signified joyous celebration, another explanation is more likely. Since the time of the Maccabees the palm seems to have become the national symbol of Israel, a symbol of Jewish nationalism. This being the case, these Jews were expressing their belief and hope that Jesus was the Messiah who would free Israel from the yoke of Roman rule. This explanation ties in very well with the chant, “Hosanna, blessed is the King of Israel who comes in the name of the Lord.” Their chant reflected Ps. 118:26a,