What kind of king was Israel expecting when the Messiah came?
Israel was expecting a king who would arrive with pomp, power, and circumstance, likely riding symbolically on a great white Arabian steed. Instead, their Messiah came riding on a lowly donkey, so they missed Him. They were ignorant of who He really was, and nationally Israel remained blinded.
Les explains that Israel was looking for a king who would come in with pomp, power, and circumstance, probably at least symbolically riding on a great white Arabian steed. But instead their king came riding on a lowly donkey, and they missed it, saying in effect, "This our king? No way!" They were ignorant of who He really was. Paul says Israel did not obtain that which they were looking for, but the election—those few Jews who believed—got it. The rest were blinded, and that is the nation of Israel to this very day, still blind to who Jesus really was, though individual Jews can still have their eyes opened and believe.