Odd Question?

[Littlelambseativy]

But it was oil they needed… not flame.

[Michael37]

10 minutes ago, Littlelambseativy said:

But it was oil they needed… not flame.

Yes, flame but no fuel. Spark but no Spirit. Rested but not readied.

[AdHoc]

On 2/14/2024 at 2:23 PM, Dennis1209 said:

I am studying Matthew, beginning chapter 25, the Ten Virgins, and an odd question popped into my head. The question applies to other out-of-the-way places and circumstances, and let us assume it is in the heat of summertime.

It is now dusk for the ten women to trim and light their oil lamps. I assume they will not flick their Bic or strike a match. From where or from what did they light their lamps?

For that matter, assuming summertime, not wanting to heat the inside of your sleeping quarters to 120 degrees, you would not maintain a fire. To restart their fire, how would you suppose they did it, friction, flint, and steel, and what about in the rain and wet?

Of course this was a parable, and once the meaning of the Lamps is found, no such constraints as room temperature are needed. A Parable is a fictitious narrative that is limited to making one or a few points. WE are constrained by 2nd Peter 1:20 and Romans 1:18-20 to interpret it using only other scripture or nature.
1. The only "Virgins" of the New Testament are members of a Church (2. Cor.11:2) and "those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes (Rev.14:1-5)". All ten must be Christians:
2. The Lamp of a man is his human spirit (Prov.20:27)
3. Oil is a picture of the Holy Spirit (1. Sam.16:13). The fruit of Olive "honors God (Judg.9:9)"
4. Fire is first God and then judgment (Heb.12:29)

The Lamp of each individual Virgin was their human spirit, enlightened, enlivened and burning with the Holy Spirit - Reborn (Jn.3:6).

The LIFE and LIGHT of the Holy Spirit cannot be extinguished. The Foolish Virgins thought it could. But their problem lay in their false view of the salvation process of man. Their problem lay in the oil of their VESSELS - not the Lamps. They had been born again, and because the Lord delayed His second coming, these Christians died. During their lifetime the wise Virgins PAID for more oil for their VESSELS - a picture of denying the soul and crucifying the flesh couple with taking the time for eating God's Word and nurturing a love affair with Jesus in which we partake of His sufferings. These are the PRICE for entry into the Kingdom when Christ comes, and the Kingdom is what the Parable is about.

However, things can, and do get hot for Christians sometimes. He can be led through a wilderness for his training (Deut.8:1-8). He can experience "fiery trials" (1. Pet.4:12). He can be chastised by his heavenly Father (Heb.12:29).

[Dennis1209]

13 hours ago, AdHoc said:

Of course this was a parable, and once the meaning of the Lamps is found, no such constraints as room temperature are needed. A Parable is a fictitious narrative that is limited to making one or a few points. WE are constrained by 2nd Peter 1:20 and Romans 1:18-20 to interpret it using only other scripture or nature.
1. The only "Virgins" of the New Testament are members of a Church (2. Cor.11:2) and "those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes (Rev.14:1-5)". All ten must be Christians:
2. The Lamp of a man is his human spirit (Prov.20:27)
3. Oil is a picture of the Holy Spirit (1. Sam.16:13). The fruit of Olive "honors God (Judg.9:9)"
4. Fire is first God and then judgment (Heb.12:29)

The Lamp of each individual Virgin was their human spirit, enlightened, enlivened and burning with the Holy Spirit - Reborn (Jn.3:6).

The LIFE and LIGHT of the Holy Spirit cannot be extinguished. The Foolish Virgins thought it could. But their problem lay in their false view of the salvation process of man. Their problem lay in the oil of their VESSELS - not the Lamps. They had been born again, and because the Lord delayed His second coming, these Christians died. During their lifetime the wise Virgins PAID for more oil for their VESSELS - a picture of denying the soul and crucifying the flesh couple with taking the time for eating God's Word and nurturing a love affair with Jesus in which we partake of His sufferings. These are the PRICE for entry into the Kingdom when Christ comes, and the Kingdom is what the Parable is about.

