before Him lay an appalling chasm of disbelief and wickedness, primed for the perpetration of the gravest sin known to humanity, which pierced the compassionate heart of Christ with immense anguish. He had wept and shed tears over human callousness and sin, but now He cried out in deep sorrow. Though He had endured mockery and immense suffering just days later without emitting a single groan or tear, at this moment, His internal grief overwhelmed His human spirit, leading Him to weep earnestly. His voice, choked with sorrow, struggled to express His lament: “Oh, if thou also!” He cried, as the crowd looked on in wonder, unsure of how to respond, “oh, if thou also hadst known, even in this thy day, the things that belong to thy peace!” His words were interrupted by sorrow, and when His voice steadied, He added, “But now they are hidden from thine eyes; for the days will come upon thee when thine enemies will encircle thee and surround thee on every side, and they shall lay thee even with the ground, and your children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another, because thou did not recognize the time of your visitation.” This was the final appeal from the Messiah to the sinful city that had mistreated the prophets, and since it remained unresponsive, it faced the foretold consequences. Indeed, forty years later, the prophecy of Christ came to pass with complete accuracy."}]}
Support this project and get full access for only 4$/month
Commentarie text can’t be scrolled on PC at the moment. Please use your phone. We’re working on a fix.
