12. though surrounded by His enemies, described as _bulls of Bashan_. This curious term is used elsewhere for the unjust rulers of the people,[381] and was therefore very applicable to the chief priests and rulers, who had so unjustly condemned Him, and now stood round the Cross reviling Him. [Footnote 381: Amos. 4. 1.] 13. And they continually insulted Him, _gaping with the mouth_ being a common expression of contempt;[382] _ravening_ appropriate to the way in which they had thirsted for His blood before Pilate; and _roaring_ to the great noise and tumult made at the time. [Footnote 382: _E.g._, Job 16. 10.] 14. His side being pierced, so that there poured out a quantity of watery fluid (mixed with clots of blood), the probable cause of this--the rupture of the heart[383]--being also hinted at; while His bones were nearly out of joint, through the weight of the suspended Body. [Footnote 383: See 'The Physical Cause of the Death of Christ,' by Dr. Symes Thompson, 1904.] 15. His suffering extreme weakness, and extreme thirst, immediately before His death.[384] [Footnote 384: Lam. 4. 4; John 19. 28-30.] 16. His being crucified (_i.e._, His hands and feet being pierced), the men who did this being here called _dogs_. They seem to have been a special set of men, different from the Jews who had before been mocking Him. And as this was the very term used by Christ Himself for the Gentiles, in distinction to the Jews,[385] it was peculiarly appropriate to the Gentile (Roman) soldiers who crucified Him. [Footnote 385: Matt. 15. 26.] 17. And they also exposed and stretched out His Body, so that the bones stood out in relief. And they then stood watching Him; 18. and divided His garments among them, casting lots for one of them. 19. Then follows a short prayer. 20. The term _sword_, like the _dog_, the _lion's mouth_, and the _wild oxen_, need not be pressed literally; but may be used here (as in other places)[386] for any violent death. And in the New Testament it seems employed for all punishments, including probably a death by crucifixion (St. Peter's).[387] [Footnote 386: _Comp._ 2 Sam. 11. 24; 12. 9.] [Footnote 387: Rom. 13. 4; Matt. 26. 52.] 21. Yet in spite of His troubles, and even death, He feels sure of deliverance.