Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 15:22

"But the father said to his servants, Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:" — Luke 15:22 (ASV)

The best robe. The son was probably in rags. The father's joy is expressed by dressing him in the finest garments, so that he might appear well. The robe mentioned here is probably the outer garment, and the father told them to put the best one in the house on him—one reserved for festive occasions. .

A ring on his hand. To wear a ring on the hand was a mark of wealth and dignity. The rich and those in office commonly wore them. . To give a ring was a mark of favor, of affection, or of conferring office. (Esther 8:2). Here it was expressive of the father's favor and affection.

Shoes on his feet. Servants probably did not usually wear shoes. The son returned, doubtless, without shoes—a condition very different from the one he was in when he left home. Therefore, when 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.

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 woven into the narrative to enrich it and to express with more force the general truth that God will treat returning penitents with mercy and with love. Dressing the son in this manner was a proof of the father's affection. In the same way, God will bestow on sinners the marks of his confidence and regard.