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Having brought us into Jerusalem with peace and security (v.8), the prophet moves to a description of the coming messianic King. V.9 exhorts the city to celebrate his arrival and describes his character. V.10 details his accomplishments. The preexilic prophets had anticipated the arrival of an ideal son of David (Isa 9:6). But this is the most explicit postexilic reference to the coming messianic king. The prophet has apparently drawn on the familiar imagery of Ge 49:11; Ps 72; and Isa 40-55.
The ideal Ruler will be righteous, providing a dramatic contrast with Israel’s long line of wicked monarchs. He will be in possession of salvation, which denotes victory accomplished, even if unrealized. His humility is graphically illustrated by his mode of transportation, suitable for a man of peace. The King’s donkey may be contrasted with the chariots and war horses of v.10.
Among the king’s achievements will be the complete disarmament of his kingdom (v.10a). He will also extend the boundaries of his territory beyond the ideal limits promised to Israel but rarely held by her (Ex 23:31). The NT authors recognized the fulfillment of v.9 in Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Mt 21:5, Jn 12:15). Interestingly, they did not cite his achievements of v.10, indicating this passage was only partially fulfilled.