Zechariah 9:9

Rejoice greatly. Zion is called upon to rejoice because her promised salvation will be realized through the coming of her King, the Messiah.

Just. Heb. saddiq, a word occurring more than 200 times in the OT. It is generally translated “righteous,” less frequently “just.” The term is elsewhere used of the Messiah. Jeremiah declared, “I will raise unto David a righteous Branch,” who was to be called “the Lord our righteousness [Heb. sedeq, from the same root as saddiq]” (Jer. 23:5, 6).

Some see in saddiq also the meaning “triumphant” (see RSV). This idea is derived from the observation that one who receives what is his right is therefore triumphant. Though such a definition is in harmony with the context, it is doubtful that the meaning ought to be thus restricted. Moral righteousness is a prime attribute of the Messiah. In His humanity Christ wrought out a perfect character, and this He offers to impart to all who accept Him by faith. “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isa. 64:6). But Jesus was made unto us “wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (1 Cor. 1:30).

Salvation. From the Heb. yasha‘, “to save.” Yasha‘ is the root word of the name “Jesus” (see on Matt. 1:1, 21).

Lowly. On this attribute of the Messiah see Matt. 11:29; Phil. 2:5-8.

Upon an ass. For a fulfillment of this prediction see on Matt. 21:1-11.