Psalm 22 (21):19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The precision of prophecy is evident as the soldiers shared the clothing among themselves, yet they refrained from dividing the seamless robe. Observe how prophetic words come to fruition through their wrongful actions, a truth foretold long ago. Although three individuals faced crucifixion, the predictions of the prophets were realized solely in relation to Him. Why did they not take similar actions with the attire of the others, but rather only with His? Take note of the meticulousness of the prophecy: the prophet declared not only that they would divide, but also that they would refrain from dividing. They did indeed share the garments, yet they left the seamless robe untouched, entrusting that decision to chance.

Beloved, acknowledge the attire of your Bridegroom. For what purpose was the garment discarded? Inquire of the Gospel, discern to whom you are betrothed, and understand from whom you have received the covenant of marriage. Explore the Gospel; see what it reveals to you about the suffering of the Lord. There was a chiton. Let us consider its nature: woven from above (John 19:23). What significance does a chiton woven from above hold if it lacks love? What does this chiton represent if not the bond of unity? Contemplate this chiton, which even those who persecuted Christ chose not to rend. For the Gospel states, ‘They said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots about it”’ (John 19:24). Reflect on what you have been told in the psalm. The oppressors did not rip their garments, yet Christians are known to tear apart the Church.

The evangelist John provides a clear understanding of these events when he writes, “So the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and divided them into four parts, each soldier a part, and the lower garment; but this garment was not sewn, but was woven from top to bottom. So they said to one another, ‘We will not tear it, but we will draw lots to decide who shall have it. Thus, he says, was fulfilled what was said in the Scripture” (John 19:23-24). These words by David convey that ‘garments’ refer to the sewn pieces that the soldiers shared among themselves, while the unstitched garment signifies the chiton woven completely from top to bottom, for which they cast lots.

Yet someone might argue, 'Provide me with another sign. What greater indication could there be regarding this matter? Jesus was crucified: He wore a single lower garment and a single upper garment. The soldiers split the upper garment into four parts, but the lower garment remained intact, for if it were torn, it would serve no purpose. Thus, the soldiers cast lots for it. They divided that garment and drew lots for the other. Isn't this also recorded? The devoted Psalmists of the Church understand this; they imitate the heavenly hosts and continuously exalt God, being privileged to proclaim on Calvary, 'They have divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots': and that 'lot' belonged to the soldiers.

The Hands of Heretics I hold that the rizas serve as prophecies or readings from the holy scriptures that anticipate the sacrifice of our Lord Christ. By repeatedly declaring and proclaiming these passages, the adversaries of the Savior—namely, the contemptible heretics—extend their impure hands toward Him each day. In a manner akin to the soldiers, they fragment Him at their convenience, shredding the seamless garment of the one Body into tiny pieces, and by stripping the Lord of His robes, they outfit their erroneous teachings in them.

They cast lots for His garments and divided His clothing, as the splendor of the Word, represented by the proclamations of holy Scriptures, became fragmented through various interpretations. Subsequently, the evidence of His truth was overshadowed by twisted teachings, often propagated by faithless heretics.

Once more, David expresses his grievances against his adversaries, illustrating their ruthless nature. When they encountered a destitute individual, worn out in both body and spirit, on the verge of death, they showed no compassion. Instead, they reveled in his suffering. The subsequent verse, referring to the division of garments, serves as a façade, as if David were declaring that his foes had taken all his possessions for themselves, a common practice of victors who either seize the spoils or cast lots to determine the distribution. By equating his hard-earned belongings with his garments, David laments that his enemies, having stripped him of everything, dishonorably shared the spoils among themselves, treating them as if they were a prize of conquest. This further amplifies the disgraceful behavior of his enemies, who celebrated their triumph over David as though he were a mere corpse.

The soldiers split the garments of Christ into four sections, corresponding to the four soldiers who executed Him. Regarding the seamless tunic, it represents the body of the Lord, which remains united with the Divine essence (John 19:23-24).