Parable of 10 Virgins

Three “KEYS” to better understand this Parable

1. Timing of the Events.

2. Oil as a Metaphor to “Wisdom” being spiritual and a person of Holy-Spirit.

3. Hebrew & Greek Words are fundamental to the understanding of this parable.

· Sadly all English Translations including 1611 KJV greatly miss out. -Hence our western thinking is greatly impacted.

1. Israel is Never presented in the scripture as a “Virgin” or “Bride” to God

2. Corporately -Church is referred to as “Bride” presented to Christ.

3. Individual believers/followers of Jesus are referred to “Virgins”.

4. Israel will Never go through Rapture... This event is earmarked only for Church.

5. Tribulation saints (Jew or Gentile who believe in Jesus) should still be classified as believers and therefore Virgins.

6. Unbelieving Israel “corporately” will receive Jesus during 2nd coming. Here on earth “...They will look upon him whom they pierced and Mourn” (Zech 12:10 & John 19:37) - You will not see me again until you say “Baruch Habab Hashem Adonai” (Matt 23:39).

VIRGIN >> HEBREW & GREEK (Technicality)

(Almah vs Beth-oo-law / Par-Then-os)

How & Why “Virgin” is used differently in Scriptures ?

1. Almah: A Virgin who has NOT had sexual intercourse.

2. Beth-oo-law: Means to “Set-apart” or “Seperate” also figuratively used for City especially Jerusalem or Zion.. and does NOT refer to “Israel as a nation”.

3. Par-then-os: is Greek word -same as Hebrew word Almah (Matt Chap 25)

Best Example to differentiate (Alma vs Beth-oo-law):

1. Gen 24:16 refers to Rebecca as Virgin but in Hebrew “Beth-oo-law”: Meaning to set apart.

2. Gen 24:43 refers to same Rebecca as described by Abraham’s servant but this time a different word is used “Almah”: meaning a young woman who has NOT had sexual intercourse. - The point being made here is she is required to have NOT known a man to be suitable for Isaac.

Bible References:

1. “Virgin” Appears around 33 times in KJV

2. Only 9 times scripture uses the Hebrew word “Almah” to refer to a woman with NO sexual intercourse.

1) Gen 24:43 > Rebecca - young unmarried Girl.

2) Ex 2:8 > Miriam is also called “Almah” or virgin girl / maid.

3) 1Chr 15:20 > “Alamoth” a plural form of Virgin (To sing).

4) Ps 46: heading > “Alamoth” a plural form of Virgin (To sing).

5) Ps 68:25 > “Damsels” a plural Alamoth/Almah (To sing in victory).

6) Song of Songs 1:3 > A shepherd is praised with “Almah” virgins adore.

7) Song of Songs 6:8 > Untold number of Virgins/Almah- praise the King.

8) Prov 30:19 > Way of the man in Youth (Greek & Hebrew render differently)

9) Isaiah 7:14 > Birth of Jesus Prophesied through “Mary” as Almah.

3. All other References on Virgin (Beth-oo-law) are usually referred figuratively or meaning to set-apart/seperate. (Almost carries a 2nd degree meaning).

a. Figurative Virgins: Examples

i. Is 23:12: Sidonites are ref as figurative.“O thou oppressed Virgin”

ii. Jer 18:13: Israel gone astray (Sarcastic way of calling Israel.

b. Snatched Virginity: Example

i. 2Sam 13:2,18: Tamar was raped by her half-brother Amnon (a consequence of David’s sin).

c. City as a Virgin (Jerusalem / Zion as metaphor): Example

i. Is 37:22: God uses Jerusalem as a Virgin to taunt Sennacherib.

GOD THE FATHER IS THE HUSBAND OF ISRAEL

Isaiah 54:5-7 (Isaiah 62 & Hosea 2, Jeremiah 3:30)

· [5] For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

· [6] For the Lord hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.

· [7] For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.

