To prove them (δοκιμασα αυτα). He could have tested them before buying. The oxen would not run away or be stolen.

I go to prove them. To test them, to see if he had made a good bargain. It is worthy of remark that this excuse was very insignificant. He…

Five yoke of oxen.—The number was one which came within the reach of any peasant farmer of moderate competence. (Compare Elisha’s…

He pretended that he had bought five yoke of oxen without testing them, and that he wanted to test them after he had bought them, when, of course, …

Eusebius of Caesarea: Our Lord had just taught us to prepare our feasts for those who cannot repay, since we will have our …

The striking thing is that “all” of them declined. Their excuses are weak. One man “must” go to see a purchased field he probably had seen before h…

And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen
To plough the field with,

and I go to prove the…

In this parable, observe the free grace and mercy of God shining in the gospel of Christ, which will be food and a feast for the soul of one who kn…