Hebrew weddings usually took place at nights commencing with the rise of the evening star. It was a Hebrew custom for the friends of the bridegroom to shout in the street that he was coming while they were walking. Jesus said the bridegroom arrived at midnight. In the parable, Jesus gave the impression that the bridegroom was delayed much more than usual.
The journey would have begun from his home and people along the road they were travelling would have joined in the shouts of happiness all the way to the bride’s house.
The virgins would have been chosen by the bride to go out to meet the bridegroom and his party when they came. So when the cry awoke them, they rose up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish had to go and buy lamp oil.
The Holy Spirit cannot be bought or sold so this parable is not making a comparison to the Holy Spirit as some people teach. Since it is not making a comparison to the Holy Spirit, the lamps and vessels would not be making a reference to people either.
This parable was simply used by Jesus to illustrate a point to the disciples. The point being that they must be watchful and prepared for His return. There are no hidden messages or other teachings arising from this parable. (Click here to see the entire study.)
Be wise and God Bless you.
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