Clarke's Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:4
Verse 4. All this was done] The word all, in this clause, is omitted by some MSS., versions, and fathers. Which was spoken] The Spirit of God, which predicted those things that concerned the Messiah, took care to have them literally fulfilled: 1. To show the truth of prophecy in general; and, 2. To designate Christ as the person intended by that prophecy. See the note on chap. ii. 23.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 4. All this was done , etc.] The disciples were sent to the neighbouring village for the ass and colt, and they brought them, and Christ rode upon them; not because of the distance of the place from Jerusalem, for he was just at it; or because he was weary, or it would be very fatiguing to him to walk thither on foot; for he had been used to travelling, and had gone through most parts of Galilee and Judea; but that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet : the Ethiopic version adds, Isaiah; for the former part of the following citation stands in ( Isaiah 62:11) as the latter does in ( Zechariah 9:9). It was usual with the Jews to cite Scripture in this manner, by taking a part from one writer, and another from anther, and joining them together: saying, the following words.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-11 - This coming of Christ was described by the prophet Zechariah, Zec 9:9 When Christ would appear in his glory, it is in his meekness, not in his majesty, in mercy to work salvation. As meekness and outwar poverty were fully seen in Zion's King, and marked his triumpha entrance to Jerusalem, how wrong covetousness, ambition, and the prid of life must be in Zion's citizens! They brought the ass, but Jesus di not use it without the owner's consent. The trappings were such as cam to hand. We must not think the clothes on our backs too dear to par with for the service of Christ. The chief priests and the elder afterwards joined with the multitude that abused him upon the cross but none of them joined the multitude that did him honour. Those tha take Christ for their King, must lay their all under his feet. Hosann signifies, Save now, we beseech thee! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord! But of how little value is the applause of the people! The changing multitude join the cry of the day, whether it be Hosanna, or Crucify him. Multitudes often seem to approve the gospel but few become consistent disciples. When Jesus was come into Jerusale all the city was moved; some perhaps were moved with joy, who waite for the Consolation of Israel; others, of the Pharisees, were move with envy. So various are the motions in the minds of men upon the approach of Christ's kingdom.
Greek Textus Receptus
τουτο 5124 D-NSN δε 1161 CONJ ολον 3650 A-NSN γεγονεν 1096 5754 V-2RAI-3S ινα 2443 CONJ πληρωθη 4137 5686 V-APS-3S το 3588 T-NSN ρηθεν 4483 5685 V-APP-NSN δια 1223 PREP του 3588 T-GSM προφητου 4396 N-GSM λεγοντος 3004 5723 V-PAP-GSN
Robertson's NT Word Studies
21:4 {By the prophet} (dia tou profetou). The first line is from #Isa 62:11, the rest from #Zec 9:9. John (#Joh 12:14f.) makes it clear that Jesus did not quote the passage himself. In Matthew it is not so plain, but probably it is his own comment about the incident. It is not Christ's intention to fulfil the prophecy, simply that his conduct did fulfil it.
