25:1 Then 1 shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten
virgins, which took their lamps, and a went forth to meet
the bridegroom.
(1) We must desire strength from God's hand which may serve us
as a torch while we walk through this darkness, to bring us
to our desired end: otherwise, if we become slothful and
negligent because we are weary of our pains and travail,
we shall be kept from entering the doors.
(a) The pomp of weddings was usually preferred to be done at
night, and that by young unmarried women.
25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all b slumbered and
slept.
(b) Their eyes being heavy with sleep.
25:142 For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling
into a far country, [who] called his own servants, and
delivered unto them his goods.
(2) Christ witnesses that there will be a long time between his
departure to his Father and his coming again to us, but yet
notwithstanding that, he will at that day take an account
not only of the rebellious and obstinate, how they have
made use of that which they received from him, but also of
his household servants, who have because of slothfulness
not employed those gifts which he bestowed upon them.
25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to
another one; to every man according to his several c
ability; and straightway took his journey.
(c) According to the wisdom and skill in dealing which
was given to them.
25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and
faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few
things, I will make thee ruler over many things: d enter
thou into the joy of thy lord.
(d) Come and receive the fruit of my goodness: now the
Lord's joy is doubled; see (Joh 15:11): that my
joy may remain in you, and your joy be fulfilled.
25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the e
exchangers, and [then] at my coming I should have received
mine own with usury.
(e) Bankers who have their shops or tables set up abroad,
where they lend money at interest. Usury or loaning
money at interest is strictly forbidden by the Bible,
(Ex 22:25-27 De 23:19,20). Even a rate as low
as one per cent interest was disallowed, (Ne 5:11).
This servant had already told two lies. First he said
the master was an austere or harsh man. This is a lie
for the Lord is merciful and gracious. Next he called
his master a thief because he reaped where he did not
sow. Finally the master said to him sarcastically why
did you not add insult to injury and loan the money
out at interest so you could call your master a
"usurer" too! If the servant had done this, his
master would have been responsible for his servant's
actions and guilty of usury.
25:313 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all
the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the
throne of his glory:
(3) A graphic setting forth of the everlasting judgment which
is to come.
25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come,
ye f blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared
for you from the foundation of the world:
(f) Blessed and happy, upon whom my Father has most
abundantly bestowed his benefits.
