Soldiers Cast Lots for Jesus' Robe

John 19:23-24; Luke 23:34; Mark 15:24; Matthew 27:35; The Messianic prophecy—"They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon by vesture" (Psalm 22:18)—contains two parts: (1) His garments are to be divided among them; and (2) For his vesture or robe they are to cast lots.

John 19:23-24; Luke 23:34; Mark 15:24; Matthew 27:35; Jewish men wore five articles of clothing: A head-dress, shoes, an inner garment, an outer garment, and a girdle. These items, according to Roman custom, became the property of the soldiers who performed the crucifixion. There were four soldiers and each took one article of clothing. In the case of Jesus, the robe, woven of a single piece of cloth, apparently was of excellent workmanship, and for this the soldiers elected to cast lots.

John 19:23-24; Luke 23:34; Mark 15:24; Matthew 27:35; How marvelous it is to view the fulfillment of prophecy. More than a thousand years before, David, by the power of the Holy Ghost, had foretold in minute detail what these Gentile soldiers would do on this dread occasion as they acted without help or guidance from either the friends or enemies of Jesus.