Joh 12:13-14 | TNotes | STEP | 12:13 palm branches: The date palm was a celebratory symbol of Jewish nationalism. • meet him: The Greek word commonly describes crowds greeting a returning, triumphant king. • Blessings on the one: The crowd quoted Ps 118:25-26 , with a greeting for those who came to Jerusalem. The phrase Hail to the King of Israel is not in the psalm (but see Zeph 3:15 ). Although the people saw Jesus as a national political liberator, he rejected this role (John 6:15 ).

bPs 118:25-26►

cZeph 3:15►

dJohn 6:15►

fZech 9:9►

‏ John 12:13-14

12:13 ^a palm branches: The date palm was a celebratory symbol of Jewish nationalism.

• meet him: The Greek word commonly describes crowds greeting a returning, triumphant king.

• Blessings on the one: The crowd quoted Ps 118:25-26 ^b, with a greeting for those who came to Jerusalem. The phrase Hail to the King of Israel is not in the psalm (but see Zeph 3:15 ^c). Although the people saw Jesus as a national political liberator, he rejected this role (John 6:15 ^d).
12:14 ^e By choosing a young donkey rather than a warhorse, Jesus calmed the frenzied crowd that was passionate for his kingship. He also fulfilled Old Testament predictions regarding the Messiah (see Zech 9:9 ^f) and showed that his kingship was not that of a warrior. His gift is life, not conquest.