Hosanna in the Highest

"And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way;
others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest."

- Matthew 21:8-10

Happy Palm Sunday!

Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem just days before His crucifixion is one of only a few events in His life that is recorded in all four gospels.

I was curious to fully understand the praise offered by the multitude that greeted Jesus. It's become such commonplace praise in churches and worship music, just a matter of habit, but what does it really mean? (We may not apply much significance to the things we say, but I'm learning there are no insignificant words or details in the Bible.)

According to standard dictionary definitions, Hosanna is "a shout of fervent and worshipful praise, or cry of adoration." But according to Matthew Henry's Bible commentary, Hosanna actually means "Save now, we beseech thee." And Hosanna in the highest means "Let prosperity in the highest degree attend him, let him have a name above every name, a throne above every throne." More than a cry of adoration, the multitude is honoring Jesus as King of kings and expressing their desire for His kingdom to prosper on earth.

I too sing "Hosanna in the highest!"