However, things can, and do get hot for Christians sometimes. He can be led through a wilderness for his training (Deut.8:1-8). He can experience "fiery trials" (1. Pet.4:12). He can be chastised by his heavenly Father (Heb.12:29).

Good morning,

My understanding, the meaning, and interpretation of the parable of the Ten Virgins have varied. As we would agree, there are multiple views of the meaning and application of fine Christian theologians. I am not going to hang my hat on any specific view. Of all the parables Jesus presented, this one is the most difficult to settle in my mind. My thinking and breakdown of my latest study is as follows:

Matthew gives the best-detailed account of the Gospels, differentiating the difference between the kingdom of Heaven and the kingdom of God, which are not currently synonymous. I will do my best to be brief.

John the Baptist prepared the way for the Messiah, preaching the kingdom of Heaven, not the kingdom of God. Jesus also preached the kingdom of Heaven initially, then abruptly He switched and phrased it, the kingdom of God, when He determined the kingdom of Heaven would be rejected by the Jews. Jesus offered it to the Jews first, and they rejected it. The children of the kingdom were to be the Jews only. Because Israel rejected the kingdom of Heaven, it has been postponed until the millennium.

The kingdom of Heaven is defined as the kingdom that God intends for this earth and is physical. When it comes to power, it will replace all other kingdoms, i.e., the kingdom of Satan, Antichrist's kingdom, and Gentile kingdoms. It is not Heaven ruling Heaven; it is Heaven ruling the earth through men.

One key point, the Lord exhorts, watch, therefore. To be attentive and ready for the coming bridegroom, half will be let in, and half will be rejected. There is no application to the kingdom of God here; that makes no sense.

Who are these ten virgins? They seem not to be the church or Christians; these virgins are not the bride; they are coming to view, escort, and assist the bride; they are guest attendants. They are bridesmaids, and five (or half) are not allowed into the wedding, as a judgment on the yet living soon after the Lord's return in glory.

Psalm 45:13 The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. 14. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee. 15. With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.

These groups of people from all over the world survived the Tribulation. Half of them who survived the Tribulation and accepted the Lord will be invited into the kingdom of Heaven (millennial reign of Christ), and will be attendants, assistants, and guests at the marriage of the Lamb. The other half who survived the Tribulation and rejected the gospel of the kingdom preached by the Two Witnesses and the flying angel, will be killed off and cast into outer darkness.

Matthew 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Note the five critical words in this parable: 1. Wise. 2. Foolish. 3. Lamp. 4. Light. 5. Oil. Many agree this parable is talking to the house of Israel (ten tribes), not Christians or the church.

I propose that this is the kingdom of Heaven delayed to the initial promise of the kingdom of Heaven to the Jew when Christ came the first time. It is unnecessary to see any special meaning in the number ten or five, nor the virgins as virgins. It is just an illustration drawn from the marriage customs of the time to set forth vividly the peril of not watching and being ready when Jesus comes.

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. (Matthew 25:10)

There will be invitations, guests, and attendants at the marriage of the Groom to His bride, the church. These guests could be converted messianic Jews attending the wedding ceremony.

As mentioned in my disclaimer at the beginning, these are thoughts.

[AdHoc]

8 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

Good morning,

My understanding, the meaning, and interpretation of the parable of the Ten Virgins have varied. As we would agree, there are multiple views of the meaning and application of fine Christian theologians. I am not going to hang my hat on any specific view. Of all the parables Jesus presented, this one is the most difficult to settle in my mind. My thinking and breakdown of my latest study is as follows:

Matthew gives the best-detailed account of the Gospels, differentiating the difference between the kingdom of Heaven and the kingdom of God, which are not currently synonymous. I will do my best to be brief.

John the Baptist prepared the way for the Messiah, preaching the kingdom of Heaven, not the kingdom of God. Jesus also preached the kingdom of Heaven initially, then abruptly He switched and phrased it, the kingdom of God, when He determined the kingdom of Heaven would be rejected by the Jews. Jesus offered it to the Jews first, and they rejected it. The children of the kingdom were to be the Jews only. Because Israel rejected the kingdom of Heaven, it has been postponed until the millennium.

