Matthew 25:5

“While the bridegroom tarried, etc.] The space of time here referred to, is either from the ascension of Christ, to his coming to take vengeance on the Jews; or from thence to his second coming; or rather from the time of some general expectation by the saints, of the near approach of Christ, till such time he does come: for as there was a general expectation of the coming of Christ before he came in the flesh, so there will be a general expectation of Christ being near at hand some time before his second coming; and because such an expectation will not be answered, or Christ will not come so soon as was hoped for, and expected, a general drowsiness, and security, and unconcernedness,…”

“The bridegroom tarried - That is, while they waited for him. It was uncertain at what time he would come. He delayed longer than they expected. All slumbered and slept - Waiting until near midnight, they fell into repose. This circumstance is not to be pressed to prove that all Christians will be asleep, or cold and careless, when the Lord Jesus shall come. “Many” may be so, but many, also, will be looking for his coming. This circumstance is designed simply to show more clearly the “duty of being ready,” Matthew 25:13. It does not mean to affirm it “as a fact” that none will be ready. return to 'Top of Page'”

“While the bridegroom delayed - That is, before they were called to attend him, they all slumbered and slept - Were easy and quiet, the wise enjoying a true, the foolish a false peace. Matthew 25:6”

“25:5 Both the prudent and the foolish bridesmaids sleep while waiting. The parable criticizes only the foolish bridesmaids’ failure to bring enough oil.”

“the: Mat 25:19, Mat 24:48; Hab 2:3; Luk 12:45, Luk 20:9; Heb 10:36, Heb 10:37; Pe2 3:4-9; Rev 2:25 they: Mat 26:40, Mat 26:43; Sol 3:1, Sol 5:2; Jon 1:5, Jon 1:6; Mar 14:37, Mar 14:38; Luk 18:8; Rom 13:11; Eph 5:14; Th1 5:6-8; Pe1 5:8 Matthew 25:6”