Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 19:13

"And he called ten servants of his, and gave them ten pounds, and said unto them, Trade ye [herewith] till I come." — Luke 19:13 (ASV)

Ten servants. Nothing in particular is indicated by the number ten. It is a circumstance intended to maintain the narrative. In general, by these servants our Savior represents His disciples, and intends to teach us that talents are given to us to be improved, for which we must give an account at His return.

Ten pounds. The word translated pound here refers to the Hebrew minah, which was equal to about 15 dollars, or £3. The pounds here represent the talents which God has given to His servants on earth to improve, and for which they must give an account in the Day of Judgment.

Occupy till I come. The word "occupy" here means not merely to possess, as it often does in our language, but to improve, to employ in business, for the purpose of increasing it or of making profit on it. The instruction was to use this money so as to gain more for His return.

So Jesus commands His disciples to improve their talents: to make the most of them, to increase their capability of doing good, and to do it until He comes to call us from here, by death, to meet Him. See 1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:7.