763. Customs at Funerals

Luke 7:18  •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 7
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Luke 7:1818And the disciples of John showed him of all these things. (Luke 7:18). Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
1. It was customary, and still is, to bury the dead outside the limits of the city. Heathen nations as well as Jewish observed this usage. Rare exceptions were sometimes made in the case of royal personages. See note on 1 Kings 2:1010So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David. (1 Kings 2:10) (#292). Thus it was that Jesus saw the dead man carried out of the gate.
2. It was usual for all who knew the deceased to accompany the body to the grave. There were several relays of men to take turns in carrying the bier. This was considered a privilege. Thus we are told that “much people of the city was with” the bereaved mother.