Matthew 22:3
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He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
and sent forth his servants--representing all preachers of the Gospel. to call them that were bidden--here meaning the Jews, who were "bidden," from the first choice of them onwards through every summons addressed to them by the prophets to hold themselves in readiness for the appearing of their King. to the wedding--or the marriage festivities, when the preparations were all concluded. and they would not come--as the issue of the whole ministry of the Baptist, our Lord Himself, and His apostles thereafter, too sadly showed.
Open source ↗22:3-5 Those who were invited refers to the nation of Israel, who ignored God’s servants, the prophets (see study note on Matt 21:33-46).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely.
yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.
My people are bent on turning from Me. Though they call to the Most High, He will by no means exalt them.
But as for Israel he says: “All day long I have held out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”
and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
And the LORD has sent all His servants the prophets to you again and again, but you have not listened or inclined your ear to hear.
Be silent in the presence of the Lord GOD, for the Day of the LORD is near. Indeed, the LORD has prepared a sacrifice; He has consecrated His guests.
But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and they blasphemously contradicted what Paul was saying.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!
For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence— but you were not willing.”