The King Comes Riding on a Donkey
Zechariah 9:9 fulfilled on Palm Sunday.
Zechariah foretold Jerusalem's King coming lowly, riding on a colt, the foal of an ass. Five centuries later, Christ deliberately fulfilled the prophecy on Palm Sunday as the crowds cried Hosanna.
The Prophecy
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass."
The Fulfillment
"All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass."
"And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt."
A king of peace
Conquerors rode horses; Christ chose a donkey to declare His meekness. The very animal proclaimed the kind of kingdom He came to bring.
People in This Prophecy
Verse Commentary
Read verse-by-verse commentary on the key passages of this prophecy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the triumphal entry prophesied?
In Zechariah 9:9, fulfilled in Matthew 21 and John 12.
Related Bible Prophecies
The Eternal Throne of David
God's covenant with David fulfilled in Christ's everlasting reign.
The Righteous Branch of David
Jeremiah and Zechariah foretold a righteous Branch — the Lord our Righteousness.
The Messiah Born of a Virgin
Isaiah 7:14 foretold a virgin would bear Immanuel — fulfilled in Mary.
The Messiah Born in Bethlehem
Micah 5:2 named the village seven centuries in advance.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
The Triumphal Entry
Matthew 21:1-11 • The Humble King
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Zechariah 9:9 Commentary
In-depth study • The Coming King
Zechariah 9:10 Commentary
In-depth study • The Coming King