Matthew 9:23

III. THE DEAD MADE WHOLE.

23. And when Jesus came into the ruler's house.

He healed the woman on the way. As he spoke his last words to her, according to Mark, they reached the house. Jesus had likely been delayed before starting, and, as preparations for burial commence as soon as breath leaves the body, the corpse had likely been washed and laid out, in the customary way for the grave, before he came.

Saw the minstrels.

The Jews, like other orientals, were wont to employ professional mourners, minstrels who made plaintive music, or wailed. This purchased grief was intended to make the occasion of death important, to distribute the impression of sorrow over many, and lighten the grief of the friends. Thus it was mere heathenish vanity.