Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 22
Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary
Matthew 22
Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary
Matthew 22
"And Jesus answered and spake again in parables unto them, saying," — Matthew 22:1 (ASV)
For “kingdom of heaven,” see comment on 3:2. In this parable, the kingdom has already dawned; invitations to the banquet have gone out and are being refused. The son’s wedding banquet doubtless hints at the messianic banquet; but this must not be pressed too hard, for when that final banquet comes, there will be no possibility of acceptance or refusal.
The king’s son is clearly Messiah, not uncommonly represented as a bridegroom (9:15; 25:1; Ephesians 5:25–32; Revelation 21:2, 9). Prospective guests to a major feast were invited in advance and then notified when the feast was ready, but at that time these guests persistently refuse.
"The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a certain king, who made a marriage feast for his son," — Matthew 22:2 (ASV)
For “kingdom of heaven,” see comment on 3:2. In this parable, the kingdom has already dawned; invitations to the banquet have gone out and are being refused. The son’s wedding banquet doubtless hints at the messianic banquet; but this must not be pressed too hard, for when that final banquet comes, there will be no possibility of acceptance or refusal.
The king’s son is clearly Messiah, not uncommonly represented as a bridegroom (9:15; 25:1; Ephesians 5:25–32; Revelation 21:2, 9). Prospective guests to a major feast were invited in advance and then notified when the feast was ready, but at that time these guests persistently refuse.
"and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the marriage feast: and they would not come." — Matthew 22:3 (ASV)
For “kingdom of heaven,” see comment on 3:2. In this parable, the kingdom has already dawned; invitations to the banquet have gone out and are being refused. The son’s wedding banquet doubtless hints at the messianic banquet; but this must not be pressed too hard, for when that final banquet comes, there will be no possibility of acceptance or refusal.
The king’s son is clearly Messiah, not uncommonly represented as a bridegroom (9:15; 25:1; Ephesians 5:25–32; Revelation 21:2, 9). Prospective guests to a major feast were invited in advance and then notified when the feast was ready, but at that time these guests persistently refuse.
"Again he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them that are bidden, Behold, I have made ready my dinner; my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come to the marriage feast." — Matthew 22:4 (ASV)
The king not only graciously repeats his invitation but describes the feast’s greatness in order to provide an incentive to attend it. Large wedding feasts went on for days in the ancient world; by v.13 the celebration is continuing at night. But those invited stay away for mundane and selfish reasons. They slight the king, whose invitation is both an honor and a command.
"But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise;" — Matthew 22:5 (ASV)
The king not only graciously repeats his invitation but describes the feast’s greatness in order to provide an incentive to attend it. Large wedding feasts went on for days in the ancient world; by v.13 the celebration is continuing at night. But those invited stay away for mundane and selfish reasons. They slight the king, whose invitation is both an honor and a command.
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