☝️ Key Points
- 'Daughter of Zion, rejoice!' is a traditional German hymn that represents the arrival of Jesus Christ and the joy and expectation associated with it
- Jerusalem is personified as the 'Daughter of Zion' and is urged to rejoice, as the 'Prince of Peace', referencing the Messiah, is coming
- The refrain emphasizes Jesus' messianic lineage as 'Son of David' and 'Hosanna' is an expression of worship and praise
- Jesus is portrayed as a gentle king, whose 'throne of peace' will endure forever and whose divine lineage is underscored by being called 'Son of the eternal Father'
- The song is an expression of joy and hope for the peace that the Messiah's arrival brings, and a hymn of praise to his royal and divine nature.
Interpretation
The song 'Daughter of Zion, rejoice!' is a traditional German hymn that is sung during the Advent and Christmas season. It is about the arrival of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem and represents the joy and anticipation that his arrival brought.
In the first two verses 'Daughter of Zion, rejoice! Shout aloud, Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you! Yes, he comes, the prince of peace.', Jerusalem is personified as the 'Daughter of Zion' and is urged to rejoice and shout aloud as her king, the 'prince of peace', is coming. This is a reference to the biblical prophecy of the coming of the Messiah, who will bring peace.
The refrain 'Hosanna, son of David, be blessed to your people! Establish now your eternal kingdom, Hosanna in the highest!' captures this joy and anticipation and praises Jesus as the son of David, reaffirming his Messianic lineage. The 'Hosanna' is an expression of worship and praise.
In the last verse 'Hosanna, son of David, be greeted, gentle king! Your throne of peace will stand forever, you, the child of the eternal Father.', Jesus is greeted as a gentle and mild king, whose throne of peace will stand forever. He is referred to as the child of the 'eternal Father', emphasizing his divine lineage and his role as the Son of God.
Overall, the song is an expression of joy and hope for the peace that the coming of the Messiah brings, and a hymn of praise to his royal and divine nature.