The Symbolism of Psalm 118 in Welcoming a New King

The crowds' cries of 'Hosanna to the son of David' during Jesus' entry were a call for salvation through a new king. This declaration linked Jesus to the royal lineage of David, symbolizing the anticipation of a ruler who would overthrow the Roman rulers and establish a new political kingdom. The association of Psalm 118 with royal coronations and historical figures like Judas Maccabees emphasized the crowd's expectation of a powerful leader who would bring about significant political change through violence and military action.