“Hosanna in the Highest”
“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. More Spence-Jones, H. D. M., ed. St. Matthew . Vol. 2. London; New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company, 1909. Print. The Pulpit Commentary.