The fatted calf, and kill it - Θυσατε , Sacrifice it. In ancient times the animals provided for public feasts were first sacrificed to God. The blood of the beast being poured out before God, by way of atonement for sin, the flesh was considered as consecrated, and the guests were considered as feeding on Divine food. This custom is observed among the Asiatics to this day. read more
Was dead - Lost to all good - given up to all evil. In this figurative sense the word is used by the best Greek writers. See many examples in Kypke. read more
His elder son - Meaning probably persons of a regular moral life, who needed no repentance in comparison of the prodigal already described. In the field - Attending the concerns of the farm. He heard music - Συμφωνιας , a number of sounds mingled together, as in a concert. Dancing - Χορων . But Le Clerc denies that the word means dancing at all, as it properly means a choir of singers. The symphony mentioned before may mean the musical instruments which accompanied the choirs... read more
He was angry - This refers to the indignation of the scribes and Pharisees, mentioned Luke 15:1 , Luke 15:2 . In every point of view, the anger of the older son was improper and unreasonable. He had already received his part of the inheritance, see Luke 15:12 , and his profligate brother had received no more than what was his just dividend. Besides, what the father had acquired since that division he had a right to dispose of as he pleased, even to give it all to one son; nor did the... read more
Never - a kid - It is evident from Luke 15:12 , that the father gave him his portion when his profligate brother claimed his; for he divided his whole substance between them. And though he had not claimed it, so as to separate from, and live independently of, his father, yet he might have done so whenever he chose; and therefore his complaining was both undutiful and unjust. read more
This thy son - This son of Thine - words expressive of supreme contempt: This son - he would not condescend to call him by his name, or to acknowledge him for his brother; and at the same time, bitterly reproaches his amiable father for his affectionate tenderness, and readiness to receive his once undutiful, but now penitent, child! For Him - I have marked those words in small capitals which should be strongly accented in the pronunciation: this last word shows how supremely he despised... read more
All that I have is thine - See on Luke 15:28 ; (note). read more
Verse 17 17.And when he came to himself. Here is described to us the way in which God invites men to repentance. If of their own accord they were wise, and became submissive, he would draw them more gently; but as they never stoop to obedience, till they have been subdued by the rod, he chastises them severely. Accordingly, to this young man, whom abundance (534) rendered fierce and rebellious, hunger proved to be the best teacher. Instructed by this example, let us not imagine that God deals... read more
Verse 20 20.And while he was still afar off. This is the main point of the parable. If men, who are by nature prone to revenge, and too tenacious of their own rights, are moved by fatherly love kindly to forgive their children, and freely to bring them back, when they are sunk in wretchedness, God, whose boundless goodness exceeds all the affection of parents, (536) will not treat us more harshly. (537) And certainly nothing is here attributed to an earthly father which God does not promise... read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 15:21
Bring forth the best robe - Bring out that chief garment, την στολην την πρωτην , the garment which was laid by, to be used only on birth-days or festival times. Such as that which Rebecca had laid by for Esau, and which she put on Jacob when she made him personate his brother. See the notes on Genesis 27:15 . Put a ring on his hand - Giving a ring was in ancient times a mark of honor and dignity. See Genesis 41:42 ; 1 Kings 21:8 ; Esther 8:2 ; Daniel 6:17 ; James 2:2 . ... read more