Luke 19:38
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 19:38
38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
Chapter Context
Luke 19 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, wisdom, obedience. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-48: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 19:38
38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
Analysis
The crowd's proclamation: 'Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.' This cry quotes and adapts Psalm 118:26, a messianic Psalm sung at Passover. The addition 'the King' (ὁ βασιλεὺς, ho basileus) makes the messianic claim explicit. The phrase 'peace in heaven' (ἐν οὐρανῷ εἰρήνη, en ouranō eirēnē) echoes the angels' birth announcement (Luke 2:14) but shifts the location from earth to heaven—Jesus' kingship establishes peace in the heavenly realm through His coming victory over Satan. 'Glory in the highest' (δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις, doxa en hypsistois) ascribes supreme praise to God. This moment represents Israel's closest approach to recognizing Jesus as Messiah, though their understanding remained flawed—they expected political liberation, not sacrificial death.
Historical Context
Palm Sunday occurred during Passover week when Jerusalem swelled with pilgrims remembering deliverance from Egypt. Messianic fervor ran high during festivals. The crowd's enthusiasm was genuine but misdirected—they wanted a warrior-king to overthrow Rome, not a suffering servant to die for sins. Within days, many of these same voices would shout 'Crucify Him!' (Luke 23:21). Their fickle allegiance demonstrates the danger of superficial faith based on expectations of earthly benefits. Jesus wept over Jerusalem (v. 41) because He knew they were rejecting their only hope of true peace. Political hopes blinded them to spiritual realities. The tragedy of misunderstood grace haunts this entire narrative.
Reflection
- How did the crowd's messianic expectations differ from Jesus' actual mission?
- What causes the shift from 'Hosanna' on Palm Sunday to 'Crucify' on Good Friday?
- How might contemporary Christians similarly misunderstand Jesus' kingdom and purposes?
Word Studies
- Glory: δόξα (Doxa) G1391 - Glory, majesty, splendor
Cross-References
- Kingdom: Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 25:34, 1 Timothy 1:17
- Blessing: Luke 13:35, Matthew 21:9
- Glory: Ephesians 1:6, 1:12
- Peace: Romans 5:1, Colossians 1:20
- Parallel theme: 1 Peter 1:12