Put a ring on his finger

In the story of the prodigal son, the son who has wasted his inheritance on prostitutes and debauchery comes home in all humility to work in his father’s fields as a servant.

But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.

Luke 15:22

Giving a ring to someone is a sign of great affection and also a symbol of being placed in an office of authority.

It is a sign of wealth and dignity.  

Pharaoh removed his signet ring and put it on Joseph's hand when he said these words to him - “You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.”

Genesis 41:40, 42

In the book of Esther the King took off his ring, the royal signet by which the decrees of government were signed, and gave it to Mordecai with these words- “You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s signet ring; for whatever is written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s signet ring no one can revoke.”

Esther 8:2, 8.

The ring shows power and authority given to Joseph and Mordecai - transferring all power and authority over the kingdom beneath them.

The ring placed on the hand of the prodigal son evidenced the great affection the Father had toward him is spite of the mistakes the son had made. It also announced the transfer of God’s authority and power to his son over the kingdom beneath him. It is a great merciful gift and represents the deepest forgiveness known.

God grants that same mercy, power and authority to each of us as we humbly present ourselves to God, just as the prodigal son did. Good places his signet ring on our hand, clothes him in the King’s robes and presents us to the world as a king presents his prince to the kingdom.

We rule with the power and authority of God yet it takes an understanding of who it is we serve to wield this authority wisely.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10