Commentary from Biblehub.com
The ones who went ahead and those who followed were shouting:
This phrase describes the crowd's enthusiastic response as Jesus enters Jerusalem. The people are divided into two groups: those who went ahead and those who followed, indicating a large procession. This event occurs during the Passover festival, a time when Jerusalem's population swells with pilgrims. The act of shouting reflects a common practice in Jewish processions, where participants would vocally express their joy and anticipation. The crowd's actions fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which speaks of a king coming to Jerusalem, humble and riding on a donkey.
“Hosanna!”
"Hosanna" is a Hebrew expression meaning "Save now" or "Save, we pray." It is both a plea for salvation and an exclamation of praise. By shouting "Hosanna," the crowd acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah, the one who can bring deliverance. This term is used in Psalm 118:25-26, a psalm associated with the Feast of Tabernacles and often recited during Passover. The use of "Hosanna" here connects Jesus to the messianic expectations of the Jewish people, who longed for a savior to liberate them from Roman oppression.
“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
This phrase is a direct quotation from Psalm 118:26, a messianic psalm that was part of the Hallel, sung during major Jewish festivals. The crowd's declaration recognizes Jesus as the one sent by God, fulfilling the role of the promised deliverer. In the cultural context, to come "in the name of the Lord" means to come with God's authority and blessing. This acknowledgment by the people highlights their hope that Jesus is the anointed one who will establish God's kingdom. The phrase also foreshadows Jesus' ultimate mission of salvation through His death and resurrection, aligning with the broader narrative of the Gospels.
