Luke Chapter 15, Verse 22
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22: ειπεν δε ο πατηρ προς τους δουλους αυτου εξενεγκατε την στολην την πρωτην και ενδυσατε αυτον και δοτε δακτυλιον εις την χειρα αυτου και υποδηματα εις τους ποδας
22: But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best
robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes
on his feet:
22: And the father said to his servants: Bring forth quickly the
first robe and put it on him: and put a ring on his hand and shoes on
his feet.
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 Gen 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. Comp. Jam 2:2. To give a ring was a mark of favour, or of affection, or of conferring office. Comp. Gen 41:42 Est 8:2. Here it was expressive of the favour and affection of the father.
Shoes on his feet. Servants, probably, did not usually wear shoes. The son returned, doubtless, without shoes -- a condition very unlike that in which he was when he left home. When, therefore, the father commanded them to put shoes on him, it expressed his wish that he should not be treated as a servant, but as a son. The word shoes here, however, means no more than sandals, such as were commonly worn. And the meaning of all these images is the same -- that God will treat those who return to him with kindness and affection. These images should not be attempted to be spiritualized. They are beautifully thrown in to fill up the narrative, and to express with more force the general truth that God will treat returning penitents with mercy and with love. To dress up the son in this manner was a proof of the father's affection. So God will bestow on sinners the marks of his confidence and regard.
