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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 15:11-32

The parable of the prodigal son. This parable is at once a history, a poem, and a prophecy, A history of man in innocence, in sin, in redemption, in glory. A poem—the song of salvation, whose refrain, "My son was dead, and is alive again, was lost, and is found," is ringing through the courts of the Zion of God. A prophecy, speaking most directly and solemnly, in warning and meditation, emphasis of reproof or of encouragement, to each of us. It is beyond the reach of the scalpel of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 15:11-32

"From home, and back." The two previous parables which our Lord related in defence of his conduct are really but introductory to what has been with justice called "the pearl of parables," that of the prodigal son. To it we will now devote ourselves, under the title recently given to it as "From home, and back." It brings out in a most interesting way the attitude of God the Father towards lost souls. It is necessary before setting out, however, to notice that, according to the ancient Law,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 15:20-24

The welcome home. Having seen the younger son of this parable dissatisfied with his estate, having followed him into the far country of sin, having seen how there he frittered or flung everything away in his guilty folly and was reduced to utmost want and degradation, and having been with him in the hour of self-return and wise resolve, we now attend him on his way home to his father. We look at— I. THE WISDOM OF IMMEDIATE ACTION . "He said, I will arise … and he arose. " ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 15:23-24

And bring hither the fatted calf . There was a custom in the large Palestinian farms that always a calf should be fattening ready for festal occasions. And let us eat … And they began to be merry . Who are intended by these plurals, us and they ? We must not forget that the parable-story under the mortal imagery is telling of heavenly as well as of earthly things. The sharers in their joy over the lost, the servants of the prodigal's father on earth, are doubtless the angels of whom we... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 15:25

Now his elder son was in the field . The broad universal interest of the parable here ceases. Whereas the story of the sin and the punishment, the repentance and the restoration, of the prodigal belongs to the Church of the wide world, and has its special message of warning and comfort for thousands and thousands of world. workers in every age, this division of the story, which tells of the sour discontent of the prodigal's elder brother, was spoken especially to the Pharisees and rulers... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 15:23

Be merry - Literally, “eating, let us rejoice.” The word “merry” does not quite express the meaning of the Greek. “Merriment” denotes a light, playful, jovial mirth. The Greek denotes simply “joy - let us be happy, or joyful.” read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 15:24

Was dead - This is capable of two significations:“I supposed” that he was dead, but I know now that he is alive. He was “dead to virtue” - he was sunk in pleasure and vice. The word is not unfrequently thus used. See 1 Timothy 5:6; Matthew 8:22; Romans 6:13. Hence, to be restored to “virtue” is said to be restored again to life, Romans 6:13; Revelation 3:1; Ephesians 2:1. It is probable that this latter is the meaning here. See Luke 15:32.Was lost - Had wandered away from home, and we knew not... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 15:25

In the field - At work. This eldest son is designed to represent the Pharisees who had found fault with the Saviour. Their conduct is likened to that of this envious and unnatural brother.Music and dancing - Dancing was not uncommon among the Hebrews, and was used on various occasions. Thus Miriam celebrated the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt in dances as well as songs, Exodus 15:20. David danced before the ark, 2 Samuel 6:14. It was common at Jewish feasts Judges 21:19-21 and... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Luke 15:24

Luke 15:24 . For this my son was dead Was considered by me as dead; and is alive again “It is by a very common and beautiful emblem, that vicious persons are represented as dead, both by sacred and profane authors; and the natural death of their children would be less grievous to pious parents than to see them abandoned to such a course as this young sinner took.” Doddridge. He was lost and is found We looked upon him as utterly lost, but lo! he is come back again, beyond all... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Luke 15:25-28

Luke 15:25-28. Now his older son was in the field The older son seems to represent the Pharisees and scribes mentioned Luke 15:2. And now while every one in the family heartily joined in expressing their joy on account of the safe return of the second son, the older brother, happening to come from the field, heard the noise of singing and dancing within; wherefore, calling out one of the servants, he asked what these things meant. The servant replied, that his brother was unexpectedly come,... read more

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