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731. The Guard

From: Manners and Customs of the Bible By: James M. Freeman

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Matthew 27:36³⁶And sitting down they watched him there; (Matthew 27:36). Sitting down they watched him there.

This refers to the military guard, who were the actual executioners, and whose duty it was to watch the person crucified lest his friends should rescue him. In this instance the guard probably consisted of five men, four of them ordinary soldiers (a “quaternion”; see note on Acts 12:4⁴And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. (Acts 12:4), #830) and the fifth the centurion in command. Compare Matthew 27:54⁵⁴Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. (Matthew 27:54) with John 19:23²³Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. (John 19:23).

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Manners and Customs of the Bible

• 720. Peter in the Palace

• 721. The Porch

• 722. Position of the Accused

• 723. The Prisoner Released

• 724. Scourging

• 725. The Roman Cohort

• 726. The Robe

• 727. Executions Outside the Walls

• 728. Place of Capital Punishment

• 729. Stupefying Potion

• 730. Crucifixion

• 731. The Guard

• 732. The Tablet on the Cross

• 733. The Veil of the Temple

• 734. The "Door" of the Sepulcher

• 735. Sealing the Sepulcher

• 736. The Roof Broken Up

• 737. Boat Cushion

• 738. Tombs for Dwellings

• 739. Diligent Hand Washing

• 740. Corban

• 741. Standing During Prayer

• 742. Mite Farthing

• 743. Night Watches

• 744. An Exceptional Custom Pitcher

• 745. The "Upper Room"

• 746. Mode of Eating

• 747. Counselor

• 748. Wives of Priests

• 749. Naming the Child