Matthew 9:23 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Bible Comments

The minstrels — The musicians. The original word means flute players. Musical instruments were used by the Jews as well as the heathens, in their lamentations for the dead, to soothe the melancholy of surviving friends, by soft and solemn notes. And there were persons who made it their business to perform this, while others sung to their music. Flutes were used especially on the death of children; louder instruments on the death of grown persons.

Matthew 9:23

23 And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,