During the last moments of Christ's agony on the cross his lips were moistened with a sponge filled with sour wine. The sponge was raised on a cane of dhura, referred to here as hyssop. It is a tall plant with sturdy stems that reaches a height of over six feet in maturity.
Hyssop is clear yellow-green and the grains rise out of wide ribbon-like leaves. These are very beautiful when young and are used as material to weave light baskets. Later the plant turns a buff color and the foliage dries out. As it dries the plant will begin to droop.
In Palestine this plant is known as "Jerusalem corn." It is a main and nutritious part of the diet. The grains are gathered and ground for meal used in making course bread. One head is so large that it yields enough for a large family's meal. The dry brittle pith is of no value. It is thought that the "Parched corn" received from Boaz by Ruth is the grain of this reed. "And Boaz said unto her, At meal time come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar... and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left." Ruth 2:14.
John 19:28 (KJV) After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.
John 19:29 (KJV) Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.
John 19:30 (KJV) When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
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