In Zechariah 9:9, the prophecy states:

“Rejoice greatly, O people of Zion (Jerusalem and the Jews), shout for joy, O people of Jerusalem: your King is coming to you; He is just and brings salvation, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

This prophecy speaks of the arrival of Israel’s promised King (Isaiah 9:6-7), which was fulfilled during Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of the Holy Week leading up to Easter (Resurrection Day). Jesus rode a colt into the city, as described in the prophecy, which was written around 500 years earlier.

The Triumphal Entry

‘So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?” Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 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 called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”’

Luke 19:32-33,35-40

Fulfilling Prophecy and Covenants: The Triumphal Entry and Its Significance in the Holy Week

The Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:1–3) and the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16) are significant in understanding the fulfillment of this prophecy. The Abrahamic covenant is the promise God made to Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, and through his descendants (would come the savior of the world, Jesus, and), all nations of the earth would be blessed. The Davidic covenant is the promise God made to King David, stating that his descendants would have an everlasting kingdom. Lastly, Isaiah 9:6-7, again establishes that Israel’s promised King, Jesus the Christ (Messiah), the Son of God, will rule from David’s throne in Jerusalem forever! Praise God!

By connecting these covenants and promises to Zechariah 9:9, we can see that the prophecy demonstrates the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and King David. The arrival of the promised King of Israel in the form of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem shows that God kept His promises to His people. The covenants and the prophecy all point to the same conclusion: the coming of a just and righteous King who would bring salvation and establish an everlasting kingdom (which will be still future and be fulfilled at the Lord’s second coming). This event is a pivotal moment in the Holy Week, as it sets the stage for Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, which is at the core of Christianity and the culmination of all that God does.

Resurrection Day! Matthew 28