What does it mean that “the rocks will cry out” in Luke 19:40?

Response

The reference to rocks or stones crying out is mentioned in the context of the triumphal entry—Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem a week before His crucifixion. Jesus rode on a borrowed donkey’s colt, and crowds of people praised Him as the “king who comes in the name of the Lord” «saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. », (Luke 19:38). When the Pharisees in the crowd heard the people’s worship directed at Jesus, they asked Him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” (verse 39).

The Pharisees knew they were unable to halt the excitement of the people, so they urged Jesus to stop what they considered blasphemy.

Jesus responded, “I tell you, . . . if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” «And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. », (Luke 19:40). What did Jesus intend by this statement? Did He mean that the rocks would actually start shouting praises to the Lord? Most likely, no. The phrase “the stones will cry out” appears to be proverbial and should not be taken literally. It seems to suggest that it is more probable for something impossible to occur than for the King of kings to enter His capital city without honor.

By stating that the stones will cry out, Jesus implies that the people’s praises should be welcomed, not silenced. The inhabitants of Jerusalem are expressing immense joy, and that joy is so fitting, soIt is necessary that, if they did not express praise, it would be appropriate for inanimate objects to fill the void. Colossians 1:16 states that all creation was made for God’s glory. Everything in creation declares His praise. However, humans are created in God’s image «So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. », (Genesis 1:27), so we are the ones who should be praising God.

Shortly after Jesus’ triumphal entry, the people would keep quiet. And, by Friday, they would yell for Him to be crucified (Luke 23:18-23).

The concept of rocks crying out in praise to the Lord is poetic, startling imagery. Throughout Scripture are similar poetic passages that present inanimate objects praising God. For instance, in Psalm 114:6, the mountains leap. Isaiah 55:12 says, “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Throughout Psalm 148, there are numerous examples of created things praising their Creator—the sun, moon, stars, heavens, water, sky, animals, and people. Everyone and everything was created for the pleasure of the sovereign Lord.