Mat 9:18-26 | PNT | STEP | There came a certain ruler . One of the rulers of the synagogue (probably of the synagogue of Capernaum). One of the elders and presiding officers, who convened the assembly, preserved order, invited readers and speakers. His name was Jairus ( ). Matthew, Mark, and Luke all give this account. From them we learn that the maiden was twelve years old, was dying when the ruler started, was dead when he spoke to Jesus. Compare .

Matthew 9:18-26

There came a certain ruler. One of the rulers of the synagogue (probably of the synagogue of Capernaum). One of the elders and presiding officers, who convened the assembly, preserved order, invited readers and speakers. His name was Jairus (Mr 5:22 Lu 8:41). Matthew, Mark, and Luke all give this account. From them we learn that the maiden was twelve years old, was dying when the ruler started, was dead when he spoke to Jesus. Compare Mt 9:18-26 Mr 5:22-43 Lu 8:41-56. And, behold, a woman. On his way to the house of Jairus another miracle was wrought. I think the circumstances of the 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 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.

Came behind [him], and touched the hem of his garment. The ordinary outer Jewish garment was a square or oblong piece of cloth, worn something like an Indian blanket. But touch his garment. The Jews paid to the fringe a superstitious reverence. Sharing the superstition, this woman touched it in hope of cure. Thy faith had made thee whole. Literally, "thy faith hath saved thee". Her faith, of course, had not been the cause of her cure. Christ's power had been that. But her faith was the condition on her part. Hence it might be represented as having "made her whole". The student should observe that hers was not a passive faith, but it led to action. A passive faith is a dead faith. (See Jas 2:17,20,26). And when Jesus came into the ruler's house. He healed the woman on the way.

Saw the minstrels. The Jews, like other Orientals, were wont to employ professional mourners, minstrels who made plaintive music, or wailed. Give place; for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. The reality of the death is not denied, but only the fact implicitly assumed, that death will be followed by a resurrection, as sleep is by an awakening.

Laughed him to scorn. The company of mourners was certain that the child was dead and, understanding neither the language nor the power of Jesus, laughed in derision. When the people were put forth. Luke says that Peter, James and John, and the father and mother of the maiden were permitted to remain (Lu 8:51).

Took her by the hand. As we learn from one of the parallel accounts, he said to her, "Talitha cumi" (Mr 5:41). This is Aramaic, the language generally spoken by the common people in Palestine at the time of Christ. The words mean: "Rise, my child". They were immediately obeyed. She arose, and walked. The fame hereof went abroad. Luke dwells emphatically upon the astonishment felt by the parents (Lu 8:56), but shared doubtless by the three apostles (Mr 5:42).