17. came to himself--Before, he had been "beside himself"
(Ec 9:3),
in what sense will presently appear.
How many hired, &c.--What a testimony to the nature of the home
he had left! But did he not know all this ere he departed and every day
of his voluntary exile? He did, and he did not. His heart being wholly
estranged from home and steeped in selfish gratification, his father's
house never came within the range of his vision, or but as another name
for bondage and gloom. Now empty, desolate, withered, perishing,
home, with all its peace, plenty, freedom, dignity, starts into
view, fills all his visions as a warm and living reality, and breaks his
heart.
JFB.
Picture Study Bible