Prophecy:Enter Jerusalem on Donkey
Prophecy: Entering Jerusalem on a Donkey
Old Testament Prophecy
Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
This verse foretells that the Messiah would enter Jerusalem not as a conquering warrior on a horse, but as a humble king riding a donkey. In ancient Jewish culture, a donkey symbolized peace and humility.
New Testament Fulfillment
Matthew 21:4–5 “This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: ‘Say to Daughter Zion, See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
Jesus’ deliberate entry into Jerusalem riding a donkey during the Passover fulfilled this prophecy publicly and symbolically, identifying Him as the expected king, yet not a political revolutionary.
Commentary
Jesus’ choice to ride a donkey was a powerful, intentional sign that He was fulfilling the messianic expectations in a way that confounded popular hopes. He came not to overthrow Rome, but to bring peace through self-sacrifice.
Related Prophecies
See Also
References
- Zechariah 9:9 (Tanakh)
- Matthew 21:1–11; John 12:12–16
- Jewish customs regarding kingship and processions