The Priests Had An Army?

This seems odd.  I never noticed the wording before.

John 18:3(NKJV)

3Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 

The priests and Pharisees had a standing army?  An army under their command?  I would understand if they had gotten the troops from the Romans, that would make sense.  But from the priests? 

Hmm.  I'll have to keep an eye out for other references to the priests commanding troops. 

That's one of the things I love about studying the Bible.  There are always little surprises to ponder as the Holy Spirit reveals things to you.  Some of them have deep life meanings and some of them are just little curiosities.  Part of our job is to diligently seek out which is which!