Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:63
(63) I adjure thee by the living God . . .—The appeal was one of unusual solemnity. All else had failed to break through the silence, but this would surely rouse Him. Technically, the oath thus tendered to the accused was of the nature of an oath of compurgation, such as that recognised in Exodus 22:11, Numbers 5:19-22, 1 Kings 8:31, but it was skilfully worded so as to force upon our Lord the alternative either of denying what indeed He was, or of making a confession which would be treated as... read more
John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 26:1-75
The Betrayal. The Last Supper. Arrest of Jesus, and Trial Before the High Priest1-5. A Council is held against Jesus (Mark 14:1; Luke 22:1: cp. John 13:1).2. After two days] This fixes the date as Tuesday, if the Passover was on Thursday night; or Wednesday, if, as is more probable, it was on Friday night. Is betrayed] This clear prediction is peculiar to St. Matthew.3. And the scribes] RV omits. The palace] RV ’the court,’ i.e. the central quadrangle, the house being built round a square plot... read more