The kingdom of Heaven is defined as the kingdom that God intends for this earth and is physical. When it comes to power, it will replace all other kingdoms, i.e., the kingdom of Satan, Antichrist's kingdom, and Gentile kingdoms. It is not Heaven ruling Heaven; it is Heaven ruling the earth through men.

One key point, the Lord exhorts, watch, therefore. To be attentive and ready for the coming bridegroom, half will be let in, and half will be rejected. There is no application to the kingdom of God here; that makes no sense.

Who are these ten virgins? They seem not to be the church or Christians; these virgins are not the bride; they are coming to view, escort, and assist the bride; they are guest attendants. They are bridesmaids, and five (or half) are not allowed into the wedding, as a judgment on the yet living soon after the Lord's return in glory.

Psalm 45:13 The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. 14. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee. 15. With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.

These groups of people from all over the world survived the Tribulation. Half of them who survived the Tribulation and accepted the Lord will be invited into the kingdom of Heaven (millennial reign of Christ), and will be attendants, assistants, and guests at the marriage of the Lamb. The other half who survived the Tribulation and rejected the gospel of the kingdom preached by the Two Witnesses and the flying angel, will be killed off and cast into outer darkness.

Matthew 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Note the five critical words in this parable: 1. Wise. 2. Foolish. 3. Lamp. 4. Light. 5. Oil. Many agree this parable is talking to the house of Israel (ten tribes), not Christians or the church.

I propose that this is the kingdom of Heaven delayed to the initial promise of the kingdom of Heaven to the Jew when Christ came the first time. It is unnecessary to see any special meaning in the number ten or five, nor the virgins as virgins. It is just an illustration drawn from the marriage customs of the time to set forth vividly the peril of not watching and being ready when Jesus comes.

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. (Matthew 25:10)

There will be invitations, guests, and attendants at the marriage of the Groom to His bride, the church. These guests could be converted messianic Jews attending the wedding ceremony.

As mentioned in my disclaimer at the beginning, these are thoughts.

Every one of us starts off with "thoughts". The may not be right, but they are valid until proven incorrect. the thought-process is another attribute and right of a human. God sets great store on it. Does He not say; "Come, let us reason?" (Isa.1:18). That a man will change his opinions over his lifetime is a given. Only the fool does not change his opinion when better information arrives. With that background, I will lay forth, briefly too, my understanding. Then you can compare notes,

God mad man to be in His image and likeness and made him to subdue and rule this earth (Gen.1:26-28). If man was "lke" God, he would rule like God. That is, whatever God did in heaven, man would do "like"-wise on earth. The term, Kingdom OF heaven implies that it proceeds OUT OF heaven. And so our Lord defines it in Matthew 6 as "THY (God's) will be dome on earth AS IT IS in heaven. During the Colonial age RULE proceeded OUT OF Westminster and was applied IN India. That is, the rule that government in Westminster applied was applied equally by a High Commissioner in India.

Thus, the Kingdom (out) OF heaven is what Christ said it was - The Father's will applied ON earth AS IT IS in heaven. The term is exclusive to Matthew's gospel.

"The Kingdom of God" does not deal with the rule of heaven. It deals with God as opposed to men or angels. Daniel sums it up nicely. I sets forth four kingdoms and lauds Nebuchadnezzar as the first. The he predicts their REPLACEMENT by a Kindom with God's people in charge. It reads; 

44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, ... (Da 2:44).

God will replace all the kingdoms with HIS KINGDOM - THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

Now, you have well said that the Virgins are guests. So also the marriage Feast of Matthew 22. Only guests are in view. Where then is the Bride? Well, the answer is that at the Bema the Bride will not be ready. All indications from direct statements and parables are that the bulk of Christianity will not be "spotless". Ephesians 5:27 predicts ... 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 ... 

