The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:9
The multitudes that went before, and that followed . These expressions point to two separate bodies, which combined in escorting Jesus at a certain portion of the route. We learn from St. John ( John 12:18 ) that much people, greatly excited by the news of the raising of Lazarus, when they heard that he was in the neighbourhood, hurried forth from Jerusalem to meet and do him honour. These, when they met the other procession with Jesus riding in the midst, turned back again and preceded... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:8
A very great multitude; ὁδε Ì πλεῖστος ὀ ì χλος : Revised Version, the most part of the multitude . This interpretation has classical authority (see Alford), but the words may well mean," the very great multitude;" Vulgate, plurima autem turba . This crowd was composed of pilgrims who were coming to the festival at Jerusalem, and "the whole multitude of the disciples" ( Luke 19:37 ). Spread their garments ( ἱμα ì τια ) in the way. Fired with... read more