In what ways does Matthew 21:9 connect to Psalm 118:26? The Gospel Scene: Matthew 21:9 • “The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest!’” (Matthew 21:9) • Setting: the Triumphal Entry, five days before the cross, at the start of Passover week. • Audience: pilgrims flocking to Jerusalem, steeped in the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 113–118, the Hallel). The Psalmic Source: Psalm 118:26 • “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.” (Psalm 118:26) • Part of the Hallel sung at major feasts; associated with deliverance, thanksgiving, and messianic hope (see vv. 22–24). Direct Verbal Links • Exact phrase “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” appears in both passages. • “Hosanna” (Matthew 21:9) echoes Psalm 118:25, literally “Save, now!” (“O LORD, save us!”). • Both texts are liturgical; the crowds quote the psalm almost verbatim while adding messianic titles. Thematic Connections • Salvation: Psalm 118:25 cries for salvation; Matthew 21:9 proclaims that salvation has arrived in Jesus. • Blessing from God’s house: Psalm 118:26 speaks from the temple; Matthew 21 immediately shows Jesus entering and cleansing that very house (vv. 12–13). • Kingship and victory: Psalm 118 celebrates a victory procession; Matthew 21 fulfills Zechariah 9:9 with Jesus riding in as humble King. Prophetic Fulfillment • Psalm 118 anticipates a rejected stone becoming the cornerstone (v. 22)—Jesus applies this to Himself (Matthew 21:42). • The crowds’ chant identifies Jesus as the promised “Son of David” (2 Samuel 7:12-16). • Other Gospel parallels confirm the fulfillment: Mark 11:9-10; Luke 19:38; John 12:13. Messianic Recognition • Title “Son of David” = acknowledgment of Jesus as Israel’s rightful King. • “Hosanna in the highest” elevates the plea for salvation to heaven’s throne, showing faith that God is acting through Jesus. • By merging Psalm 118 with messianic acclamations, the people proclaim that Jesus embodies the psalm’s deliverer. Broader Scriptural Echoes • Isaiah 62:11—“See, your salvation comes.” • Revelation 7:9-10—multitudes cry similar praise to the Lamb. • Romans 10:13—“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” echoing Psalm 118’s invitation. Implications for Believers • Scripture’s unity: Old-Testament praise flows naturally into New-Testament fulfillment. • Jesus is the definitive One “coming in the name of the LORD,” worthy of continual “Hosanna” (Hebrews 13:15). • The crowd’s proclamation models how worship joins truth (Psalm 118) with personal acknowledgment of Christ’s kingship. |
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