Matthew 26:3

Verse 3. Then assembled, etc. This was a meeting of the great council or sanhedrim. See Barnes "Mt 5:22". The palace. The original word properly denotes the hall or large area in the centre of the dwelling, called the court. See Barnes "Mt 9:2". It may be understood, however, as referring to the palace itself. The High Priest. Holding the office that was first conferred on Aaron, Ex 28:1 and following. The office was at first hereditary, descending on the eldest son Nu 3:10. Antiochus Epiphanes, (B. C. 160) when he had possession of Judea, sold the office to the highest bidder.