But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.
We have here the seizing of our Lord Jesus by the officers of the chief priests. This was what his enemies had long aimed at, they had often sent to take him; but he had escaped out of their hands, because his hour was not come, nor could they now have taken him, had he not freely surrendered himself.
Commenting on Mark 14:43-52
I was daily with you in the temple,.... That is, for several days past; ever since he made his public entry into Jerusalem: teaching; the people, in a public manner: and ye took me not; did not attempt to lay hands on him, seize him, and carry him away; which he signifies might have been easily done; See Gill on Mat 26:55.
And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. (k) That is, Peter.