Matthew 21:4-5

It is possible that Jesus spoke these words. However, it is probable that Matthew added them as he did other fulfillment passages in his Gospel (Matthew 1:22; et al.). The first two lines of the quotation are from Isaiah 62:11, and the last two cite Zechariah 9:9. Zion is a poetic name for Jerusalem often used of the city under Messiah’s rule during the kingdom. [Note: Walvoord, Matthew: . . ., p. 155.] Jerusalem belonged to Messiah (Matthew 5:35). Matthew omitted quoting the part of Zechariah 9:9 that speaks of Messiah bringing national salvation to Israel. Jesus would not do that then because of Israel’s rejection.

"Here was the King’s final and official offer of Himself, in accord with the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9." [Note: The New Scofield . . ., p. 1027.]

Rulers rode donkeys in Israel during times of peace (Judges 5:10; 1 Kings 1:33). This was a sign of their humble service of the people. Warriors rode horses. Jesus was preparing to declare His messiahship by fulfilling this messianic prophecy. By coming in peace He was extending grace rather than judgment to the city. He was coming as a servant now. He would return as a king on a horse later (cf. Revelation 19:11).

Jesus rode on the colt (a young male donkey), not on its mother, the donkey (Mark 11:2; Luke 19:30). It would have been remarkable that Jesus was able to control a presumably unbroken animal moving through an excited crowd with an unfamiliar burden on its back. This was just one more demonstration that Jesus was the Messiah who was the master of nature (cf. Matthew 8:23-27; Matthew 14:22-32). Surely He could bring peace to Israel if He could calm the young colt (Isaiah 11:1-10).

"Matthew could hardly make the presentation of the royalty of Jesus more explicit." [Note: Toussaint, Behold the . . ., p. 238.]

Toussaint titled his commentary on Matthew "Behold The King" because he believed these words are the theme of Matthew’s Jewish Gospel.