The Burial of Jesus. Deuteronomy 21:23 enjoined the burial of dead criminals before nightfall (cf. Josephus, Wars, IV, v.2). The day of the Crucifixion being the preparation for the Sabbath, i.e. Friday, the carrying out of the law was doubly desirable. It required courage to approach Pilate, but Joseph of Arimathæ a enjoyed sufficient distinction to venture. Pilate granted him the corpse (the brutal technical word is used). Joseph hastily placed the body in a rock-tomb, the characteristic mode of burial at that time and place. The stone which covered the entrance to the tomb was a protection against wild beasts and thieves (Menzies). The women marked the spot and prepared to render the last offices of love.

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