One song that speaks to me is “Hosanna” by Hillsong United. It really helps me imagine God’s glory and power. Not only is God physically powerful to move the wind and waves, He’s more powerful in moving people emotionally and spiritually. This song brings this to life. Brooke Fraser of Hillsong United wrote and sung the original version and it was recorded on the “All of the Above” album. In this interview http://youtu.be/18xfVOOgx9w, Brooke shares how the song came to her and gives the credit to the Holy Spirit. She was having trouble bringing the chorus together, so she started playing on a piano and the words and melody came to her very easily.
“All of the Above” was Hillsong United’s first album recorded in studio and it reached #1 on the Billboard’s Top Christian and Gospel Albums. It also was #1 in sales on iTunes, and #1 on the Nielsen Christian SoundScan chart.
Since first coming out on the “All of the Above” album in 2007, Hillsong United has also featured the song on “The I Heart Revolution: With Hearts as One” and “Live in Miami”.
Most versions that have been remade by other artists follow closely to the original version musically. There are many other songs by this title, but this one has gained popularity quickly since coming out six years ago.
"The Truth" Revelation 10:1 “Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire.”
Hosanna by Hillsong United
Hillsong United has captured a large following. The first part of the song is designed to highlight the lead singer’s voice and the instruments fit the overall melody. During the chorus there is a guitar solo and the focus is more on the instruments.
Hosanna Loud Hosanna by the Veggie Tales
This version on “A Very Veggie Easter” from 2006 is, of course, directed toward children. The lyrics and melody make it quite unique, but you will notice the resemblance to other versions of Hosanna in the chorus. The song is focused on Jesus and praising Him.
Hosanna by Christy Nockels
Christy does a great job making this song her own on her “Passion: God of This City” album from early 2008. The sound is very clear and she sings solo through most of the song, but many voices join in for the chorus. With this and the changing tempo, the message of the chorus is greatly emphasized.
Hosanna by Starfield
Bringing a male flavor to this favorite, Starfield first came out with their version of the song on the “I Will Go” album in early 2008. They offer an upbeat version that highlights different instruments and multiple male voices singing the lyrics. The voices blend together well and get higher for the chorus. About halfway through the song, the lead male (Tim Neufeld) sings and the rest of the band echo his words.
Hosanna by Selah
Coming out with this song in 2009 on their “You Deliver Me” album, Selah makes the song unique with the instrument selection. The male lead starts out the song and the whole group joins to sing the chorus. Overall, the song is mellower than some of the other versions, but a great version as well!
Hosanna by Hillsong Chapel
The Hillsong Church in Australia is home to Hillsong United, but the band travels around the world frequently. The band was formed at the church and there are other groups within the church, called Hillsong Chapel and Hillsong Live, that frequently perform the song. It’s slightly different each time it’s sung since the performers within each group change frequently.
"The Truth" Matthew 21:9 “The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
I believe this song is still in it’s infancy and although it has already made a huge impact, there are greatest hit productions and other artists and choirs that need to connect to this song and bring us a new heartfelt version. Not to rush transforming an already great song, but I know there are more great things that can be done with this song. Brooke Fraser showed her true talent and where her heart is and has many great years ahead of her. I’m very excited to see her continue writing and singing as an artist.
How has this song impacted you? Please tell us in the comments below.
We have many music articles at F&E, check out our most popular title: 101 Best Christian Songs of All Time.
Resources- The Holy Bible, English Standard Version“Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®(ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”, www.youtube.com,Photo Credit: Wei Hsu via Compfight cc
FAQs
After Jesus's crucifixion, his followers fully realized the sacrifice he had made for them. Thus, "Hosanna in the highest" took on a different meaning. So when we use it today, it's a cry of praise and thanks for Jesus's great sacrifice and the salvation it brought us as God's children.
What is the meaning of the Hosanna song? ›
It's from a Biblical Hebrew phrase meaning "Pray, save us." Hosanna made stops in Greek and Latin before arriving in English in the earliest translations of the Bible. Any kind of thanks and adoration aimed at God could be considered a hosanna. In church, many of the prayers and songs are hosannas.
