Problem: At Jesus’ triumphal entry, Matthew records that the people shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!” (Mt. 21:9). Of course, this is a citation of Psalm 118:26. Why did the crowds shout this particular psalm?
Solution: As we have already noted, Jesus was riding in on a donkey and colt, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9. Thus the people would have been recognizing what Jesus was trying to communicate: his messianic authority. They call him “Son of David” (v.9), knowing very well what Jesus was claiming for himself. Carson and Beale write, “The entire picture parallels the victory parades that the Jewish people organized to welcome triumphant kings and generals returning to Jerusalem (cf. 2 Kings 9:13; 1 Macc. 13:51).”[1]
In the same section of Matthew (v.42), Jesus cites Psalm 118:22 about the “chief corner stone,” which was also a messianic passage (see comments on 1 Peter 2:6). The context for Psalm 118 is God’s deliverance from the enemies of Israel. The “one” who is blessed in Psalm 118:26 is separate from Yahweh, but also revered by the people. Moreover, there is also a connection in the fact that Psalm 118 focuses on the Temple, and Jesus was entering the Temple. Carson and Beale write, “Overall, Psalm 118 did come to be a significant text in the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, at least according to later rabbinic literature, in thanking God for the ancient Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt (Mishnah Sukkah, 4:1, 8).”[2]
The deep irony of this passage is that days later these same people will be disappointed, calling for Jesus’ death (Mt. 27:22-26).
[1] Beale, G. K., & Carson, D. A. Commentary on the New Testament use of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, UK: Baker Academic; Apollos. 2007. 66.
[2] Beale, G. K., & Carson, D. A. Commentary on the New Testament use of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, UK: Baker Academic; Apollos. 2007. 66.