But any one reading about the Church knows that the first half of Epistles to the Churches deal with massive problems, and the second half deal with massive apostasy. Now, if I am correct and the Bride is not ready, the father is faced with a decision. Delay or cancel the Wedding Feast, or give His Son Jesus a second grade Bride with dirty garments and covered with spots and blemishes. What is His decision? The answer is that He does what He always does and allows a REPRESENTATIVE BRIDE. He would save Sodom for 10 righteous. He saved Israel for 7,000 at Elijah's time, and although only 2.5% of Judah returned to build the Second Temple, He calls them "Israel". The 97% who remained in Babylon are not even connected to the term "God" (Book of Esther).

So the parable of the virgins shows THREE THINGS
1. the conditions of the Wedding Feast are the same for the Kingdom of Heaven.
2. those who are banished from the wedding feast, are equally banished from the 1,000 years Kingdom
3. the ten Virgins are the same in all aspects except one. The foolish thought that there was no need for oil in their VESSEL (not Lamps), and they thought that extra oil was for free. The reason for this was that they were not intimate with the Groom

Interestingly, the two parables of Matthew 22 and 25 do not address the Bride. She is found in Revelation 19. Those who were invited AND who made up the Bride "made THEMSELVES ready" with garments "clean and white". The small percentage of Christians who are invited are the SAME contingent who make up the OVERCOMRS, and the SAME contingent who make up the GUESTS. Christ gets His Bride. His joy is complete. Those who did not invest in the Church and Kingdom are banished, and good riddance! All they did in their lifetime was to seek their own interests and not those of their Lord. They never loved Him.

[Michael37]

9 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

Good morning,

My understanding, the meaning, and interpretation of the parable of the Ten Virgins have varied. As we would agree, there are multiple views of the meaning and application of fine Christian theologians. I am not going to hang my hat on any specific view. Of all the parables Jesus presented, this one is the most difficult to settle in my mind. My thinking and breakdown of my latest study is as follows:

Matthew gives the best-detailed account of the Gospels, differentiating the difference between the kingdom of Heaven and the kingdom of God, which are not currently synonymous. I will do my best to be brief.

John the Baptist prepared the way for the Messiah, preaching the kingdom of Heaven, not the kingdom of God. Jesus also preached the kingdom of Heaven initially, then abruptly He switched and phrased it, the kingdom of God, when He determined the kingdom of Heaven would be rejected by the Jews. Jesus offered it to the Jews first, and they rejected it. The children of the kingdom were to be the Jews only. Because Israel rejected the kingdom of Heaven, it has been postponed until the millennium.

The kingdom of Heaven is defined as the kingdom that God intends for this earth and is physical. When it comes to power, it will replace all other kingdoms, i.e., the kingdom of Satan, Antichrist's kingdom, and Gentile kingdoms. It is not Heaven ruling Heaven; it is Heaven ruling the earth through men.

One key point, the Lord exhorts, watch, therefore. To be attentive and ready for the coming bridegroom, half will be let in, and half will be rejected. There is no application to the kingdom of God here; that makes no sense.

Who are these ten virgins? They seem not to be the church or Christians; these virgins are not the bride; they are coming to view, escort, and assist the bride; they are guest attendants. They are bridesmaids, and five (or half) are not allowed into the wedding, as a judgment on the yet living soon after the Lord's return in glory.

Psalm 45:13 The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. 14. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee. 15. With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.

These groups of people from all over the world survived the Tribulation. Half of them who survived the Tribulation and accepted the Lord will be invited into the kingdom of Heaven (millennial reign of Christ), and will be attendants, assistants, and guests at the marriage of the Lamb. The other half who survived the Tribulation and rejected the gospel of the kingdom preached by the Two Witnesses and the flying angel, will be killed off and cast into outer darkness.

Matthew 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Note the five critical words in this parable: 1. Wise. 2. Foolish. 3. Lamp. 4. Light. 5. Oil. Many agree this parable is talking to the house of Israel (ten tribes), not Christians or the church.

