Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 27:62-66

"Now on the morrow, which is [the day] after the Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said while he was yet alive, After three days I rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest haply his disciples come and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: and the last error will be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a guard: go, make it [as] sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, the guard being with them." — Matthew 27:62-66 (ASV)

On the Jewish Sabbath, the Chief Priests and Pharisees, when they should have been at their devotions, were dealing with Pilate about securing the tomb. This was permitted so that there might be certain proof of our Lord's resurrection. Pilate told them that they could secure the tomb as carefully as they could. They sealed the stone, set a guard, and were satisfied that all necessary care had been taken.

But to guard the tomb against the poor, weak disciples was folly, because it was needless; while to think of guarding it against the power of God was folly, because it was fruitless, and ultimately pointless. Yet they thought they had acted wisely. But the Lord took the wise in their own craftiness. Thus, all the rage and the plans of Christ's enemies will be made to promote His glory.