Matthew 9:23

Tuesday, 22 April 2025

 

When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, Matthew 9:23

 

“And Jesus, having come into the house of the ruler, and having seen the pipers and the crowd tumultuating.” (CG).

 

The previous verse noted that the woman who was bleeding for twelve years was saved through her act of faith. Now, the narrative returns to the death of the ruler’s daughter from verses 18 & 19. It continues with, “And Jesus, having come into the house of the ruler.”

 

Again, Matthew focuses on the overall narrative concerning Jesus’ actions but omits other details recorded by Mark and Luke. For example, Mark records the narrative this way –

 

“And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.’
35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?’
36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe.’ 37 And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue...”

 

Now, understanding the expanded context that falls between Matthew 9:22 and 9:23, it next says, “and having seen the pipers.”

 

Here the aulétés, pipers, are introduced. The word is from auleó, to play the flute or pipe. A single word that carries the correct meaning is piper. These people are only mentioned by Matthew. Mark and Luke focus on the mourners instead.

 

The Pulpit Commentary, citing several sources, 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.” This, then, would be a sign of respect and something that a family would not do without. Along with these pipers, it also says, “and the crowd tumultuating.”

 

This would be the family and any paid professional mourners. These mourners are noted in Ecclesiastes 12:5 –

 

“For man goes to his eternal home,
And the mourners go about the streets.”

 

Mourners are mentioned elsewhere, such as in the Book of Jeremiah. As for the word translated as tumultuating, it is also a new word, thorubeo. It signifies to be in a tumult, disturb, clamor, make an ado or uproar, etc.

 

In this case, there would be wailers of various sorts, but the most tumultuating of the tumultuators would be the tumultuous women famous in the Middle East for their extremely loud (like a shrill) ulululululululu sounds.

 

These are produced by screaming while moving the tongue in such a way as to be exceedingly tumultuous. This calls attention to the location so that others will know an event is taking place. This loud ululululululu sound is heard at feasts of joy (such as weddings) as well as times of great mourning and lamentation.

 

Life application: If you have never heard the sounds referred to above, go to YouTube and type in something like “Ululation.” Up will come videos of women really going at it. That way, you can find out what it would have been like at such an event as described in this narrative.

 

Understanding the context, you can then practice making the same sound. Once you have it perfected, be sure to try it at church on Sunday morning while the pastor is meticulously interpreting Scripture. Maybe he will designate a special place for you for future sermons.

 

Lord God, it is a real treat to visit various parts of the world or even churches in our land that have people of other ethnic backgrounds as they worship and praise You from their own cultural backgrounds. You have sent Jesus, the Christ of the nations, to bring You glory, praise, and honor from all tongues. Be glorified in our praise, O God. Amen.