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 21:8-9 KJV 

If you’re wondering what “Hosanna” means, I found a great explanation here. Hosanna comes from the Hebrew words Hoshiya na! (“Save now!” or  “Save, please!”), an expression the people would use when asking a king to help or save them in times of trouble (see 2 Samuel 14:4 and 2 Kings 6:26). Over the centuries, Hosanna gradually became an expression of hope and exultation: “Salvation! Salvation! Salvation has come!” The crowd of people shouting Hosanna in the verse above were recognizing Jesus as their Savior and Deliverer, the prophesied Messiah. And believers use it now as an expression of praise and gratitude to God and His Son Jesus for the gift of Salvation.

I thought this would be a great time to tell you about a song I like called Hosanna. It’s by the Canadian group Starfield, from their CD I Will Go. Filled with hope and praise, it really expresses the meaning of the word Hosanna. Click here to listen to it.

Hope you are enjoying a beautiful, restful Palm Sunday!

Linked to Think on These Things.