July 30, 2023
Understanding History
“… when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.’” John 12:12b-13 (NASB)
When I see good information which helps us to understand the culture of the day in which Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, I want to share it. Today, we will take a look at some of the culture and environment Jesus knew on the day of His arrival in Jerusalem.
“…when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him.” Robertson comments on the palm branches function as they lined the street welcoming Jesus, “Bernard notes that to carry palms was a mark of triumphant homage to a victor or a king (Rev. 7:9). Palm-trees grew on the Mount of Olives (Mark 11:8) on the road from Bethany to Jerusalem. The crowds (one in front and one behind, Mark 11:9; Matt. 21:9; John 2:18) cut the branches as they came (Matt. 21:8).”[1] Lincoln also adds how the palm affected culture, “As the pomegranate tree is the symbol of the secretly flowing fulness of blessing, so, on the other hand, the palm-tree represents the overflowing horn of plenty and is the symbol of all fulness of strength and outward prosperity.... Hence the palm has from ancient times been regarded as the escutcheon and sign of Israel, Coins of the times of the Maccabees have on one side the palm, and on the other a vine branch as tokens of the land. Also on the medals of the Emperor Titus, struck at his command in countless numbers from the spoil of Jerusalem and distributed among the Roman army, the ‘Captive Judah’ is portrayed as a woman sitting under a palm-tree.” (Bibl. Naturgesch., publ. at Calw. p. 343.) By the biblical palm we are generally to understand the date palm.”[2] Calvin says, “Took branches of palm-trees. The palm was the emblem of victory and peace among the ancients; but they were wont to employ branches of palm-trees, when they bestowed kingly power on any one, or when they humbly supplicated the favour of a conqueror. But those persons appear to have taken into their hands branches of palm-trees, as a token of gladness and rejoicing at receiving a new king.”[3] The palm trees still grow there to this day. As they lined the streets, they shouted “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.” The word, “Hosanna” is a term of acclamation. It means literally, “Help, I pray,” or “Save, we pray.” It came from a group of Psalms (113-118), known as the Hallel. It was sung each morning by the temple choir during the major Jewish festivals. The phrase, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord,” quotes Psalm 118:26. In this usage, the Jews hoped Jesus was the Messiah they had been awaiting.
How do you view Jesus today? Is He a conquering king? Is He a peace bringer? Or is He Messiah and Savior? Many struggle with this issue today. Some view Jesus as someone who is another ruler, indicative of a conqueror. Some view Him as a peacemaker, so they want a Gandi. Or is He Messiah, and one who Saves us? Depending on your view will depend upon how you live your life. One is under total oppressive authority, the other wise man who gives peace; the other saves us, gives us life eternal, and One who we will willingly submit our live to…
[1] Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (Jn 12:13). Broadman Press.
[2] Lange, J. P., & Schaff, P. (2008). A commentary on the Holy Scriptures: John (p. 377). Logos Bible Software.
[3] Calvin, J., & Pringle, W. (2010). Commentary on the Gospel according to John (Vol. 2, p. 18). Logos Bible Software.