So they took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, “‘Hoshia-na! Baruch ha-ba b’Shem ADONA! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!” John 12:13, TLV

Save Us!   This past Sunday, many Christians around the world celebrated “Palm Sunday.” Today’s verse indelibly represented this day. Yet, it is filled with wonderful insights into culture, context, and prophesy. Even a lesson in Hebrew.

How many thought that Hoshia-na or hosanna was synonymous with halleluyah? When the Jewish people cried out to Jesus as He rode into Jerusalem for Passover, they were crying, “Please, save us! Oh, King of Israel who comes in the Name of the LORD.”

For years, I thought hosanna was another way to praise God. But really it is a prayer. A plea.

As a side note, my friends. Those of you who think you could never learn Hebrew, well, this is one of the Hebrew words you have been saying for years.

Why didn’t Yeshua come riding in a white steed? Because it was prophesied that Israel’s king and Savior would humbly come to them riding on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9).

Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion!
Shout, daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you,
a righteous one bringing salvation.
He is lowly, riding on a donkey—
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Blessed is He . . .

“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” One of the most beautiful Messianic prophecies was in Psalm 118:19-27. Included in this prophecy is:

“Hoshia-na! Please, ADONAI, save now!
We beseech You, ADONAI, prosper us!
Baruch haba b’Shem ADONAI—
Blessed is He who comes in the Name of ADONAI.
We bless you from the House of ADONAI.
ADONAI is God, and He has given us light.
Join the festival with branches, up to the horns of the altar.” Psalm 118: 25-27, TLV

Is it any wonder many of the Temple leaders were up in arms? The people were saying He was their Savior, but what the chief priests and scribes were hearing was that they were elevating Jesus to be as God—that He was King.

Interesting that what the church has named as “Palm Sunday” was the set up for Yeshua’s sacrifice. But first, He had to prepare to celebrate Passover with His disciples. (Passover this year was yesterday. We are now in the Feast of Unleavened Bread.)

Have you ever wondered, how many people in that crowd who laid branches and shouted, “Hosanna! Baruch ha-ba b’Shem ADONAI!” Would later cry, “Crucify Him!” Or would recline around their tables during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and shake their heads at how they were deceived? They were still under Roman rule and oppression, after all.

I suppose it boils down once again to the difference between wanting a relationship with God and wanting something from God. “Hosanna” without “blessed is He” is one-sided. Everyone loves a parade, but who remains when the celebration ends?

These are some random-Terri thoughts. What about you?