Fathers

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What the Fathers say

John 12:15

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

In this circumstance He was also fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah, who said: "Fear not, daughter of Zion! Behold, your King comes to you, sitting on a young donkey" (Zech. 9:9). Since the kings of Jerusalem were, for the most part, unjust and greedy, the prophet says: "Fear not, daughter of Zion! The King of whom I foretell to you is not such, but is meek and humble-minded, and not at all proud." This is evident also from the fact that He came sitting on a donkey. …

Commentary on John ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

Jesus, then, "found a young ass, and sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt." Among that people, then, was the daughter of Zion to be found; for Zion is the same as Jerusalem. …

Tractates on John 51 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

When the Evangelist says, as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Zion! he cites the prophesy which was written in Zechariah (9:9). First, he reassures them; secondly, he promises a kingly majesty; and thirdly, he adds the benefit which the king will bring. He reassures them when he says, Fear not, daughter of Zion. Zion was the fortress in Jerusalem where the king lived. The daughter of Zion, therefore, would be the people of Jerusalem and of Judea who were subject to the king of Jerusalem. …

Commentary on John ↗

Bonaventure

Fear not, daughter of Sion, that is, the Church: he says less and means more, that is, rejoice: in the ninth chapter of Zechariah: "Rejoice greatly, daughter of Sion; shout for joy, daughter of Jerusalem." And the reason for rejoicing is given: Behold, your king comes to you; behold, royal dignity: sitting upon the foal of an ass; behold, meekness and humility. …

Commentary on John, Chapter 12 ↗