And made four parts,— Because four soldiers are mentioned in the division of the clothes, it does not follow that there were but four present at the crucifixion. Since soldiers were necessary at all, a great number must have been present to keep off the crowds which usually press to see such spectacles. From Matthew 27:54 it appears, that the soldiers who assisted at the crucifixion were commanded bya centurion; wherefore it is more than probable that the whole band, which St. Matthew tells us expressly was gathered together to scourge Jesus, (Matthew 27:27.) was present at his crucifixion; especially as two others were crucified with him. The four soldiers who parted his garments, and cast lots for his vesture, were the four who nailed him tothe cross; each of them fixing a limb, and having, it seems, for this service, had a right to the crucified person's clothes. See Psalms 22:18.

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