Matthew 21:5 - “Tell the daughter of Zion, behold, your King comes to you, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9
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What does "Matthew 21:5" mean?
This verse, Matthew 21:5, quotes and interprets Zechariah 9:9. Let's break down its meaning:
"Tell the daughter of Zion": "Zion" often refers to Jerusalem or the people of Jerusalem. This is a call to announce something to the people of God.
"Behold, your King comes to you": This is the core message – the arrival of a king. In the context of the New Testament, this refers to Jesus as the Messiah, the promised king of Israel.
"Humble": This describes the character of the king. Unlike earthly rulers who often display power and pomp, this king is marked by humility, gentleness, and service.
"Riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey": This is a very specific detail that fulfills the prophecy in Zechariah.
Donkey as a symbol: Donkeys were associated with peace and royalty in the ancient Near East, especially when compared to war horses. A king riding a donkey signified a peaceful arrival rather than a conquering military advance.
"Colt, the foal of a donkey": Matthew specifies "colt" which is a young donkey, emphasizing the king's gentle and unassuming nature.
Meaning and Significance:
Fulfillment of Prophecy: This verse from Matthew highlights Jesus' deliberate fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. By riding a donkey into Jerusalem, Jesus publicly presented himself as the Messiah foretold by Zechariah.
Messianic Claim: Jesus' action was a symbolic claim to be the king of Israel, but not in the way most people expected. He wasn't a military leader or a political revolutionary.
Nature of Jesus' Kingship: The humility of the donkey contrasts sharply with the expectations of a powerful, conquering king. This emphasizes that Jesus' kingdom is not based on earthly power or domination but on love, service, and spiritual transformation. His kingdom is not of this world.
Challenge to Expectations: Jesus' arrival challenged the people's preconceived notions of what the Messiah would be like. They expected a warrior king to overthrow Roman rule, but Jesus came as a humble servant, offering spiritual liberation and reconciliation with God.
In summary, Matthew 21:5 is a key verse that connects Jesus to Old Testament prophecy, reveals the humble nature of his kingship, and highlights the spiritual focus of his mission. It invited the people of Jerusalem, and continues to invite readers today, to recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah, but to also reconsider their expectations of what a king and a kingdom should be.
Matthew 21:5 - “Tell the daughter of Zion, behold, your King comes to you, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9
What does "Matthew 21:5" mean?
This verse, Matthew 21:5, quotes and interprets Zechariah 9:9. Let's break down its meaning:
"Tell the daughter of Zion": "Zion" often refers to Jerusalem or the people of Jerusalem. This is a call to announce something to the people of God.
"Behold, your King comes to you": This is the core message – the arrival of a king. In the context of the New Testament, this refers to Jesus as the Messiah, the promised king of Israel.
"Humble": This describes the character of the king. Unlike earthly rulers who often display power and pomp, this king is marked by humility, gentleness, and service.
"Riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey": This is a very specific detail that fulfills the prophecy in Zechariah.
Donkey as a symbol: Donkeys were associated with peace and royalty in the ancient Near East, especially when compared to war horses. A king riding a donkey signified a peaceful arrival rather than a conquering military advance.
"Colt, the foal of a donkey": Matthew specifies "colt" which is a young donkey, emphasizing the king's gentle and unassuming nature.
Meaning and Significance:
Fulfillment of Prophecy: This verse from Matthew highlights Jesus' deliberate fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. By riding a donkey into Jerusalem, Jesus publicly presented himself as the Messiah foretold by Zechariah.
Messianic Claim: Jesus' action was a symbolic claim to be the king of Israel, but not in the way most people expected. He wasn't a military leader or a political revolutionary.
Nature of Jesus' Kingship: The humility of the donkey contrasts sharply with the expectations of a powerful, conquering king. This emphasizes that Jesus' kingdom is not based on earthly power or domination but on love, service, and spiritual transformation. His kingdom is not of this world.
Challenge to Expectations: Jesus' arrival challenged the people's preconceived notions of what the Messiah would be like. They expected a warrior king to overthrow Roman rule, but Jesus came as a humble servant, offering spiritual liberation and reconciliation with God.
In summary, Matthew 21:5 is a key verse that connects Jesus to Old Testament prophecy, reveals the humble nature of his kingship, and highlights the spiritual focus of his mission. It invited the people of Jerusalem, and continues to invite readers today, to recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah, but to also reconsider their expectations of what a king and a kingdom should be.