Matthew 9:20

II. THE WOMAN'S FAITH.

20. And, behold,. certain woman.

I think the circumstances of the New Testament narrative render the inference almost certain that this account was meant for the consolation of those multitudes of stricken women in all ages who seem to be afflicted with sorrows in very unequal measure, compared with the stronger, and so generally, also, the more depraved, sex.-- W. H. Thomson, M. D.

An issue of blood.

A hemorrhage either from the bowels or the womb, probably the latter. The precise nature of the malady is of no importance. Instead of dwelling upon this point the Evangelists direct attention to its long continuance and hopeless state.

Came behind and touched the hem of his garment.

Matthew and Luke give it, "hem or border of his garment;" or rather, " approaching from behind, touched the tassel of his outer robe. " The word which we translate by "the hem of the garment" denotes one of the four tassels or tufts of woolen cord attached to the four corners of the outer robe.-- Godet. The ordinary outer Jewish garment was. square or oblong piece of cloth (worn something like an Indian blanket, or with. hole in the center for the neck) with tassels at each corner, and a, fringe along the two edges.