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THE PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS

Andy C

Well-known
A Bible Study by Jack Kelley

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

“Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
” ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

“Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’
“But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour
(Matt. 25:1-13).

What’s That All About?​

This parable is often incorrectly described as having to do with the church, especially by those who cling to the post-tribulation rapture viewpoint. Let’s apply some standard rules of interpretation to see what it really means.

As for the timing of the event, there’s little debate since it’s clearly disclosed. The opening phrase “At that time” refers to several earlier references in the Olivet Discourse all pointing back to Matthew 24:29 which says, “Immediately after the distress (tribulation) of those days…”

This verse of course refers to the Great Tribulation. It’s a 3 1/2 year long sequence of judgments begun by the appearance of the “abomination that causes desolation, standing in the Holy Place,” commonly thought to be the anti-christ standing in the newly rebuilt Jewish Temple in Israel proclaiming himself to be god. Paul prophesied this in 2 Thes. 2:4.

So the timing of the parable is just after the end of the Great Tribulation, when what’s left of the world awaits the appearance of Messiah, the King. But notice, they’ve been waiting a long time, implying that the story actually began much earlier, and is now concluding.

The parable centers around 10 virgins, or bridesmaids depending on which translation you prefer, awaiting the appearance of a bridegroom. The Greek word is parthenos, which always describes someone who has never had sexual intercourse. The use of the word bridesmaid comes from an attempt by translators to adhere to the context of the story. But in any case, here’s where some knowledge of 1st century Jewish wedding traditions comes in handy.

Can I Marry Her?​

In those days when a man took a fancy to a young woman, he approached her father to ask for her hand in marriage. A brief negotiation followed where the price he was required to pay as compensation for the family’s loss of their daughter was determined. It was called the bride price. If acceptable, and if the daughter agreed to become the man’s wife, they were officially betrothed and he went away to build a home for them next to his father’s house. This could take some time, and the couple rarely met again until the father of the groom pronounced the newly built home fit for habitation. Only then was the date set, and the man given permission by his father to go collect his bride for the wedding.

During this time the young woman was to watch and wait. She and her bridesmaids were to maintain a constant state of preparedness, since the wedding date would not be known to her until the bridegroom actually appeared. For his part, the groom would usually try to show up unexpectedly to surprise her, carrying her off suddenly “like a thief in the night” when no one would see them. When the bridesmaids discovered the bride had been “snatched away” there would be a great torch-lit procession, announcing to the whole town that the wedding banquet was about to begin. This was typically a seven day celebration during which the bride and groom were hidden away in their private rooms while the whole town made merry. The father of the groom picked up the tab for the festivities.

I Can See Clearly Now​

Against the backdrop of this tradition, the meaning becomes clear when we insert the actual characters that those in the parable represent. To do this, we’ll rely on the principle of expositional constancy, from which we learn that symbolism in scripture tends to be consistent. For example, whenever yeast is used symbolically it always refers to sin, while symbolic use of the word rock always refers to the Lord, etc.

All through the scriptures, whenever the term bridegroom is used symbolically, it always refers to the Lord. And no one argues that the Bride of Christ is uniquely descriptive of the church. Obviously, the bridesmaids are not the Bride so they can’t represent the church. In fact, the Bride is never mentioned anywhere in the parable, and in any case could never be refused admittance to her own wedding banquet. She was obviously spirited away earlier while the bridesmaids slept. The bridesmaids represent people on Earth during the Great Tribulation after the church has gone.

Got Oil?​

Now it’s time for the wedding banquet but some bridesmaids lack sufficient oil to light the way. Asking to borrow some from their friends they’re refused, since there might not be enough to go around, and are sent off to buy some for themselves. By the time they return, the banquet has already begun, the door is closed and they’re denied admission, the bridegroom claiming that he doesn’t even know them.

Checking on the symbolic use of oil, we find it refers to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a gift uniquely given to believers at the moment of salvation. You can’t get it for others nor can they give any of theirs to you. Each of us has to receive it by ourselves and for ourselves.

