Matthew 27:34. Wine, according to the best authorities; but the sour wine used might be called ‘vinegar.' See Luke 23:36, where the ‘vinegar' offered Him by the soldiers must have been their ordinary drinking wine; comp. Matthew 27:49; Psalms 69:21.

Mingled with gall. Mark: ‘myrrh.' The term ‘gall' was applied to many bitter substances, including ‘myrrh.' It was a stupefying draught, such as was commonly given before execution. The custom was, however, a Jewish rather than a Roman one.

He would not drink. He afterwards took the unmixed vinegar wine, when He was about to say: ‘It is finished' (comp. John 19:28-30). He tastes this mixture, to show that He was aware of its purpose, and refuses it. He would drink of the cup His Father had given Him, but not of this. The early martyrs felt justified in thus mitigating their pains; but His vicarious sufferings must be borne to the fullest extent.

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Old Testament