THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 21 - Verse 4

Verses 4,5. All this was done, etc. The prophecy here quoted is found in Zec 9:9. It was always, by the Jews, applied to the Messiah.

Daughter of Zion. That is, Jerusalem. Zion was one of the hills on which the city of Jerusalem was built. On this stood the city of David and some strong fortresses. The names daughter and virgin were given to it often, in accordance with the oriental figurative manner of expression. See Barnes "Isa 1:8"; See Barnes "Am 5:2"; See Barnes "Ps 137:8; See Barnes "Isa 47:1".

It was given to them as an expression of their beauty or comeliness.

Meek. See Barnes "Mt 5:5".

The expression here rather denotes peaceful, not warlike; not with pomp, and state, and the ensigns of ambition. He came in the manner in which kings were accustomed to ride, but with none of their pride and ambitious feeling.

Sitting upon an ass, etc. He rode on the colt, (Mark and Luke.) This expression in Matthew is one which is common with all writers.

{x} "prophet" Zec 9:9