The AD33 crucifixion detail in Judea

[Tarbicus]

the 'Hissop'(?IIRC) would have been the only thing to hand to get the liquid to the mouth of a man high up who couldn't use his hands.....and the sponge had doubtless been rinsed clean for re-use, and the possibility of infection was hardly an issue! Therefore still conceivably a kindness.....

Makes you wonder if that was an everyday way of keeping the sponge disinfected. The Roman military was very health and hygiene conscious.