Matthew 9:23 - Exposition

And . During the incident of the healing of the woman news had come (parallel passages) to the ruler that his daughter was actually dead, and that it was useless to trouble the Teacher any more. But man's extremity is ever Christ's opportunity . When Jesus came into the ruler's house. Accompanied by only Peter, James, and John (parallel passages), and the parents (Luke). And saw . Apparently from outside the room (of. verse 25). The minstrels ; flute-players (Revised Version); τοὺς αὐλητάς . For musicians as mourners, cf. 2 Chronicles 35:25 . The Mishna ('Kethub.,' 4.4: vide Lightfoot, 'Hor. Hebr.,' in loc. ) says, "Even the poorest among the Israelites [his wife being dead] will afford her not less than two pipes, and one woman to make lamentation." And the people —a mere crowd (Revised Version); ὄχλος — making a noise ; tumult (Revised Version). There was confusion as well as sound, as Mark indicates still more dearly.