During the Church Age the Holy Spirit is sealed within believers as a guarantee of our inheritance. But no such guarantee is mentioned for Tribulation believers (Rev. 14:12). In fact Rev. 16:15 specifically warns them to stay awake and maintain their righteousness, symbolized by keeping their clothes with them. (Clothing is often used to represent righteousness, as in Isaiah 61:10). Rev. 16:15 implies that Tribulation believers are responsible for remaining steadfast in their faith to avoid losing their salvation. Matt. 25:8 agrees, telling us that all 10 virgins had oil in their lamps at the beginning, but the five foolish ones didn’t have enough to carry them through.

All 10 bridesmaids fell asleep and their lamps were in danger of going out. Only 5 had the ability to replenish their lamps with oil they had brought, and they refused to lend any to the others.

The 5 bridesmaids with oil represent those who will have given their hearts to the Lord during the tribulation period after the Church has gone and stayed faithful, while those without it symbolize others who haven’t. Only those who’ve remained faithful will be invited in.

What’s That Supposed To Mean?​

So what does the parable mean? First of all, I’m convinced it’s not trying to hint at the timing of the Rapture. I believe it’s sole purpose is to serve as one of the clearest warnings the Lord ever gave to those He would find still on Earth when He returns, and that’s to make sure they remain faithful and ready to receive Him no matter how long they have to wait.

When the Lord comes back at the End of the Age, He’ll find both believers and unbelievers present on Earth. Having previously spirited His bride (the church) away, He’ll now decide who among the Tribulation survivors should be allowed to participate in the blessings of His Kingdom, using the presence of the Holy Spirit in each one’s life as the determining factor. Those in whom the Spirit resides when He returns are invited in but those without it will be excluded.

Because just as importantly, the parable teaches that His return signals the deadline after which even the request to be saved and receive the Holy Spirit will be denied. (The foolish virgins, as the story calls them, were on their way to replenish their oil when the bridegroom arrived.) The door will be closed, and the Lord will deny ever knowing those who’ve come too late.

By not remaining faithful, these tribulation believers, who are not part of the Church, will have disqualified themselves from participation in the kingdom. Once everyone sees the Lord returning on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory, the opportunity for them to restore their salvation will have ended. Salvation has always been by faith and faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see (Hebr. 11:1). Selah 3-21-04

 
(Clothing is often used to represent righteousness, as in Isaiah 61:10). Rev. 16:15 implies that Tribulation believers are responsible for remaining steadfast in their faith to avoid losing their salvation. Matt. 25:8 agrees, telling us that all 10 virgins had oil in their lamps at the beginning, but the five foolish ones didn’t have enough to carry them through.

This part is a little difficult for me for two reasons. First, making believers responsible for maintaining their salvation and then second, losing their salvation. For most of us, it's an academic concern since we won't be here anyway, but still....
 
The 5 bridesmaids with oil represent those who will have given their hearts to the Lord during the tribulation period after the Church has gone and stayed faithful, while those without it symbolize others who haven’t. Only those who’ve remained faithful will be invited in.
I love the way Jack Kelley shows us this.
It IS about those that will and will not partake in the Great Tribulation.

Where I differ, is about who the 5 foolish girls are.
Because all 10 were eager awaiting for the Groom.
And the apostate Church doesn't even look out for Him.
They are too busy with everything and anything of this world.
That is why I believe that the 5 are Israel.
And after they get their oil, they are too late to enter the marriage hall.
But after the 7, they will come to the Marriage Feast of the Lamb.

blindness‭ in‭ part‭ is happened‭‭ to Israel‭, until‭‭ the fulness‭ of the Gentiles‭ be come in‭‭.‭
‭And‭ so‭ all‭ Israel‭ shall be saved‭‭

(Rom. 11:25,26)
 
I love the way Jack Kelley shows us this.
It IS about those that will and will not partake in the Great Tribulation.

Where I differ, is about who the 5 foolish girls are.
Because all 10 were eager awaiting for the Groom.
And the apostate Church doesn't even look out for Him.
They are too busy with everything and anything of this world.
That is why I believe that the 5 are Israel.
And after they get their oil, they are too late to enter the marriage hall.
But after the 7, they will come to the Marriage Feast of the Lamb.

blindness‭ in‭ part‭ is happened‭‭ to Israel‭, until‭‭ the fulness‭ of the Gentiles‭ be come in‭‭.‭
‭And‭ so‭ all‭ Israel‭ shall be saved‭‭

(Rom. 11:25,26)
Interesting. I've never heard this interpretation before; but it merits thought.
 
