John 19:2,3

And the soldiers platted. crown of thorns.

The crown of thorns was probably. wreath of thorny leaves something like the common cactus. While presenting the appearance of. crown it would be an instrument of torture. To this emblem of royalty was added. purple, or scarlet robe (both colors are named and with the ancients differed little), which was thrown around him as. royal mantle. Matthew adds that. reed was placed in his hand as. scepter. Then, when they had thus arrayed their torn and bleeding victim, the brutal soldiers began to mockingly salute him and to cry, "Hail, King of the Jews!" Their whole conduct was designed to render his claims of kingly power contemptible. In order to make the humiliation greater they would approach him, as they saluted him as King, extending their hands as if to offer him royal tribute, and then strike him. blow. Whenever. think of one that could have called twelve legions of angels to his rescue, enduring these things,. am amazed beyond expression. Mark adds that they spit on him. In that vast hall were hundreds of ferocious soldiers and they would vie with each other in efforts to insult the prisoner whom they, in their ignorance, supposed to be. rebel seeking royal power.