Luke 19:38-40
saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The people are crying out "peace in heaven," which is a fascinating echo of the angels' song at Jesus' birth, but with a crucial shift. While angels proclaimed "peace on earth," this crowd, in their fervor, foresees that Jesus' arrival brings reconciliation between heaven and earth, a peace that originates from God Himself. This shows they’re grasping something deeper than just a worldly celebration, sensing a heavenly significance to the King who has come.
As Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling ancient prophecy, the crowds erupt in joyous praise, hailing Him as their King. This moment, while outwardly festive, carries a profound, prophetic weight that the people don't fully grasp, echoing a prophecy Jesus Himself made earlier.
Imagine a king arriving, not on a white horse with a gleaming sword, but on a humble donkey. This was Jesus' dramatic entrance, and the crowds' shouts reveal they sensed something profound.
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, riding a colt, wasn't about earthly power. It was a deliberate, prophetic act. The people, caught up in the moment, echoed ancient prophecies, recognizing Jesus as their King.
A King Like No Other
The crowd shouts about 'peace in heaven' and 'glory in the highest.' What does this heavenly declaration mean when spoken by people on earth during a royal procession?
The crowd's cry, 'Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!' is more than just celebratory praise. It’s a profound theological statement echoing the angels' message at Jesus' birth.
Heavenly Declaration on Earth
Understand the original words
eulogēmenos · Greek Adjective
A term of adoration meaning 'praised' or 'favored,' used in worship to ascribe supreme honor to God or His anointed representative.
basileus · Greek Noun
A supreme ruler or sovereign. In biblical prophecy, the title is specifically applied to the promised Messiah of the line of David.
eirēnē · Greek Noun
The state of wholeness, harmony, and reconciliation. Biblically, it signifies the well-being that comes from being in right relationship with God.
doxa · Greek Noun
The manifestation of God's presence, splendor, and majesty. It refers to the visible or experiential reality of His infinite worth and power.
The crowds shouting 'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!' were echoing ancient Messianic prophecies and celebrating Jesus as their hoped-for King, unaware that his kingdom was not of this world and that his path to ultimate glory led through suffering and the cross.
c. 20 BC
Herod the Great's Temple Expansion
King Herod the Great begins a massive expansion and renovation of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This project, intended to solidify his rule and gain favor, created a focal point of national and religious identity for Jewish people.
c. 30 AD
Raising of Lazarus
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in Bethany, just outside Jerusalem. This astounding miracle becomes a major catalyst for Jesus' public ministry and ignites widespread Messianic excitement among the populace.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Final Passover in Jerusalem
Jesus makes his final journey to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, the most significant pilgrimage event of the year.
The day of the Triumphal Entry— this verse
Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy. Crowds, fueled by the recent miracle of Lazarus and hope for a Messiah, acclaim him as King.
This passage is a direct prophecy fulfilled by Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, describing the King who comes 'meek and lowly,' setting the stage for the acclamation in Luke 19:38.
Psalm 118:26The cry 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord' is directly quoted from this Psalm, showing the people are echoing ancient Messianic expectations as Jesus arrives.
Luke 2:14The phrase 'peace in heaven and glory in the highest' echoes the angels' song at Jesus' birth, highlighting a continuity of heavenly praise for God's redemptive plan unfolding.
John 12:13This verse describes the people taking branches and going out to meet Jesus, crying 'Hosanna!', which provides further context for the jubilant and prophetic acclamations of Luke 19:38.
Matthew 21:9This parallel account in Matthew includes the cry 'Hosanna to the Son of David!', directly linking the acclamations in Luke to the promised lineage and kingship of the Messiah.
pooleLuke 19:38: "Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest."
See Poole on "Luke 19:35"
bengelLuke 19:38: "Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest."
Luke 19:38 . [ Λέγοντες , saying ) The very prophecy which the Saviour had uttered in Galilee, ch. Luke 13:35 , was in this place fulfilled.—Harm., p. 445.[210]]— βασιλεὺς , King ) It was a noble movement on the part of the people [although His external appearance was not kingly.—V. g.]; but yet they did not understand in its deep significance what they were saying. Comp. Lu…
The people are crying out "peace in heaven," which is a fascinating echo of the angels' song at Jesus' birth, but with a crucial shift. While angels proclaimed "peace on earth," this crowd, in their fervor, foresees that Jesus' arrival brings reconciliation between heaven and earth, a peace that originates from God Himself. This shows they’re grasping something deeper than just a worldly celebration, sensing a heavenly significance to the King who has come.
As Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling ancient prophecy, the crowds erupt in joyous praise, hailing Him as their King. This moment, while outwardly festive, carries a profound, prophetic weight that the people don't fully grasp, echoing a prophecy Jesus Himself made earlier.
As Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling ancient prophecy, the crowds erupt in joyous praise, hailing Him as their King. This moment, while outwardly festive, carries a profound, prophetic weight that the people don't fully grasp, echoing a prophecy Jesus Himself made earlier.
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Pharisaios · Greek Noun
A member of a Jewish religious group known for strict adherence to the law and traditional interpretations, often in opposition to Jesus' ministry.
didaskalos · Greek Noun
A term of address for a teacher or instructor, often used for Jesus to acknowledge His authority to teach the Scriptures.
epitimaō · Greek Verb
To scold, censure, or command someone to stop a particular action. It signifies an exercise of authority to correct or silence behavior.
The week of the Triumphal Entry
Jesus Clears the Temple
Jesus enters the Temple complex and drives out the money changers and merchants, publicly challenging the religious authorities and asserting his authority.
The week of the Triumphal Entry
Jesus Teaches in the Temple
During the remaining days before Passover, Jesus engages in public teaching, debates, and prophecies within the Temple courts, further increasing the tension with religious leaders.
c. AD 33
Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified by the Roman authorities. Three days later, his resurrection is proclaimed, confirming his divine identity and the promise of future redemption.
"saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent…" — The people are crying out "peace in heaven," which is a fascinating echo of the angels' song at Jesus' birth, but with a crucial shift. While angels proclaimed "peace on earth," this crowd, in their…
