The prophetic scriptures concerning the Messiah are rich with details that find their fulfillment in the life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Among these prophecies is the poignant prediction that He would be given gall and vinegar to drink during His suffering. This prophecy is a testament to the accuracy and divine inspiration of the Scriptures, as it was fulfilled with remarkable precision in the New Testament accounts of Christ's crucifixion.

Prophecy in the Old Testament

The prophecy regarding gall and vinegar is found in the Psalms, a book often recognized for its messianic predictions. Psalm 69:21 states, "They poisoned my food with gall and gave me vinegar to quench my thirst." This verse is part of a larger lament attributed to David, which, while reflecting his own experiences, also serves as a prophetic foreshadowing of the suffering of the Messiah.

Fulfillment in the New Testament

The fulfillment of this prophecy is recorded in the Gospel accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is written: "There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, He refused to drink it" (Matthew 27:34). This act of offering gall, a bitter substance, mixed with wine, aligns directly with the prophetic words of Psalm 69:21.

Further fulfillment is seen in the Gospel of John, which provides additional detail: "After this, knowing that everything had now been accomplished, and to fulfill the Scripture, Jesus said, 'I am thirsty.' A jar of sour wine was sitting there. So they soaked a sponge in the wine, put it on a stalk of hyssop, and lifted it to His mouth" (John 19:28-29). The sour wine, or vinegar, offered to Jesus in His final moments on the cross, directly corresponds to the prophecy, underscoring the meticulous fulfillment of Scripture.

Significance

The offering of gall and vinegar to Jesus is not merely a historical detail but carries profound theological significance. It highlights the extent of Christ's suffering and the fulfillment of messianic prophecy, affirming His identity as the promised Savior. The bitterness of gall and the sourness of vinegar symbolize the depth of human sin and the suffering Christ endured to atone for it. This fulfillment serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrificial love of Jesus and the reliability of God's Word.

In the broader context of biblical prophecy, the fulfillment of this specific prediction is one of many that collectively affirm the divine orchestration of redemption history. It demonstrates the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and the faithfulness of God in bringing His promises to fruition through Jesus Christ.Matthew 27:34
They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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