I propose that this is the kingdom of Heaven delayed to the initial promise of the kingdom of Heaven to the Jew when Christ came the first time. It is unnecessary to see any special meaning in the number ten or five, nor the virgins as virgins. It is just an illustration drawn from the marriage customs of the time to set forth vividly the peril of not watching and being ready when Jesus comes.

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. (Matthew 25:10)

There will be invitations, guests, and attendants at the marriage of the Groom to His bride, the church. These guests could be converted messianic Jews attending the wedding ceremony.

As mentioned in my disclaimer at the beginning, these are thoughts.

Until the Internet, I thought everyone who was familiar with the parable of the wise and foolish virgins knew it was about being ready for Christ's Return. 

[Dennis1209]

16 hours ago, AdHoc said:

Every one of us starts off with "thoughts". The may not be right, but they are valid until proven incorrect. the thought-process is another attribute and right of a human. God sets great store on it. Does He not say; "Come, let us reason?" (Isa.1:18). That a man will change his opinions over his lifetime is a given. Only the fool does not change his opinion when better information arrives. With that background, I will lay forth, briefly too, my understanding. Then you can compare notes,

God mad man to be in His image and likeness and made him to subdue and rule this earth (Gen.1:26-28). If man was "lke" God, he would rule like God. That is, whatever God did in heaven, man would do "like"-wise on earth. The term, Kingdom OF heaven implies that it proceeds OUT OF heaven. And so our Lord defines it in Matthew 6 as "THY (God's) will be dome on earth AS IT IS in heaven. During the Colonial age RULE proceeded OUT OF Westminster and was applied IN India. That is, the rule that government in Westminster applied was applied equally by a High Commissioner in India.

Thus, the Kingdom (out) OF heaven is what Christ said it was - The Father's will applied ON earth AS IT IS in heaven. The term is exclusive to Matthew's gospel.

"The Kingdom of God" does not deal with the rule of heaven. It deals with God as opposed to men or angels. Daniel sums it up nicely. I sets forth four kingdoms and lauds Nebuchadnezzar as the first. The he predicts their REPLACEMENT by a Kindom with God's people in charge. It reads; 

44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, ... (Da 2:44).

God will replace all the kingdoms with HIS KINGDOM - THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

Now, you have well said that the Virgins are guests. So also the marriage Feast of Matthew 22. Only guests are in view. Where then is the Bride? Well, the answer is that at the Bema the Bride will not be ready. All indications from direct statements and parables are that the bulk of Christianity will not be "spotless". Ephesians 5:27 predicts ... 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 ... 

But any one reading about the Church knows that the first half of Epistles to the Churches deal with massive problems, and the second half deal with massive apostasy. Now, if I am correct and the Bride is not ready, the father is faced with a decision. Delay or cancel the Wedding Feast, or give His Son Jesus a second grade Bride with dirty garments and covered with spots and blemishes. What is His decision? The answer is that He does what He always does and allows a REPRESENTATIVE BRIDE. He would save Sodom for 10 righteous. He saved Israel for 7,000 at Elijah's time, and although only 2.5% of Judah returned to build the Second Temple, He calls them "Israel". The 97% who remained in Babylon are not even connected to the term "God" (Book of Esther).

So the parable of the virgins shows THREE THINGS
1. the conditions of the Wedding Feast are the same for the Kingdom of Heaven.
2. those who are banished from the wedding feast, are equally banished from the 1,000 years Kingdom
3. the ten Virgins are the same in all aspects except one. The foolish thought that there was no need for oil in their VESSEL (not Lamps), and they thought that extra oil was for free. The reason for this was that they were not intimate with the Groom

Interestingly, the two parables of Matthew 22 and 25 do not address the Bride. She is found in Revelation 19. Those who were invited AND who made up the Bride "made THEMSELVES ready" with garments "clean and white". The small percentage of Christians who are invited are the SAME contingent who make up the OVERCOMRS, and the SAME contingent who make up the GUESTS. Christ gets His Bride. His joy is complete. Those who did not invest in the Church and Kingdom are banished, and good riddance! All they did in their lifetime was to seek their own interests and not those of their Lord. They never loved Him.

