15:25 {5} Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
(5) Those who truly fear God desire to have all men join them in fearing him.
15:25 Now his elder son. The Pharisees had complained of Jesus that he receiveth sinners (Lu 15:2). So the elder son complains that the father had welcomed the prodigal.
Music and dancing. In the dance of Judea the sexes did not intermingle. It was usually performed by hired professional dancers.
15:25 The elder son seems to represent the Pharisees and scribes, mentioned Lu 15:2.
15:25-32 In the latter part of this parable we have the character of the Pharisees, though not of them alone. It sets forth the kindness of the Lord, and the proud manner in which his gracious kindness is often received. The Jews, in general, showed the same spirit towards the converted Gentiles; and numbers in every age object to the gospel and its preachers, on the same ground. What must that temper be, which stirs up a man to despise and abhor those for whom the Saviour shed his precious blood, who are objects of the Father's choice, and temples of the Holy Ghost! This springs from pride, self-preference, and ignorance of a man's own heart. The mercy and grace of our God in Christ, shine almost as bright in his tender and gentle bearing with peevish saints, as his receiving prodigal sinners upon their repentance. It is the unspeakable happiness of all the children of God, who keep close to their Father's house, that they are, and shall be ever with him. Happy will it be for those who thankfully accept Christ's invitation.
