Definition: Saying, Blessed [be] the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Luke 19:38. It’s a really rich and layered verse, but here's my explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s blessing and celebration when Jesus returns. It’s saying that God is really pleased with Jesus and wants to celebrate his arrival! Let’s break it down word by word: “Saying…” : Luke 19:36 already tells us this is a prophecy – a prediction about what will happen. “…Blessed [be] the King…” : This is where the excitement comes in! “Blessed” means to be happy, joyful, and grateful. "The King" refers to Jesus Christ, who is God's Son and the Messiah. So, this verse says we should be thankful for Jesus’ return. It's a powerful expression of adoration. “…that cometh in the name of the Lord…” : This is a crucial part. “Cometh” means He comes. "The Name of the Lord" refers to God’s holy name – something that signifies His power and identity. So, this phrase emphasizes that Jesus' return is authorized by God . It’s a recognition of His authority. “Peace in heaven…” : This suggests a state of tranquility, harmony, and serenity. Imagine a peaceful place where all things are right. “…and glory in the highest.” : "Glory" means honor, fame, or renown. “In the highest” indicates that this glory will be supreme and magnificent – it's something truly amazing and wonderful. Putting It All Together: The verse is saying that God is so pleased with Jesus’ return that He wants to celebrate this event with a profound blessing – peace, harmony, and magnificent honor. It’s a declaration of joy and anticipation for the future resurrection and triumph of Christ. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as an encouragement to believers to: Pray for Jesus’ return: It's a reminder that God is actively involved in our lives and that we should be hopeful about His coming. Live according to His will: It suggests that living a righteous life, loving others, and following His teachings will contribute to this celebration of God’s glory. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Compare it to other Bible verses about Jesus' return? Give some examples of how this verse might be interpreted in a modern context (like hope for the future)?