The works of the Reverend and learned John Lightfoot D. D., late Master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge such as were, and such as never before were printed : in two volumes : with the authors life and large and useful tables to each volume : also three maps : one of the temple drawn by the author himself, the others of Jervsalem and the Holy Land drawn according to the author's chorography, with a description collected out of his writings.

VERS. XXIX.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

There was set a Vessel full of Vinegar.

BUT was not this an unusual and uncustomary thing, that there should be a Vessel filled with Vinegar? should it not have been rather 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 with Myrrhate Wine, or Wine mingled with Myrrhe? as it is Mark XV. 23.

It seems evident from the other Evangelists, that our Saviour had the proffer of some∣thing to drink, at two several times.

I. Before he was nailed to the Cross, Matth. XXVII. 33, 34. When they were come to a place called Golgotha,—they gave him Vinegar to drink, mingled with gall,—Vers. 35. And they Crucified him. It was the custom toward those that were condemned by the Sanhedrin; they were wont to allow them a Cup, but it was of Wine mingled with Myrrhe or Frankinsence, that by drinking that, their brains might intoxicate, and them∣selves become the more insensible of their torments, and less apprehensive of their death.

z 1.1 When any one was leading out to Execution, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 they give them to drink a little Fankinsence in a cup of Wine. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Mark XV. 23. And they gave it for this reason, as it immediately follows 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 viz. that their understanding might be disordered. It was a Narcotick draugt on purpose to disguise and stupifie the senses.

Wine mingled with Myrrhe, saith Mark. Vinegar mingled with Gall, saith Matthew. Perhaps both these were administred, for it follows in the place above quoted. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The Women of quality in Jerusalem, were wont to bring them this cup of their own accord. And no doubt there were Women in Jerusalem enough, that would not be wanting in this good office toward Jesus. But he, saith St. Mark, would not receive it. After this, it is probable, the Souldiers or some of the Jews might in scorn and derision offer him a draught of Vinegar and Gall, of which he also refused to drink. But be it so, that there was but one cup given him and that of Vinegar mingled with Gall, yet we have observed in our Notes upon Matth. XXVII. 34. how easily these two Evangelists may be reconciled.

II. As to those that were condemned by the Sanhedrin, there was no need that they should have any other drink, than the entoxicating Wine, for they were quickly dead, and felt no thirst. But the Cross kept the wretch a long time in exquisite tor∣ment, and those torments provoked a mighty thirst. So that perhaps there might be a Vessel full either of water, or something else that was drinkable, placed near the Cross, by which he that was Crucified might allay his thirst as need should require. Whether this Vinegar might be according to the custom of the Romans, or whether only offered at this time in sport and mockery, I will make no enquiry at present. Christ knew be∣fore hand that Vinegar would be given him when he should say, I thirst, and therefore did he on purpose say I thirst, that Vinegar might be given him and the prophesie ful∣filled.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

And they filled a sponge with Vinegar.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The sponge which sucks up the drink. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a 1.2 The sponge that drinks up any moisture that is unclean, though it be dry on the out-side, yet if it fall into a Furnace it defileth it.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

And put it upon Hyssop.

Matth. XXVII. 48. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, put it on a reed. So also St. Mark.

I. If 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifie Hyssop, as the nearness of sound might perswade us it doth, then there are several kinds of it. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 b 1.3 Whatever Hyssop hath an adjunct, or an Epithet, is not fit; that is, to sprinkle the unclean. For there was, as it follows afterward 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Grecian Hyssop. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Fucous Hyssop, perhaps of the colour of black Lead. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Roman Hyssop. And 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Wild Hyssop.

II. Now that there was a sort of Hyssop that grew into stalks like Canes or Reeds is evident from that which immediately follows in the next halach, where it is thus distin∣guished

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 He gathers Hyssop, for food, and he gathered it for wood. Partly also from Succah c 1.4, where amongst the mention that is made of Canes and Reeds, and Twigs wherewith they were wont to cover the Booths they made at the Feast of Tabernacles, this 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Hyssop is reckon'd up for one.

Notes

• z 1.1

  Sanhedr. fol. 43. 1.
• a 1.2

  Kelim. cap. 9. hal. 4.
• b 1.3

  Parah, cap. 11. hal. 7.
• c 1.4

  Fol. 13. 1.