Gospel of Matthew Chapter 25 Vs. 2

 The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:2 “And five of them were wise, and five [were] foolish.”

And five of... The virgins who are wise; not in their own conceits; which is the case of a natural man and empty professors. But are such who are wise unto salvation. Who not only know the scheme of it but are sensible of their need of it and apply to Christ for it. Who commit their souls to Him.

They trust in his righteousness for justification; in his blood for pardon; in his sacrifice for atonement; in his fullness for daily supplies; in his grace and strength to perform every duty; and expect eternal life in and from him. They know him, prize him, and value him as their Savior; rejoice in him and give him all the glory. They hold fast without wavering.

And five were... Not in their own minds, in which they might be wise enough. Nor in the judgment of others; nor in natural knowledge; or with respect to the things of the world; nor in speculative notions of the Gospel.

Every unconverted man being a foolish man as all are who build their hopes of it on birth privileges; on a carnal descent from good men; on a religious education; on their own righteousness; or on the absolute mercy of God; and not on Christ, the one only, and sure foundation.

They are such who know not themselves; the impurity of their hearts, and nature; their impotency to that which is spiritually good; and the imperfection and insufficiency of their own righteousness. They know not Christ, and his salvation, neither the worth, nor want of him, and are altogether strangers to the power of godliness and spiritual experience.

They are also as foolish in the affair of a profession, which they take up without a work of the Spirit of God upon their souls, and without considering the cost and charge of it. And either in a little time wholly drop it, or, if they hold it, they foolishly depend upon it, or lead lives unsuitable to it.

An interval, therefore, of unknown length must pass meantime; and herein, as the sequel will unfold, lies the test which distinguishes the wise from the foolish virgins.

Israel therefore is pictured as 10 virgins who are awaiting the return of the bridegroom. In wedding customs in Jesus’ day, the bridegroom would return from the house of the bride in a procession leading to his own home where a wedding banquet would be enjoyed. In Jesus’ parable, He as King will return from heaven with His bride, the church, in order to enter into the Millennium. The Jews in the Tribulation will be some of the invited guests privileged to share in the feast.