Matthew 21:8

Spread their garments] An extraordinary token of respect, such as was paid to kings and great conquerors (2 Kings 9:13).

Plutarch says of Cato the younger that 'he was escorted, not with prayers which are common, nor with praises, but with tears and embraces which could not be satisfied, the people spreading their garments under his feet, and kissing his hands.' It is said of Rabbi Nicodemus, son of Gorion, that, 'whenever he went into the school to lecture, his pupils spread garments of wool under his feet.' In quite recent times the inhabitants of Bethlehem spread their garments on the road under the feet of the horse of the English Consul of Damascus, whose assistance they were anxious to obtain.