Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 21:4-5

"Now this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, Meek, and riding upon an ass, And upon a colt the foal of an ass." — Matthew 21:4-5 (ASV)

All this was done. The prophecy quoted here is found in Zechariah 9:9. It was always applied to the Messiah by the Jews.

Daughter of Zion. This means Jerusalem. Zion was one of the hills on which the city of Jerusalem was built. The city of David and some strong fortresses stood on this hill. The names daughter and virgin were often given to it, in accordance with the Eastern figurative manner of expression. See Barnes on Isaiah 1:8; see Barnes on Amos 5:2; see Barnes on Psalm 137:8; see Barnes on Isaiah 47:1.

It was given to them as an expression of their beauty or comeliness.

Meek. See Barnes on Matthew 5:5.

The expression here denotes peaceful rather than warlike; not with pomp, ceremony, and the ensigns of ambition. He came in the manner that kings were accustomed to ride, but with none of their pride and ambitious feeling.

Sitting upon an ass. He rode on the colt (Mark and Luke). This expression in Matthew is common among all writers.