Luke Chapter 15, Verse 25
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25: ην δε ο υιος αυτου ο πρεσβυτερος εν αγρω και ως ερχομενος ηγγισεν τη οικια ηκουσεν συμφωνιας και χορων
25: Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew
nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
25: Now his elder son was in the field and when he came and drew nigh
to the house, he heard music and dancing.
In the field. At work. This eldest son is designed to represent the
Pharisees who had found fault with Jesus. 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, Ex 15:20. David danced before the ark, 2 Sam 6:14. It was common at Jewish feasts (Jdg 21:19ff) and in public triumphs (Jdg 11:34), and at all seasons of mirth and rejoicings, Ps 3011 Jer 31:4, Jer 31:13.
It was also used in religious services by the idolaters (Ex 32:19), and also by the Jews, at times, in their religious services, Ps 1493, Ps 1504. In this case it was an expression of rejoicing. Our Lord expresses no opinion about its propriety. He simply states the fact, nor was there occasion for comment on it. His mentioning it cannot be pleaded for its lawfulness or propriety, any more than his mentioning the vice of the younger son, or the wickedness of the Pharisees, can be pleaded to justify their conduct. It is an expressive image, used in accordance with the known customs of the country, to express joy. It is farther to be remarked, that if the example of persons in Scripture be pleaded for dancing, it can be only for just such dances as they practised -- for sacred or triumphal occasions.
