Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 22:5

"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.