Expository Thoughts
than this in interpreting it.
15. To feed pigs. Our Lord was speaking to Jews, who regarded pigs, because of the law of Moses, as unclean animals. This detail would probably indicate to Jews how degraded the younger son had become.
16. The pods that the pigs were eating. These pods were most probably fruit from the carob tree, which were often used to feed pigs but were very unsuitable for human consumption.
17. He came to his senses. It has often been said about this phrase that a person must come to himself before he comes to God.
18. "Against heaven and against you." This is a confession of sin against God and man. It is one of the places in Scripture where "heaven," the place where God dwells, is used for God himself. (See
Daniel 4:26; Matthew 21:25.)
20. A long way off . . . ran . . . kissed. These three expressions are deeply touching. They bring out, in strong relief, the difficulty with which a sinner turns to Christ and the readiness and willingness of Christ to receive him.
22. "'A ring.'" This was a mark of honor, confidence, and distinction.
(See Genesis 41:42; Esther 3:10; James 2:2.)
23. "'The fattened calf.'" This was kept for a special occasion, such as a sacrifice or a feast.
24. "'Was dead and is alive again.'" Although this is part of the parable, our Lord's words here also describe the life of the prodigal son before his repentance and the change when he repented. The one state was death; the other was life.