Okay, for the sake of discussion, let us simplify this a bit more. My assumption is the bride is already inside the house. Asking specifically, who are the Ten Virgins, what do they represent, when and where?

The bridegroom is Jesus and enters the house with His bride, who presumably is already inside the home. This parable is part of and mirrors the traditional 2^nd Temple period Jewish customs and procedures to a tee. Following the established betrothal custom through the Father telling his Son everything is ready, go and fetch your bride. Whose house is it?

I suggest it is the Father’s house, where the Son added an addition to make room for Him and His bride. The marriage and marriage feast are two separate events and locations, as I judge. I see the legalistic marriage taking place in Heaven (whether in the 2^nd or 3^rd Heaven, I am unsure). It appears to me the wedding feast is on the Earth. This parable addresses the marriage of the Lamb only as I view it.

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. (Matthew 25:10)  

Somehow, my view on this must be wrong! I see no indication this parable is talking about the marriage feast. Yet, all my scholarly commentaries address this as the marriage feast. Is this the marriage of the Lamb or the marriage banquet?  

As I mentioned, these five wise and five foolish virgins cannot be part of the Age of Grace, the church. The bride is already presumably inside the house, and they are seeking admittance to inside this house for the wedding. As bridesmaids’ they attend to the bride, support and witness the marriage. They themselves are not getting married.

The widespread consensus is these ten are all professing Christians, divided between true-false disciples, half watching, prepared, and ready, the other half not.

If the oil is somehow symbolic of the Holy Spirit, as many suggest, how do you run into town and purchase some more? How would the wise give them some oil if it were associated with the Holy Spirit?

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. (Matthew 25:9)

I suspect these Ten Virgins, represented as attendants to the bride, are Jews on either side of the dispensation of Grace invited to accompany and attend to the bride at the marriage of the Lamb.

Most likely, my thoughts and personal study need to be chucked in the trash bin. They are at odds with every conservative theologian I have consulted.

One thing would be helpful for my interpretation: How do the scholars determine this parable is addressing the wedding feast, separate from the wedding in time and location?

[Dennis1209]

15 hours ago, Michael37 said:

Until the Internet, I thought everyone who was familiar with the parable of the wise and foolish virgins knew it was about being ready for Christ's Return. 

Yes, several passages are commanding us to be watchful, expectant, and ready for the Lord's return. I better express my thoughts and questions on the subject of the Ten Virgins above.

[AdHoc]

6 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

Okay, for the sake of discussion, let us simplify this a bit more. My assumption is the bride is already inside the house. Asking specifically, who are the Ten Virgins, what do they represent, when and where?

The bridegroom is Jesus and enters the house with His bride, who presumably is already inside the home. This parable is part of and mirrors the traditional 2^nd Temple period Jewish customs and procedures to a tee. Following the established betrothal custom through the Father telling his Son everything is ready, go and fetch your bride. Whose house is it?

I suggest it is the Father’s house, where the Son added an addition to make room for Him and His bride. The marriage and marriage feast are two separate events and locations, as I judge. I see the legalistic marriage taking place in Heaven (whether in the 2^nd or 3^rd Heaven, I am unsure). It appears to me the wedding feast is on the Earth. This parable addresses the marriage of the Lamb only as I view it.

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. (Matthew 25:10)  

Somehow, my view on this must be wrong! I see no indication this parable is talking about the marriage feast. Yet, all my scholarly commentaries address this as the marriage feast. Is this the marriage of the Lamb or the marriage banquet?  

As I mentioned, these five wise and five foolish virgins cannot be part of the Age of Grace, the church. The bride is already presumably inside the house, and they are seeking admittance to inside this house for the wedding. As bridesmaids’ they attend to the bride, support and witness the marriage. They themselves are not getting married.

The widespread consensus is these ten are all professing Christians, divided between true-false disciples, half watching, prepared, and ready, the other half not.

