Treason—the “selling out” or betrayal of one’s tribal associates—was the first capital crime. [1] Of all the sorrows of a trusting man, none are so terrible as to be ‘wounded in the house of a trusted friend. [2] Jewish law forbade testimony of traitors. [3] Solemnities of Trust reflect individual’s possibilities of trustworthiness and betrayal. [4]
Judas' betrayal of Jesus included facilitating his arrest at midnight; also he wanted to make a show of carrying out his part of the betrayal bargain with the rulers of the Jews in order to be eligible for the great reward. [5]
During the outworking of his anger-conceived plans of traitorous betrayal, Judas experienced moments of regret and shame, and in these lucid intervals he faintheartedly conceived, as a defense in his own mind, the idea that Jesus might possibly exert his power and deliver himself at the last moment. [6] Money could never have been the motive for Judas betrayal of the Master. [7]
In the main continental nation of a near planet, next to treason and murder, the heaviest penalties meted out by the courts are attached to betrayal of public trust. Social and political disloyalty are now looked upon as being the most heinous of all crimes. [8]