What Does Hosanna Mean? The Crowd's Cry Was a Plea for Rescue

Psalm 118:25-26

“Save us now, we beg you, Yahweh! Yahweh, we beg you, send prosperity now. Blessed is he who comes in Yahweh’s name!”

— Psalm 118:25-26 (WEB)

Psalm 118:25-26 provides the foundational context for the term 'Hosanna'. In Hebrew, 'Hosanna' is derived from 'hoshi'a na', which means 'save, please'. This plea for salvation is directed towards God, expressing a deep yearning for deliverance and success. The psalmist's cry is not just a request for immediate rescue but a profound expression of trust in God's power to save. The subsequent verse, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord', links this plea to the anticipation of a messianic figure, one who would bring salvation to the people. This passage sets the stage for understanding 'Hosanna' as more than a shout of praise; it is a desperate cry for divine intervention. Recognizing this original context is crucial for appreciating how 'Hosanna' is later used in the New Testament, particularly during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the fulfillment of prophetic hope in the person of Jesus Christ. By understanding 'Hosanna' as a plea for salvation, we gain insight into the depth of faith and expectation that characterized the Jewish people and their longing for a savior.

Matthew 21:8-9

“A very great multitude spread their clothes on the road. Others cut branches from the trees, and spread them on the road.”

— Matthew 21:8-9 (WEB)

In Matthew 21:8-9, 'Hosanna' is prominently featured during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The crowd's cry, 'Hosanna to the Son of David', is a direct reference to the messianic expectations rooted in Psalm 118. By addressing Jesus as the 'Son of David', the people acknowledge him as the long-awaited Messiah, the one who would fulfill the promises made to David's lineage. This acclamation is not merely a shout of praise but a recognition of Jesus' divine authority and a plea for him to bring salvation. The phrase 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord' further emphasizes Jesus' role as the one sent by God to deliver his people. The use of palm branches and garments spread on the road signifies honor and reverence, underscoring the significance of this moment. Matthew's account highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, portraying Jesus as the king who comes in humility yet with divine authority. This event marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, as he openly accepts the messianic title and the expectations that come with it. Understanding 'Hosanna' in this context deepens our appreciation of the crowd's declaration and the profound theological implications of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.

Mark 11:9-10

“Those who went in front, and those who followed, cried out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the”

— Mark 11:9-10 (WEB)

Mark 11:9-10 offers a parallel account of the triumphal entry, with subtle differences that enrich our understanding of 'Hosanna'. Mark's depiction emphasizes the crowd's enthusiasm and the communal aspect of the acclamation. The repetition of 'Hosanna' underscores the urgency and fervor of the people's plea for salvation. By including the phrase 'Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David', Mark connects Jesus' entry to the restoration of Davidic kingship, a central hope in Jewish eschatology. This addition highlights the expectation of a new era of divine rule, with Jesus as the anointed king. Mark's account also reflects the tension between the crowd's messianic expectations and the nature of Jesus' mission. While the people anticipate a political deliverer, Jesus embodies a different kind of kingship, one characterized by humility and sacrificial love. This contrast invites readers to reconsider their own expectations of salvation and the nature of God's kingdom. By comparing Mark's account with other gospel narratives, we gain a fuller picture of the multifaceted significance of 'Hosanna' and its implications for understanding Jesus' identity and mission. This passage challenges us to align our understanding of salvation with the broader scope of God's kingdom, transcending temporal and national boundaries.

John 12:12-13

“On the next day a great multitude had come to the feast. When they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they”

— John 12:12-13 (WEB)

John 12:12-13 presents a unique perspective on the use of 'Hosanna' during Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. John's account emphasizes the recognition of Jesus as the 'King of Israel', highlighting the political and nationalistic hopes of the people. The use of palm branches, a symbol of victory and triumph, reinforces the expectation of a messianic deliverer who would liberate Israel from Roman oppression. However, John's gospel also provides a theological depth to this event, portraying Jesus as the true king whose kingdom is not of this world. The crowd's cry of 'Hosanna' reflects a complex blend of hope, expectation, and misunderstanding. While they rightly identify Jesus as the promised Messiah, their understanding of his mission is limited by earthly aspirations. John's narrative invites readers to look beyond the immediate political context and recognize the deeper spiritual significance of Jesus' kingship. By portraying Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, John underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate purpose of Jesus' mission. This perspective challenges us to align our understanding of salvation with the broader scope of God's kingdom, transcending temporal and national boundaries. It encourages us to see Jesus' kingship as one that brings true peace and salvation, not just political liberation.

Luke 19:37-40

“As he was now getting near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to”

— Luke 19:37-40 (WEB)

Luke 19:37-40 offers a distinctive narrative of the triumphal entry, focusing on the theme of peace and divine glory. Unlike the other gospel accounts, Luke does not use the term 'Hosanna' directly. Instead, the crowd's acclamation emphasizes Jesus as the 'King who comes in the name of the Lord', linking his entry to the promise of peace and heavenly glory. This reflects Luke's broader theological emphasis on the universal scope of Jesus' mission and the reconciliation between heaven and earth. The Pharisees' objection to the disciples' praise highlights the tension between religious authority and the recognition of Jesus' messianic identity. Jesus' response, 'I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out', underscores the inevitability of his mission and the divine necessity of his kingship. Luke's narrative invites readers to consider the cosmic implications of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, portraying it as a pivotal moment in God's redemptive plan. By focusing on peace and glory, Luke challenges us to embrace a holistic understanding of salvation that encompasses both personal and cosmic dimensions. This perspective enriches our appreciation of 'Hosanna' as a cry for salvation that transcends earthly expectations and points to the ultimate reconciliation of all creation.

What these passages have in common

• ✦'Hosanna' is a plea for salvation, not just praise.
• ✦The term connects Old Testament hope with New Testament fulfillment.
• ✦Each gospel account highlights different aspects of Jesus' kingship.
• ✦Understanding 'Hosanna' enriches our view of salvation and God's kingdom.

Questions for reflection

• 1.How does Psalm 118:25-26 shape your understanding of 'Hosanna' as a plea for salvation?
• 2.In what ways does Matthew 21:8-9 challenge your expectations of Jesus' kingship?
• 3.How does Luke's emphasis on peace and glory in 19:37-40 expand your view of salvation?

A prayer

Lord, I echo the cry of 'Hosanna', seeking your salvation and deliverance. Open my eyes to see the true nature of your kingdom, beyond my earthly expectations. Help me to recognize your kingship in my life and embrace the peace and glory you bring. May my heart be aligned with your redemptive plan, as I trust in your power to save. Amen.