Understanding The Parable Of The Ten Virgins - Who Are The Wise And Who Are The Foolish?
Posted: Saturday, January 16, 2010
by Rebecca Park Totilo
Rebecca at the Well & Heal With Essential Oils
In ancient Israel, it is customary for the bride to have attendants. These bridesmaids mentioned in the Bible were called virgins. As Paul told the Corinthian church, we are "betrothed to one husband," so that he may present us as a "pure virgin."
In the parable of the ten virgins, the term "bride" is not mentioned, but all of the virgins who are "called" and "invited" to the wedding could qualify to be a bride.
Their duties played a very important part in the marriage procession. Each virgin was given a lamp and instructed to keep it filled with oil so that it would burn brightly, in order to light the bride's path.
For the Jews, the number ten represents a legal congregation. In Hebrew it is called, minyan. Therefore, the Church, or entire congregation of true believers in the Messiah, is clearly represented by the ten virgins in the parable Yeshua told.
According to Jewish custom, the virgins stayed with or close by the bride to wait for the groom to come because they didn't know what day or hour he would arrive. All of the virgins robed in white went forth "to meet the bridegroom," leaving their families, homes, and friends, temporarily, in order to be a part of the bride's entourage. They anxiously congregated in the same location where they "slumbered and slept" so they could all hear the cry by the groom's attendant in the streets. At the announcement, there is only enough time for the virgins to make their final preparations.
As a member of the bridal party, it is up to each one of us to work out our own salvation and seek God for wisdom and understanding. We can no longer rely on the "teachings of men," but must spend time with our Bridegroom alone, in order to know Him and prepare, for it could be any day or hour.
Matthew 25:13 warns us, "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh."
Hebrew word:
B' toolah = to separate, a virgin, a bride, or a city or state
The ten virgins in this parable represent those Christians who are betrothed to Yeshua (have accepted Him as their personal Lord and Savior) and will go to heaven. The distinction between the ten virgins, however, was that five were wise and five were foolish based on the presence or absence of oil.
In Matthew 25:1-13 Yeshua tells us:
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
The wise virgins proved to be smart for keeping an extra flask of oil, as they were Torah observants/Sabbath keepers, and wanted to always be prepared, since it would be unlawful for them to buy on the seventh day. For they did not know what day the groom would arrive and wanted to be ready.
While the foolish virgins went out searching for the merchants to buy more oil, the bridegroom came for those that were ready to enter the marriage with him, and then the doors were shut. When the indifferent and careless virgins finally arrived at the banquet hall, and asked, "open to us," the Lord replied, "I never knew you." The foolish virgins were obviously members of the bridal party - saved and had eternal life. They even heard the "cry" in the streets when the bridegroom arrived, and had some understanding of the Holy Spirit. What they didn't realize was their lack until it was too late.
The prudent virgins with the extra vessel of oil advised the foolish to go buy it from those who sell it; instead, of seeking the Heavenly Father, the foolish leave the light and went into the dark streets and sought after merchants. They depended on sellers for their oil and understanding instead of seeking the truth and to know the Lord on their own.
The virgins that went in to the marriage were "they that were ready." The number five symbolizes mortal inadequacy and need for the grace of God.
In the parable of the ten virgins, the term "bride" is not mentioned, but all of the virgins who are "called" and "invited" to the wedding could qualify to be a bride.
Their duties played a very important part in the marriage procession. Each virgin was given a lamp and instructed to keep it filled with oil so that it would burn brightly, in order to light the bride's path.
For the Jews, the number ten represents a legal congregation. In Hebrew it is called, minyan. Therefore, the Church, or entire congregation of true believers in the Messiah, is clearly represented by the ten virgins in the parable Yeshua told.
According to Jewish custom, the virgins stayed with or close by the bride to wait for the groom to come because they didn't know what day or hour he would arrive. All of the virgins robed in white went forth "to meet the bridegroom," leaving their families, homes, and friends, temporarily, in order to be a part of the bride's entourage. They anxiously congregated in the same location where they "slumbered and slept" so they could all hear the cry by the groom's attendant in the streets. At the announcement, there is only enough time for the virgins to make their final preparations.
As a member of the bridal party, it is up to each one of us to work out our own salvation and seek God for wisdom and understanding. We can no longer rely on the "teachings of men," but must spend time with our Bridegroom alone, in order to know Him and prepare, for it could be any day or hour.
Matthew 25:13 warns us, "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh."
Hebrew word:
B' toolah = to separate, a virgin, a bride, or a city or state
The ten virgins in this parable represent those Christians who are betrothed to Yeshua (have accepted Him as their personal Lord and Savior) and will go to heaven. The distinction between the ten virgins, however, was that five were wise and five were foolish based on the presence or absence of oil.
In Matthew 25:1-13 Yeshua tells us:
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
The wise virgins proved to be smart for keeping an extra flask of oil, as they were Torah observants/Sabbath keepers, and wanted to always be prepared, since it would be unlawful for them to buy on the seventh day. For they did not know what day the groom would arrive and wanted to be ready.
