Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 22:4

"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.