Matthew 26:65

Matthew 26:65. Then the high-priest rent his clothes, his upper-garment, not the high-priestly robe, which was worn only in the temple. Rending the clothes was a sign of mourning or of indignation (Acts 14:14), but in the former sense was forbidden to the high-priest (Leviticus 10:6; Leviticus 21:10). Instances of the high-priests using this sign of indignation occur in the first Book of the Maccabees and Josephus. The Jews found in 2 Kings 18:37, a precedent for rending the clothes on occasions of real or supposed blasphemy. Such an action, at first natural, became a matter of special regulation, hence more theatrical than real.

He hath spoken blasphemy. This implies: (1.) That our Lord had on oath claimed to be Divine, else it could not be called blasphemy; (2.) that the high-priest, while compelling Him to be a witness in His own case at once declared His testimony to be false, else it could not be called blasphemy. Every one who hears of Jesus now must accept either His testimony respecting Himself or the verdict of the high-priest.

What further need, etc. They had difficulty in getting witnesses. The true witness answered; they refused to believe, but found His confession sufficient for their purpose.

Behold now ye have heard the blasphemy. The high-priest assumes that they all agree with him, the whole verdict being spoken in hot haste.