Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 25:1-13

"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there is a cry, Behold, the bridegroom! Come ye forth 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 going out. But the wise answered, saying, Peradventure there will not be enough for us and you: go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went away to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast: 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 not the day nor the hour." — Matthew 25:1-13 (ASV)

The circumstances of the parable of the ten virgins were taken from the marriage customs among the Jews and explain the great day of Christ's coming. Consider the nature of Christianity. As Christians, we profess to attend to Christ, to honour him, and also to be waiting for his coming. Sincere Christians are the wise virgins, and hypocrites are the foolish ones.

Those who are truly wise or foolish are so in the affairs of their souls. Many have a lamp of profession in their hands but do not have in their hearts sound knowledge and settled resolution, which are needed to carry them through the services and trials of the present state. Their hearts are not stored with holy dispositions by the new-creating Spirit of God. Our light must shine before men in good works; but this is not likely to be done for long unless there is a fixed, active principle in the heart: faith in Christ, and love to God and our fellow believers.

They all slumbered and slept. The delay represents the time between the real or apparent conversion of these professing believers and the coming of Christ, to take them away by death or to judge the world. But though Christ may delay beyond our expected time, he will not delay beyond the appointed time. The wise virgins kept their lamps burning, but they did not keep themselves awake.

Too many real Christians become remiss, and one degree of carelessness leads to another. Those who allow themselves to slumber will scarcely keep from sleeping; therefore, dread the beginning of spiritual decline. A startling summons was given. Go forth to meet Him is a call to those prepared. The notice of Christ's approach and the call to meet him will awaken.

Even those best prepared for death have work to do to get actually ready (2 Peter 3:14). It will be a day of search and inquiry, and it concerns us to think how we shall then be found. Some lacked oil to supply their lamps when they were going out. Those who fall short of true grace will certainly experience the lack of it at one time or another. An outward profession may light a person's way through this world, but the dampness of the valley of the shadow of death will put out such a light.

Those who do not care to live the life of the righteous nevertheless wish to die the death of the righteous. But those who desire to be saved must have grace of their own; and those who have the most grace have none to spare. The best need more from Christ. And while the poor, alarmed soul on a sick-bed turns to repentance and prayer in terrible confusion, death comes, judgment comes, the work is undone, and the poor sinner is undone forever. This is the result of needing to buy oil when we should be burning it, and needing to get grace when we should be using it.

Those, and only those, who are made ready for heaven here shall go to heaven in the life to come. The suddenness of death and of Christ's coming to us then will not hinder our happiness if we have been prepared. The door was shut. Many will seek admission into heaven when it is too late. The vain confidence of hypocrites will carry them far in their expectations of happiness.

The unexpected summons of death may alarm the Christian; but, proceeding without delay to trim his lamp, his graces often shine brighter; while the conduct of the mere professing believer shows that his lamp is going out. Therefore, watch and attend to the business of your souls. Be in the fear of the Lord all the day long.