While the foolish virgins went out searching for the merchants to buy more oil, the bridegroom came for those that were ready to enter the marriage with him, and then the doors were shut. When the indifferent and careless virgins finally arrived at the banquet hall, and asked, "open to us," the Lord replied, "I never knew you." The foolish virgins were obviously members of the bridal party - saved and had eternal life. They even heard the "cry" in the streets when the bridegroom arrived, and had some understanding of the Holy Spirit. What they didn't realize was their lack until it was too late.
The prudent virgins with the extra vessel of oil advised the foolish to go buy it from those who sell it; instead, of seeking the Heavenly Father, the foolish leave the light and went into the dark streets and sought after merchants. They depended on sellers for their oil and understanding instead of seeking the truth and to know the Lord on their own.
The virgins that went in to the marriage were "they that were ready." The number five symbolizes mortal inadequacy and need for the grace of God.
Greek word for Foolish:
Moros = means dull, sluggish, and stupid
The foolish virgins do eventually realize they do have a problem and are lacking "oil." Instead of having my adequate preparations, they now try to rely upon others. But, the wise virgins are unwilling to share their oil, for it is something that needs to be obtained legitimately - and they were not the source of this oil. These are the same ones we see in Luke 13:25 that say, we have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and has taught in our streets and he calls, "workers of iniquity."
Luke 13:22-28 shows us:
And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence you are: then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
The foolish virgins have eaten and drunk in thy presence and taught in our streets. They will be wailing and gnashing their teeth and crying: Lord, Lord, open to us...
Yeshua said, "few" who go through the straight gate and narrow way are those who consummate the wedding according to Luke 13:25 and are the wise virgins in Matthew 25.
The foolish virgins will be in heaven, but lose eternal rewards because they chose to walk the "broad" way.
The foolish virgins failed to separate themselves from the world and overcome the desires of the flesh - thus, having a spotted wedding garment.
The wise virgins walk the narrow way, by dedicating their lives to God and holiness, and separating themselves from the ways of the world and flesh.
And so, in the congregation of believers, some are foolish (carnal Christians) and some are wise (Bride of Christ). Another parallel scripture to Luke 13:22-27 is found in Matthew 7:21-23:
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
This scripture is not against the manifestation of the miracles of the Holy Spirit, but against those who are "workers of iniquity." Therefore, those that are being left behind are those carnal Christians who are not the Bride because they practice iniquity.
Greek word:
Anomia = iniquity (Strong's 458)
Root word:
Anomos = nomos + a
a = without (negative participle)
nomos = law (torah)
"Without the law"
Those who practice iniquity are those who are used by God in ministering in the manifestation of the Holy Spirit but practice the breaking of the Torah and God's commandments and teach others to do so.
Folks, do we know people like this today? Those in ministry who tell others that the law has been thrown out and doesn't apply today? They will be among those who are "least" in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 5:19 says:
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
I know what you are thinking now... Hey, didn't Paul say in Romans, were not under law, but grace and so on. Yes, keeping the law will not save you, but Yeshua said in Matthew 5:17-18:
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
And, tonight you can how Yeshua is fulfilling the law (Torah) with his bride. Many of you already know some of the ways he has already done this through the feasts of the Lord (such as Passover and first fruits) and of course in end-time prophecy. We have to keep in mind that just because Yeshua paid the penalty for sin and death on the cross, does not mean we are free to go out and commit adultery, right?
Psalm 119:142 says, "Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth."
Those which keep the truth will enter into the gates of heaven, as we saw in Isaiah 26.
Matthew 25:11-12 reads, "Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not."
Greek word Know:
Ginosko = understand completely, recognize, what is known is of value or importance, connection of union between man and woman (Strong's #1097)
Hebrew word Know:
Yadah = to know intimately, sexually (Strong's 3045)
This is the same word used to describe Adam knowing Eve intimately when she conceived. Interestingly, it is the same word for wit, when Eliezer saw Rebekah do exactly as he had prayed and was astonished by God's answer. The journey (Derek - Hebrew) had been long and difficult using the transportation of camels, yet he trusted God to provide for his master's son.
Genesis 24:21 shows us, "And the man wondering at her held his peace, to know whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not."
God's bride will follow after the heart and will of God, trusting in him through the trials and tribulations in life to reach the final destination and in doing so will have intimate knowledge and relationship with Him.
Hebrew word:
Derek = journey, course of life (Strong's 1870)
It's a lifestyle for the bride of Yeshua, not just knowing the acts of God - salvation, healing, prosperity... (Like the children of Israel who were delivered from Egypt (carnal world) - and murmured and complained because of the trials of the desert, as in Psalm 103:7. But, knows the ways of God through intimacy and relationship. She walks in His perfect will in order to reach the spiritual promised land, as in Hebrews 3:14-19; 4:1-3.
