His brutal enemies are only waiting for his death that they may strip his body, and divide his clothes between them. Already they are settling their respective shares. This is a simpler explanation than to suppose that the Psalmist represents himself as a prisoner stripped and led out to execution, or as waylaid and plundered by robbers (Job 24:7-10; Micah 2:8). It need not be supposed that this actually happened to the Psalmist. The language is perhaps proverbial. But it was literally fulfilled in the circumstances of the Crucifixion (John 19:23-24; cp. Matthew 27:35, where, however, the reference to the prophecy in the Received Text is an interpolation).

and cast lots&c. R.V., and upon my vesture do they cast lots. The inner garment, the "seamless tunic," which would be spoilt by rending.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising