Hosanna
“A challenge was issued to me by my wife, an accomplished artist to produce more art using the computer that was not inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien. She suggested a Biblical theme. What followed was a series I called “Word Pictures” – the Word referring to both the Bible and to Christ Jesus Himself.”
This is the 7th image in my series of images with a Biblical theme. The Hebrew words “Hosanna” and “Hallelujah” can both be translated as terms of praise for Jehovah, the God of Israel.
They were used by the crowds when Jesus entered Jerusalem, riding on a young donkey, shortly before his crucifixion. They were used, as well, when welcoming the lamb that would be offered on Passover as a sin offering for Israel.
Jesus, no doubt, would have entered Jerusalem with waving palm branches, but would also have seen crosses used by the Roman occupational forces to execute the worst criminals, standing in the background at the sides of the road. Jesus knew what was awaiting him. The same crowd that welcomed him with shouts of “Hosanna”, would be shouting “Crucify him” a few days later!
This image was created to capture that conflict that Jesus must have felt when he entered Jerusalem. The Hebrew scriptures above and below mirror Psalm 148:1, a psalm of praise meant for God