We have lost the sense of heaven and must find the joy God has that causes heaven to erupt.

The woman, like the shepherd, was undervalued by society. It is unclear whether she is a poor-married-woman or if she is a widow. But regardless, society views her as unimportant.

The 10 silver coins are also not of great value to society. 1 coin equaled one day’s wage (and was enough to purchase 1 sheep). It could’ve been her dowry, but seems apparent it was money meant for her and was extremely important to her.

The effort we see from the woman in finding the coin is greater than what was said of the shepherd—she lit a lamp, swept the house, and diligently searched for the coin until she found it.

When she finds the coin, she calls friends and neighbors over to celebrate with her. This seems a bit absurd, but that is the point. Jesus is using an everyday experience, highlighting people and things that are viewed by society as unimportant and then pairs that experience to what it’s like when sinners repent, turning to God.

In verse 7, heaven rejoices. In verse 10, there is joy before the angels of God. Both expressions are saying the same thing and are a particular figure of speech to describe what God is doing—He is the one rejoicing over sinners who repent. The figure of speech used here is known as “circumlocution.” This is an indirect way to talk about or describe something or someone. Jewish people in that day would avoid saying God’s name and would be careful to talk about God’s emotion, and so literary devices would be used to talk delicately regarding the things of God. The God who judges sin rejoices over the repentant sinner.