If the oil is somehow symbolic of the Holy Spirit, as many suggest, how do you run into town and purchase some more? How would the wise give them some oil if it were associated with the Holy Spirit?

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. (Matthew 25:9)

I suspect these Ten Virgins, represented as attendants to the bride, are Jews on either side of the dispensation of Grace invited to accompany and attend to the bride at the marriage of the Lamb.

Most likely, my thoughts and personal study need to be chucked in the trash bin. They are at odds with every conservative theologian I have consulted.

One thing would be helpful for my interpretation: How do the scholars determine this parable is addressing the wedding feast, separate from the wedding in time and location?

 No study is wasted. If it leads to a false understanding for a while, it becomes an indelible lesson. This swap of ideas should provoke thought on the matter, not criticism. Here are my ideas - for the sake of comparison.

2nd Peter 1:20 is emphatic. We may not interpret the Word with "private" means. Therefore, I personally do not give any value to Jewish tradition when trying to fathom scripture. I also try to stay within the text but allow logical conclusions. With these constraints, I see the following. The text is below for quick reference.

The word "therefore" in verse 13 can only mean Christ's disciples. They heard the parable, and they provoked it by the three questions in 24:3

The Church alone is called "Virgins" in 2nd Corinthians 11:2.

The Kingdom of Heaven needs rebirth (Jn.3:3) The ten Virgins are "LIKE" the Kingdom - they must be born again. The Parable could not apply to non-believers and the non reborn.

"Went forth to meet the Bridegroom" is only true of Christians. The Gentiles are indifferent and the Jews hate Him.

They all slumbered and slept. They died due to the Grooms delaying His arrival. Their number is not 12 - th number of God's people, but if you add the TWO at the mill, field tc, you have the living and the dad totaling 12 - the number of God's people.

The resurrection the Virgins partake of is "the Groom COMETH"! This must be the Church (1st Cor.15:23).

"ALL the Virgins arose". They all belong to the same resurrection for the Kingdom of Heaven. This is reserved for Christians alone. (Mathew 7:21-23).

Israel is accused by God of whoredom and given a writ of divorce by God. They cannot be Virgins

Israel had the Groom and rejected Him

Israel have the Kingdom removed from their inheritance (Matt.21:43). It cannot be given to them again because it is promised to another people.

Israel are not called to meet the Groom. Israel, who was dispersed to the "four winds", is gathered by angels (Matt.24:31)

The Church is gathered to the Groom at the Bema. Israel is gathered to their Land (Ezek.37).

Jesus is HEAD of the BODY. To Israel He is KING

In the last seven years of this age Israel choose a Gentile king

The matter of buying oil is relatively simple. The foolish Virgins are told to to "buy from them that sell". The wise Virgins bought their extra oil during their lifetime (before falling asleep). Thus, "those that sell" must be on earth. The foolish Virgins buy the right oil but are refused entry to the Feast on other grounds. the Wedding Feast must be on earth. If it is "like" the Kingdom, it must last 1,000 years.

I agree with you that the Marriage FEAST is one thing and the "ONE FLESH" is another. The Marriage FEAST is in view in Matthew 22 and 25. The bride for the FEAST is is in view in Revelation 19. The WIFE is in view in Revelation 21 when the Bride "has been adorned" as opposed to "Made HERSELF ready" in Chapter 19. The Christian has two garments. One is the righteousness of Christ. This garment is for our relationship with a holy God. The other is OUR righteousness - which is for qualifying for the Kingdom/Wedding Feast.

There is more internal evidence which would take to long to post here. I think that the above points are ample proof.

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 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. 10 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. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

 

[farouk]

On 2/14/2024 at 5:07 PM, NConly said:

Exo 30

8 And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations.

Incense would be a good way to keep fire around without heating the house/tent. A small piece of cloth would light from the incense that could light a lamp. just my thoughts

@NConly I am reminded of this song:

 

 

Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning
Give me oil in my lamp, I pray
Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning
Keep me burning 'til the break of day

 A. Sevison / C. Barny Robertson