19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
19 "Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.'
19 And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.'
19 "Another said, 'I just bought five teams of oxen, and I really need to check them out. Send my regrets.'
19 And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.'
19 Another said, 'I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 14:19
Commentary on Luke 14:15-24
(Read Luke 14:15-24)
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 a man that knows its own wants and miseries. All found some pretence to put off their attendance. This reproves the Jewish nation for their neglect of the offers of Christ's grace. It shows also the backwardness there is to close with the gospel call. The want of gratitude in those who slight gospel offers, and the contempt put upon the God of heaven thereby, justly provoke him. The apostles were to turn to the Gentiles, when the Jews refused the offer; and with them the church was filled. The provision made for precious souls in the gospel of Christ, has not been made in vain; for if some reject, others will thankfully accept the offer. The very poor and low in the world, shall be as welcome to Christ as the rich and great; and many times the gospel has the greatest success among those that labour under worldly disadvantages and bodily infirmities. Christ's house shall at last be filled; it will be so when the number of the elect is completed.