And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges - outside the city altogether. Historically, this denotes the pagan, sunk in the lowest depths of spiritual wretchedness, as being beyond the pale of all that is revealed and saving - "without Christ, strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12): generally, it comprehends all similar classes. Thus, this parable prophetically contemplates the extension of the kingdom of God to the whole world; and spiritually, directs the Gospel invitations to be carried to the lowest strata, and be brought in contact with the outermost circles, of human society.
And compel them to come in. This is not meant to intimate unwillingness, as in the first class, but that it would be hard to get them over two difficulties. First, 'We, homeless wretches, that are fain to creep under a "hedge" for shelter, what company are we for such a feast?' Next, 'We who are on the dusty, weary "highway," have no proper dress for such a feast, and are ill in order for such a presence.' How fitly does this represent the difficulties and fears of the sincere! Well, and how is this met? 'Take no excuse; beat them out of all their difficulties; dispel all their fears: Tell them you have orders to bring them just as they are; make them come without preparation, and without delay.'
That my house may be filled - for, as Bengel quaintly says, grace as well as nature abhors a vacuum.