Hosanna!

 My Bible study for today took me to Christ's entry into Jerusalem and the welcome he was given by the crowds of people. They cried out, Hosanna!

The word hosanna is somewhat interesting. This word is only used in the Bible in this unique setting. It is not used anywhere else. The word is the same in Greek and in English. The word is not used in the Old Testament.

Hosanna simply is an exclamation of praise. It is not the same as hallelujah. It is a joyful exclamation. Hosanna used to imply a prayer to God to save and to prosper. This idea is found in Psalm 118:25; "Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity."

But study shows us that this is a unique word for a unique circumstance and that it is used nowhere else in the Bible.

"And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord: blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that comes in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest." Mark 11:9-10

"took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: blessed is the king of Israel that comes in the name of the Lord." John 12:13

It seems that this greeting was reserved for Messiah, the coming King of Israel.

I find Bible study helpful and enriching.