What is the history of the hymn Hosanna Loud Hosanna? ›
Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey with crowds of people shouting “Hosanna.” Matthew also tells us that the children were shouting “Hosanna” in the temple (Matt. 21:15, NIV). Jeanette Threlfall (1821-1880) envisioned this celebration, especially the role the children played.
What is the message of the song "Hosanna in the Highest"? ›
Hosanna in the highest means more than praise and adoration. Rather the word itself means save us. It is used as a crying out for help, salvation, and freedom.
Why did they cry Hosanna? ›
The word “Hosanna” in the context of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem simply meant this – Please save us! Every person who was shouting the word Hosanna…was asking Jesus to save them. Hosanna was a desperate cry for help… much like a drowning person would yell if they were helpless and needed rescue.
Why do we sing Hosanna? ›
It simply means 'Save us' in Hebrew, but in the nearly 3,000-year-old Biblical tradition it stood as a one-word prayer calling out for a Messiah. We sing hosanna each Mass as part of the 'holy, holy, holy' prayer, when we ask Jesus to come and renew us once more in the New Covenant of His Body and Blood.
What is the Hosanna song controversy? ›
According to reports, Joseph Dias, general secretary of Mumbai-based Christian Secular Forum (CSF), has raised objections on the use of the word "Hosanna" in the song, claiming that the word is a sacred term used in prayers by Christians and Jews. But Rahman feels there's nothing wrong with its usage.
Is the Hosanna song biblical? ›
It is applied in numerous verses of the New Testament, including "Hosanna! blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lᴏʀᴅ!" (Matthew 21:9,15; Mark 11:9–10; John 12:13), which forms part of the Sanctus prayer; "hosanna in the highest" (Mark 11.10); and "hosanna to the Son of David" (Matt 21:9).
What does Hosanna mean today? ›
Hosanna Means "Save, Please!"
“Please Lord, please save us. Please, Lord, please give us success” (Psalm 118:25). The Hebrew word, “hoshi'a na,” is translated in Greek as “(h)osanna.” In English, we known it as “hosanna.” The original intent of the scripture is “Save!” It is viewed as a plea for help.
Why did people shout hosanna to Jesus? ›
The crowds on that first Palm Sunday greeted Jesus with shouts of hosanna to welcome their hero, their Messiah, the one they believed would be their king. The echoes of hosanna faded and were replaced with cries of “crucify Him” because they expected Jesus to rescue them from their enemies.
Hebrew expression meaning “Save us, we beseech thee,” taken from Psalm 118:25. The crowd welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem with the cry of “Hosanna” (Mt 21:9; Mk 11:9, 10; Jn 12:13). Psalm 118 is a declaration of confidence in the Lord's salvation, made in a time of need.
Where in the Bible does it say hosanna in the highest blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord? ›
Matthew 21:9 New King James Version (NKJV)
Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! ' Hosanna in the highest!”
What is the history of Hosanna? ›
Hosanna comes from two Hebrew words that, as used in Psalms 118:25, are rendered in the King James Version as “Save [us] now, I beseech thee.” In the Mosaic law, a priest recited this psalm each day during the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles, when the people were commanded to “rejoice before the Lord” (Leviticus 23:40).
Why did the Jews say Hosanna? ›
Its origin is Hebrew. Hosanna is a contraction of hoshiah-na, which means Save, [we] pray (see Psalms 118:25). On every day of Succot, during the morning service, the ceremony of Hoshanot takes place.
What does Hosanna mean in love? ›
/hoʊˈzænə/ used in worship to express praise, joy, and love for God, especially in the Christian and Jewish religions.
What does the word Hosanna mean biblically? ›
Hosanna Means "Save, Please!"
“Please Lord, please save us. Please, Lord, please give us success” (Psalm 118:25). The Hebrew word, “hoshi'a na,” is translated in Greek as “(h)osanna.” In English, we known it as “hosanna.” The original intent of the scripture is “Save!” It is viewed as a plea for help.
What is the difference between Hosanna and hallelujah? ›
The sacred events between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday are the story of hosanna and hallelujah. Hosanna is our plea for God to save. Hallelujah expresses our praise to the Lord for the hope of salvation and exaltation.
Why do we do the Hosanna shout? ›
The shout is a symbol of how the crowds reacted to Jesus during his triumphal entry into Jerusalem during the last week of His life.
