“Hosanna in the Highest”
Excerpt
“Hosanna!” is compounded of two words meaning “save” and “now,” or, “I pray,” and is written in full Hoshia-na, translated by the Septuagint, Σῶσον δή. The expressions uttered by the people are mostly derived from Ps. 118., which formed part of the great Hallel (Ps. 113–118) sung at the Feast of Tabernacles. “Hosanna!” was originally a formula of prayer and supplication, but later became a term of joy and congratulation. So here the cry signifies “Blessings on [or, ‘Jehovah bless’] the Son of David!” i.e. the Messiah, acknowledging Jesus to be he, the promised Prince of David’s line.
Spence-Jones, H. D. M., ed. St. Matthew. Vol. 2. London; New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company, 1909. Print. The Pulpit Commentary.
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