The younger son’s share of the estate would have been one-third, with the older son receiving two-thirds (Deuteronomy 21:17). In most cases he would have received this at his father’s death, although fathers sometimes chose to divide up their inheritance early and retire from managing their estates. What is unusual here is that the younger one initiated the division of the estate. This showed arrogant disregard for his father’s authority as head of the family.
- Believers should strive to maintain “unity in their thought and action
- Believers should set their minds on oneness "in spirit and purpose.
- Believers should avoid "selfish ambition" and "vain conceit"
- Believers should be looking not only to their own interests but also to those of others
