Matthew 9:23

“And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, etc.] Both Mark and Luke relate, how that before this, whilst they were in the way, and just as Christ had done speaking to the poor woman, that news was brought to the ruler, that his daughter was actually dead, and therefore need not give Jesus any further trouble; when Christ encouraged him not to be cast down at the tidings, but believe, and she should be restored again; and that he suffered none to follow him, but Peter, James, and John: and saw the minstrels, or “pipers”; how many there were, is not known: it is certain there were more than one; and it was a rule with the f582 Jews that “the poorest man in Israel (when his wife died) had not…”

“The account contained in these verses is also recorded, with some additional circumstances, in Mark 5:22-43, and Luke 8:41-56. Matthew 9:18 There came a certain ruler - Mark and Luke say that his name was Jairus, and that he was a “ruler of the synagogue;” that is, one of the elders to whom was committed the care of the synagogue. See the notes at Matthew 4:23. And worshipped him - That is, fell down before him, or expressed his respect for him by a token of profound regard. See the notes at Matthew 2:2. My daughter is even now dead - Luke says that this was his only daughter, and that she was twelve years of age. Mark and Luke say that she was “at the point of death,” and that information…”

“The minstrels - The musicians. The original word means flute players. Musical instruments were used by the Jews as well as the heathens, in their lamentations for the dead, to soothe the melancholy of surviving friends, by soft and solemn notes. And there were persons who made it their business to perform this, while others sung to their music. Flutes were used especially on the death of children; louder instruments on the death of grown persons. Matthew 9:24”

“9:23 noisy crowd . . . funeral music: Sorrow over the death of a family member was publicly expressed, with musical accompaniment and dirges by professional mourners. “Even the poorest in Israel should hire not less than two flutes and one wailing woman” (Mishnah Ketubbot 4:4).”

“into: Mat 9:18, Mat 9:19; Mar 5:35-38; Luk 8:49-51 the minstrels: Mat 11:17; Ch2 35:25; Jer 9:17-20; Mar 5:38-40; Luk 7:32; Act 9:39 Matthew 9:24”