Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 22:24

"saying, Teacher, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother." — Matthew 22:24 (ASV)

“Master.” They came with affected respect for the great “Teacher.” They were as polite as the previous company of assailants, but like them, though the words of their mouth were smoother than butter, war was in their heart. Though their words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords (Psalms 55:21).

“Moses said.” They gave the substance, though not the exact words recorded in Deuteronomy 25:5. The law of Moses, in this as in many other matters, recognized existing customs and imposed certain regulations upon them. For a man to die without leaving a child to bear his name, and enter upon his inheritance, was regarded as so great a calamity that the Jews judged that every possible means must be taken to prevent it. The practice here described prevails among various Eastern nations even to this day.