CHRIST IS THE BRIDEGROOM & CHURCH (ECCLESIA) IS THE BRIDE:

John 3:28-30 NIV (John the Baptist SPEAKS about Jesus)

· [28] You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.'

· [29] The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.

· [30] He must become greater; I must become less.” …

CHRIST LOVED THE CHURCH:

Ephesians 5:25-27

· [25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

· [26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

· [27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. …

· [28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

· [29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

· [30] For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

· [31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

· [32] This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. …

REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY: (This is a doctrine from Pit of Hell and not less)

GOD is NOT finished with Israel (Rom 11... especially verse 27) says, it's a Partial blindness that has happened to Israel until the times of Gentiles are fulfilled... And then God will turn his focus towards Israel, primarily during Tribulation and again during Millennium period.

Verse-1: “Then” >> Meaning the timing of this parable is immediately after Chap 24.

Hence we think it more precisely applies to Tribulation saints... especially those who accepted Christ (both Jew & Gentile)... however there is dualism in most parables and Old Testament events and therefore elements of this parable even applies to us during rapture.

Rapture Timing > Tribulation (And 2nd coming of Jesus Predictability):

1) Timing > Rapture of the Church is Imminent and we are told to be ready.

2) Timing > Bridegroom visit here in this Parable is also imminent.

3) If this Parable Applies to “Tribulation saints only” - How come Imminency is mentioned? (Verse 13 also refers to “Thief in the night”).

4) Rapture is NOT what triggers great-Tribulation (the last 3.5yrs). Abomination of Desolation is what Triggers the last 3.5yrs timeline of great wrath. -Hence Return of Jesus to the Jewish remnant is Predictable.

5) Alternatively: Can we then make a case that this Parable applies to Tribulation saints being raptured half way through?? - ***if true, then this subject requires a separate study *** And what can we learn / apply to our Pre-trib rapture event or our current walk of life ??

Oil & Anointing:

1) Oil: in Scriptures is primarily referred to Olive Oil, Not Petroleum.

2) Oil use in Temple:

a. For Lighting lamps (menorah) -Ex 27:20-21

b. Consecrate Priests. -Lev 8:30

c. Lotion/Ointment for Skin/hair -Ps 83:5

d. Healing with God’s touch -Lev 14:1-8 and again in James 5:14

3) Oil used to anoint Prophets, Priests & Kings

a. Samuel anointed king David (....and the spirit of the Lord came mightily on David 1Sam 16:13).

4) Jesus Anointing:

a. ... the Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to.... (Is 61:1 & Luk 4:18).

5) Note: not all ref in scriptures related to Oil is in ref to Holy Spirit/Wisdom.

OIL as a Metaphor to WISDOM

WISDOM IS Spiritual AND

WISDOM being a Person of Holy Spirit:

WISDOM IS SPIRITUAL:

In James Chap-3

1) WISDOM can also be Demonic (bitter & envy): James 3:15

2) WISDOM can be Holy (heavenly wisdom is pure, full of mercy & good fruit) : James 3:17.

Galatians 5:22 (Fruit of the Spirit)

· [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

· [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

· [24] And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts …

WISDOM IS THE PERSON OF HOLY-SPIRIT

We see that - Wisdom was there during Creation

1. Genesis 1:2 : The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

2. Proverbs 8 : Wisdom was that sprit that existed during Creation.

· Proverbs 8 NKJV

o [1] Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice?

o Again in verse-4 we see

o [4] "To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men.

o Again from verse-22 we see

o [22] "The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old.

o [23] I have been established from everlasting, From the beginning, before there was ever an earth.

o [24] When there were no depths I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water.

o [25] Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills, I was brought forth;

o [26] While as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, Or the primal dust of the world.

o [27] When He prepared the heavens, I was there, When He drew a circle on the face of the deep,

o [28] When He established the clouds above, When He strengthened the fountains of the deep,

o [29] When He assigned to the sea its limit, So that the waters would not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth,

o [30] Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him,

o [31] Rejoicing in His inhabited world, And my delight was with the sons of men. …

So what about the question... go buy some oil ?

