HOSANNA

HOSANNA

Pam Finlay

Acrylic on paper

September 2017

The word “Hosanna” came into my spirit as I was painting this palm tree.  I recalled the scriptures that mentioned this word in the bible, the meaning  of ”hosanna” being save, rescue, saviour.   Save us we pray.  By waving palm branches and saying “Hosanna” as Jesus passed through the gates of Jerusalem the Jews were acknowledging that Jesus was their Messiah. Hosanna in the highest!  This phrase only appears twice in the bible.  It’s about Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem.   As they shouted “hosanna in the highest” they declared that their Messiah has come to establish God’s kingdom.  Save us, our Messiah who comes to carry out God’s mission. 

Matthew 21:9 ESV

And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the highest!” 

Mark 11:10 NKJV

Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord!.  Hosanna in the highest!

John 12:13 ESV

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”

The scriptures I was also drawn to were the ones that mentioned palm trees.  They are mentioned dozens of times in the bible.  Palm trees were engraved on the walls of the temple and on the doors of the inner sanctuary.    The palm trees are also mentioned when referring to the feasts as in Leviticus 23:40-42.    The branches of the palms were the emblem of victory and triumph.  Palm trees are described as upright, depicting the righteous.  They flourish and bear fruit until old age. 

Psalm 92:12

The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Blessed be the rock of my salvation.  Jesus, you are worthy to be praised.  We magnify you and exalt your holy name. 

Blessings,

Pam.