Matthew 21:9

Hosanna Hebr. "hoshiah-na," "save now," "save I pray." Nais a particle of entreaty added to imperatives. They are the first words of Psalms 118:25, "Save now I beseech thee, O Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity," a verse which was sung in solemn procession round the altar at the feast of Tabernacles and on other occasions. The multitude recognise the Messiah in Jesus and address to Him the strains of their most joyous festival. St Luke paraphrases the expression for his Gentile readers, "glory in the highest."

Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord (Psalms 118:26). "He that cometh" (Habba) was a recognised Messianic title. St Mark and St John add "Blessed be the kingdom of our father, David (-the king of Israel," John), that cometh in the name of the Lord." St Luke has "Blessed be the king that cometh," &c., and mentions that the multitude began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voicefor all the mighty works that they had seen." These shouts of triumph which are the "gospel" or heralding of the King must have sounded across the valley of Kedron up to the precincts and porches of the Temple.

"Bethany stands in a shallow hollow scooped out of the shoulder of the hill. The path follows this till the descent begins at a turn where the first view of the Temple is caught. First appeared the castles and walls of the city of David; and immediately afterwards the glittering roof of the Temple and the gorgeous royal arcade of Herod with its long range of battlements overhanging the southern edge of Moriah." Tristram's Topography of Holy Land.

The entry into Jerusalem must not be regarded as an isolated fact. It was a culminating outburst of feeling. It is clear that the expectation of the kingdom was raised to the highest pitch. The prostration of Salome at the feet of the Prince; the request of her sons; the dispute among the ten; the gathering crowds; the cry of Bartimæus; the triumphal entry, are all signs of this feeling.

For us the Royal Entry is a figure, a parable through external sights and sounds of the true and inner secret kingdom of God.