Luke 15:22

“But the father said to his servants, etc.] The word “but”, with which those words begin, is expressive of much grace, as it often is; (see <460611> 1 Corinthians 6:11 <490204>Ephesians 2:4 <540113>1 Timothy 1:13 <560304>Titus 3:4) and signifies, that though the son had behaved so badly, and was now so sensible of it himself, as that he desired to be a hired servant, being unworthy to be called a son; but the “father”, against whom he had sinned, would hear nothing of it: but said to his servants; not the angels, but the ministers of the Gospel; who are the servants of the most high God; and whose business it is to set forth, in the ministry of the word, the righteousness of Christ, and the…”

“But the Father said, &c.--The son has not said all he purposed, not so much, because the father's demonstrations had rekindled the filial, and swallowed up all servile feeling [TRENCH] (on the word "Father," see on Luk 15:18), but because the father's heart is made to appear too full to listen, at that moment, to more in this strain. the best robe--Compare Zac 3:4-5, "Take away the filthy garments from him; behold I have clothed thee with change of raiment; and they clothed him with garments" (Isa 61:10; Rev 3:18). a ring--(Compare Gen 41:42; Jam 2:2). shoes--Slaves went barefoot. Thus, we have here a threefold symbol of freedom and honor, restored, as the fruit of perfect reconciliation.”

“The best robe - The son was probably in rags. The joy of the father is expressed by clothing him in the best raiment, that he might appear well. The “robe” here mentioned is probably the outer garment; and the father told them to put on him the best one that was in the house - one reserved for festival occasions. See Genesis 27:15. A ring on his hand - To wear a ring on the hand was one mark of wealth and dignity. The rich and those in office commonly wore them. Compare James 2:2. To “give” a ring was a mark of favor, or of affection, or of conferring office. Compare Genesis 41:42; Esther 8:2. Here it was expressive of the “favor” and affection of the father. Shoes on his feet - Servants,…”

“But the father said - Interrupting him before he had finished what he intended to say. So does God frequently cut an earnest confession short by a display of his pardoning love. Luke 15:23”

“15:22 The finest robe belonged to the father; it affirmed the son’s role as an heir and a cherished member of the household. • Get a ring for his finger: A ring was a symbol of authority. Like the robe, it indicated his status as son and heir.”

“the best: Psa 45:13, Psa 132:9, Psa 132:16; Isa 61:10; Eze 16:9-13; Zac 3:3-5; Mat 22:11, Mat 22:12; Rom 3:22, Rom 13:14; Gal 3:27; Eph 4:22-24; Rev 3:4, Rev 3:5, Rev 3:18, Rev 6:11, Rev 7:9, Rev 7:13, Rev 7:14; Rev 19:8 a ring: Gen 41:42; Est 3:10, Est 8:2; Rom 8:15; Gal 4:5, Gal 4:6; Eph 1:13, Eph 1:14; Rev 2:17 and shoes: Deu 33:25; Psa 18:33; Sol 7:1; Eze 16:10; Eph 6:15 Luke 15:23”