Book of Matthew - Chapter 21 - Verse 5

This verse from the Book of Matthew in the Bible portrays Jesus fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah, who foretold the coming of the Messiah as a peaceful and humble king. By entering Jerusalem on a donkey, Jesus symbolized his role as the Prince of Peace, in contrast to a conquering military leader who would ride in on a warhorse. The imagery of Jesus riding a donkey demonstrates his humility and gentleness, as well as his intention to bring salvation and peace to the world. The choice of a donkey also symbolizes the idea of service and burden-bearing, highlighting Jesus' mission to carry the weight of humanity's sins. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the nature of Jesus as a humble and compassionate king who came to offer redemption and salvation to all.

One theological interpretation of the verse 'Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.' is that it fulfills the prophecy found in the Old Testament in Zechariah 9:9, which states that the Messiah would come riding on a donkey. This fulfillment emphasizes the humble and peaceful nature of Jesus as the long-awaited King of Israel. The use of a donkey instead of a horse symbolizes humility and service rather than conquest and war, highlighting Jesus' mission of bringing salvation to the world through love and sacrifice.

Furthermore, a word study of the term "meek" in this verse reveals that in the original Greek, the word used is πραῦς(praus), which can also be translated as gentle or humble. This further emphasizes the character of Jesus as a compassionate and approachable King, contrasting the common expectation of a ruler who comes in power and grandeur. By riding on a donkey and embodying meekness, Jesus demonstrates to his followers the importance of humility and service in the Kingdom of God.