Matthew 26:65-66

Rending one’s garments expressed indignation or grief (cf. 2 Kings 18:37). It became a traditional response to blasphemy (cf. Acts 14:14). [Note: Mishnah Sanhedrin 7:5.] However it was illegal for the high priest to rend his garments (Leviticus 21:10). The punishment for blasphemy in the Mosaic Law was death (Leviticus 24:16). At this time, blasphemy consisted of claiming for oneself a unique association with God, reflected in sitting at God’s right hand, not just misusing God’s name. [Note: See Darrell L. Bock, Blasphemy and Exaltation in Judaism and the Final Examination of Jesus, pp. 30-183.] It also included speaking against the temple and Israel’s leaders. [Note: Ibid., pp. 111-12, 206-9.]