The foolish virgins will be cast into "outer darkness."
Greek Word:
Skotos = outer darkness (Strong's #4655)
Root word:
Skia = shade or shadow (Strong's #4639)
The Greek word skotos is translated outer darkness and comes from the root word skia, which means shade or shadow. So, it doesn't mean pitch blackness in reference to Hell, but it is a lack of light - being outside of the Glory of God. As compared to the light of Glory of God in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle. The outer court could be described as shady.
Moros = means dull, sluggish, and stupid
The foolish virgins do eventually realize they do have a problem and are lacking "oil." Instead of having my adequate preparations, they now try to rely upon others. But, the wise virgins are unwilling to share their oil, for it is something that needs to be obtained legitimately - and they were not the source of this oil. These are the same ones we see in Luke 13:25 that say, we have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and has taught in our streets and he calls, "workers of iniquity."
Luke 13:22-28 shows us:
And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence you are: then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
The foolish virgins have eaten and drunk in thy presence and taught in our streets. They will be wailing and gnashing their teeth and crying: Lord, Lord, open to us...
Yeshua said, "few" who go through the straight gate and narrow way are those who consummate the wedding according to Luke 13:25 and are the wise virgins in Matthew 25.
The foolish virgins will be in heaven, but lose eternal rewards because they chose to walk the "broad" way.
The foolish virgins failed to separate themselves from the world and overcome the desires of the flesh - thus, having a spotted wedding garment.
The wise virgins walk the narrow way, by dedicating their lives to God and holiness, and separating themselves from the ways of the world and flesh.
And so, in the congregation of believers, some are foolish (carnal Christians) and some are wise (Bride of Christ). Another parallel scripture to Luke 13:22-27 is found in Matthew 7:21-23:
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
This scripture is not against the manifestation of the miracles of the Holy Spirit, but against those who are "workers of iniquity." Therefore, those that are being left behind are those carnal Christians who are not the Bride because they practice iniquity.
Greek word:
Anomia = iniquity (Strong's 458)
Root word:
Anomos = nomos + a
a = without (negative participle)
nomos = law (torah)
"Without the law"
Those who practice iniquity are those who are used by God in ministering in the manifestation of the Holy Spirit but practice the breaking of the Torah and God's commandments and teach others to do so.
Folks, do we know people like this today? Those in ministry who tell others that the law has been thrown out and doesn't apply today? They will be among those who are "least" in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 5:19 says:
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
I know what you are thinking now... Hey, didn't Paul say in Romans, were not under law, but grace and so on. Yes, keeping the law will not save you, but Yeshua said in Matthew 5:17-18:
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
And, tonight you can how Yeshua is fulfilling the law (Torah) with his bride. Many of you already know some of the ways he has already done this through the feasts of the Lord (such as Passover and first fruits) and of course in end-time prophecy. We have to keep in mind that just because Yeshua paid the penalty for sin and death on the cross, does not mean we are free to go out and commit adultery, right?
Psalm 119:142 says, "Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth."
Those which keep the truth will enter into the gates of heaven, as we saw in Isaiah 26.
Matthew 25:11-12 reads, "Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not."
Greek word Know:
Ginosko = understand completely, recognize, what is known is of value or importance, connection of union between man and woman (Strong's #1097)
Hebrew word Know:
Yadah = to know intimately, sexually (Strong's 3045)
This is the same word used to describe Adam knowing Eve intimately when she conceived. Interestingly, it is the same word for wit, when Eliezer saw Rebekah do exactly as he had prayed and was astonished by God's answer. The journey (Derek - Hebrew) had been long and difficult using the transportation of camels, yet he trusted God to provide for his master's son.
Genesis 24:21 shows us, "And the man wondering at her held his peace, to know whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not."
God's bride will follow after the heart and will of God, trusting in him through the trials and tribulations in life to reach the final destination and in doing so will have intimate knowledge and relationship with Him.
Hebrew word:
Derek = journey, course of life (Strong's 1870)
It's a lifestyle for the bride of Yeshua, not just knowing the acts of God - salvation, healing, prosperity... (Like the children of Israel who were delivered from Egypt (carnal world) - and murmured and complained because of the trials of the desert, as in Psalm 103:7. But, knows the ways of God through intimacy and relationship. She walks in His perfect will in order to reach the spiritual promised land, as in Hebrews 3:14-19; 4:1-3.
The foolish virgins will be cast into "outer darkness."
Greek Word:
Skotos = outer darkness (Strong's #4655)
Root word:
Skia = shade or shadow (Strong's #4639)
The Greek word skotos is translated outer darkness and comes from the root word skia, which means shade or shadow. So, it doesn't mean pitch blackness in reference to Hell, but it is a lack of light - being outside of the Glory of God. As compared to the light of Glory of God in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle. The outer court could be described as shady.
To learn more about who is the bride of Christ, get a copy of Rebecca Totilo's book, "Who is the Bride."
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