Similar note, we are reminded to always be watching for Jesus. We see all these signs happening (link to article on Prophecy Blog on signs). But we also are taught many will be deceived, which seems possible by things like holograms and that Blue Light project they're working on.

How can we be sure we aren't being deceived? We don't want to be the 10 virgins and believe a deception.
 
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It's commonly supposed that the five unwise girls were faulted for not bringing
along enough oil for their light sources. That may be true, but I rather suspect that
their mistake was scarcely related to the oil and mostly related to abandoning their
posts.

Had they stuck to their guns (so to speak) they could've joined the procession
along with everyone else. They may have endured a measure of chagrin for letting
their lamps go out, but at least they wouldn't miss the party.

In other words; they let something relatively minor distract their attention from
something far more important; sort of like Nero concerning himself with trifles while
Rome is on fire all 'round the city.

Matt 25:10-12 . . While they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom
arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And
the door was shut. Later the others also came. Sir! Sir! --they said-- Open the door
for us! But he replied: I tell you the truth, I don't know you.

The thing is: while the entrance was open, the general public was welcome to come
on in and join the celebration, but once the door was shut and festivities
commenced, late arrivals were permitted inside only if they were the bridegroom's
friends; which emphasizes that the invitation, though generous, offered a limited
window of opportunity which if missed, was lost forever.


NOTE: It's commonly proposed the oil in the parable of the Ten Virgins relates to
the Holy Spirit, but had the five girls returned with the Holy Spirit, the groom
would've readily allowed them entrance because the Spirit is depicted in the Bible
as a credential validating one's inclusion in Christ's family circle. (Rom 8:9, 2Cor
1:21-22, Eph 1:13-14, Eph 4:30)
_
 
Several commentaries made the point that the key to the parable is preparation. For unbelievers, that is, those without oil or Holy Spirit, their preparation consists of accepting Jesus as their savior, thus acquiring the Holy Spirit. For believers, preparation would be to work with whatever our particular task is, but the point is, with the Holy Spirit, both would have been accepted into the banquet. Without it (salvation), you are left outside. Another point is that salvation is personal, you can't share salvation or get it for someone else. There's likely some other lessons in the parable also.
 
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Jesus is famous for teaching with parables, and for the longest time I was under the
impression it was his peculiar academic technique, but the fact of the matter is:
Jesus' method was punitive.

There were a number of people throughout the land of Israel in his day who had
neither interest in him nor in his message; which wasn't really his message, rather,
it was someone's higher up.

John 3:34 . . For he is sent by God; he speaks God's words, for God's spirit is
upon him without measure or limit.

John 8:26 . .He that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which
I have heard of Him.

John 8:28 . . I do nothing on my own initiative, but I speak these things as the
Father taught me.

John 12:49 . . I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, He
gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

John 14:24 . .The word which you hear is not mine, but the Father's who sent
me.

So those folks who had neither interest in him, nor in his message, them he
instructed with riddles. It came about they heard the word of God from Jesus but of
course hadn't a clue what he was talking about. But no matter because plain
speech would've bounced off some of them like a .22 bullet off a Russian tank.

Matt 13:10-15 . . The disciples came to him and asked: Why do you speak to the
people in parables?

. . He replied: The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been
given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an
abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. This
is why I speak to them in parables: though seeing, they do not see; though
hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

. .You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but
never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear
with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with
their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would
heal them.
_
 
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It's commonly supposed that the five unwise girls were faulted for not bringing
along enough oil for their light sources. That may be true, but I rather suspect that
their mistake was scarcely related to the oil and mostly related to abandoning their
posts.
Is it your belief that the “Oil” is not referring to the Holy Spirit? Also, do you believe this parable is for the church age, or takes place during the 7 year tribulation?
 
Is it your belief that the “Oil” is not referring to the Holy Spirit?

That is correct. I am not convinced the oil in the parable represents the Holy Spirit.


do you believe this parable is for the church age,

No.


or takes place during the 7 year tribulation?

I am reasonably convinced that the entire parable is a warning to folks who let
circumstances during the tribulation become more worthy of their attention than
Christ's imminent return to earth to establish his theocratic kingdom. Rev 16:15
suggests that some folks will be caught with their pants down, so to speak.
_
 
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