Matthew 25:1

The kingdom of heaven. [The Ten Virgins, Matt. 25:1-13. See on parables pp. 203-207.] See on Matt. 4:17; 5:2; cf. on Luke 4:19. For the circumstances under which this parable was given see on Matt. 24:1-3, 42. Jesus and at least four of His disciples were on the western slope of the Mount of Olives. The sun had set, and the shadows of twilight were deepening (COL 405). As was so often the case with parables related by Jesus, the scene was enacted before the eyes of those who heard the story (see COL 405).

Likened. Or, “compared” (see p. 203). This parable places emphasis on the importance of preparation for the coming of Christ, and stresses the importance of being ready (see on eh. 24:44).

Virgins. Or, “maidens” (RSV). Apparently no significance is to be attached to the number ten, a figure Jesus seems elsewhere to have used as a round number (see on Luke 15:8). In this parable the ten young women represent all of those who profess the pure faith of Jesus (COL 406). They believe in the soon coming of Jesus. Compare Rev. 14:4.

Lamps. From the Gr. lampades, designating both torches and lamps, here, the latter. The lamps probably consisted of small clay bowls mounted on staves. The bowls contained oil and had a wick floating in the oil, its upper end held erect by the side of the bowl. The bridal party proceeded “by torchlight” (COL 405). The lamps represent the Word of God (COL 406; see Ps. 119:105).

Went forth. The ten young women were waiting near the bride’s home for the arrival of the groom and his party, intending to accompany the bridal party to the home of the groom, there to participate in the wedding festivities (see COL 405). The fact that the young women, upon being awakened, saw the procession moving off without them (COL 406) suggests that they were not intimate friends of the bride, but acquaintances who, according to Oriental custom, would be welcome to join the procession and share in the festivities on their own initiative.

To meet the bridegroom. As he came from his home to that of the bride, to claim her and escort her to his home.