Published: 2022-03-09

Why the people of Jerusalem shouted “Hosanna”?

Miroslaw Rucki
Scriptura Sacra
Section: Articles
DOI https://doi.org/10.25167/ScrS/4540

Study of Math. 21:9 in a wider context

Abstract

The paper presents study of the Biblical passage containing shouting “Hosanna” as described in Math. 21:9. For better understanding of the meaning of this word, often treated as a liturgical emotional expression, a wider context was employed, not only the usually referred Ps. 118. In particular, several Polish translations of the Bible were analyzed, as well as Septuagint, Aramaic Targum, and Peshitta of Old and New Testament. Jewish liturgy called “Hoshanot” was analyzed to demonstrate the direct meaning of the Hebrew word hosha na used in the prayers. Moreover, based on its direct meaning, the word “Hosanna” was linked with previous passages where blind men shouted for salvation. Noteworthy, the blinds were healed both before and after analyzed event. Since the context indicates the prophetic mission performed by Jesus in the Temple, some attention was paid to the issue of prophecy. It was found that the fulfillment of Jesus’s verdict upon the fig tree indicated inevitable fulfillment of His prophecy upon destruction of Jerusalem. The entire context provided strong ground for understanding that Jesus emphasized His identity as God by words and actions, and the spontaneous shouting “Hosanna” provided a key for understanding of this point.

Keywords:

Jerusalem, Hosanna, Jesus's identity, prophet, king, Bible translations, Jewish liturgy

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Citation rules

Rucki, M. (2022). Why the people of Jerusalem shouted “Hosanna”? Study of Math. 21:9 in a wider context. Scriptura Sacra, (25), 209–225. https://doi.org/10.25167/ScrS/4540

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