• Here “Oil” is used as a Metaphor to the Wisdom (The person of Holy Spirit) - who existed from the Beginning during creation.

• Can you then Purchase Wisdom ? (Yes)

  • Proverbs 4:5-7 KJVS

    • [5] Get (In Hebrew “Qanah” meaning “Purchase”) wisdom, get (Purchase) understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

    • [7] Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get (Purchase) wisdom: and with all thy getting (Purchasing)get (Purchase) understanding.

Job Ponders on the same question... and he Answers it.

Job 28:12-28 KJVS

⁃ [12] But where shall WISDOM be found? and where is the place of UNDERSTANDING?

⁃ [13] Man knoweth not the PRICE thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.

⁃ [14] The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me.

⁃ [15] It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.

⁃ [16] It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.

⁃ [17] The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold.

⁃ [18] No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.

⁃ [19] The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.

⁃ [20] Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?

⁃ [21] Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.

⁃ [22] Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears.

⁃ [23] God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.

⁃ [24] For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven;

⁃ [25] To make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure.

⁃ [26] When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder:

⁃ [27] Then did he see it, and declare it; he prepared it, yea, and searched it out.

Between verses 14 to 27 ... Job explores and that Wisdom cannot be found through created objects (precious metals, stones) - under the sea...etc

⁃ [28] And unto man he said, Behold, THE FEAR OF THE LORD, THAT IS WISDOM; and TO DEPART FROM EVIL IS UNDERSTANDING. …

1. Extra Oil: Represents born again believers who are living holy lives in Anticipation of the Lord’S return.

2. Lacking Oil: Individuals who were part of the church but have no affiliation with Christ.

Finally review COMMENTARY -by Godly men

1. William Mc Donald (believers Commentary) fully agrees the above on Timing, it’s relation to Church and Rapture.

2. CH. Spurgeon: Makes an excellent Commentary below.

“SINCERE CHRISTIANS ARE THE WISE VIRGINS, AND HYPOCRITES THE FOOLISH ONES, AS IN ANOTHER PARABLE THEY ARE REPRESENTED BY WISE AND FOOLISH BUILDERS”.

FROM THE OUTSIDE,

-ALL 10 VIRGINS LOOK THE SAME;

-ALL ARE WAITING;

-ALL HAVE LAMPS;

-ALL EVEN BECAME DROWSY AND FELL ASLEEP;

-THE DIFFERENCE IS SEEN WHEN THE LAMP IS NEEDED FOR USE.

SPURGEON POINTS OUT SIMILARITIES BETWEEN FOOLISH-VIRGINS & HYPOCRITICAL CHRISTIANS(NAMESAKE CHRISTIANS).

THEY MAY HAVE THOUGHT THAT, IF THEY HAD LAMPS THAT WERE SIMILAR TO THOSE CARRIED BY OTHERS, IT WOULD BE SUFFICIENT. PERHAPS THEY JUDGED THAT THE SECRET STORE OF OIL, BEING UNSEEN, WAS UNNECESSARY. THEY WERE WILLING TO CARRY A LAMP IN ONE HAND; BUT TO DEVOTE THE OTHER HAND TO THE CARE OF AN OIL FLASK WAS MORE THAN THEY WERE WILLING TO DO. IT IS THE WANT OF THE OIL OF GRACE THAT IS THE FATAL FLAW IN MANY A PROFESSOR’S LAMP.

MANY HAVE A NAME TO LIVE, BUT HAVE NOT “THE-LIFE-OF-GOD” WITHIN THEIR SOULS. THEY MAKE A PROFESSION OF ATTACHMENT TO CHRIST, BUT THEY HAVE NOT THE INWARD SUPPLY OF THE “SPIRIT OF GRACE” TO KEEP IT UP. THERE IS A SMALL GLITTER OR A FLASH, BUT THERE IS NO PERMANENT LIGHT, AND THERE CANNOT BE ANY, FOR ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE LAMPS, THEY HAVE NO OIL WITH THEM.