Mat 25:3-8 | PNT | STEP | They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them . The Jewish lamp was a shallow vessel filled with oil, on which the wick floated. These virgins had oil in their lamps when they started, but had no oil to replenish them. They started out, apparently, all right, but did not hold out.

Matthew 25:3-8

They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them. The Jewish lamp was a shallow vessel filled with oil, on which the wick floated. These virgins had oil in their lamps when they started, but had no oil to replenish them. They started out, apparently, all right, but did not hold out. But the wise took oil in their vessels. In this their wisdom was displayed. They not only "let their light shine" (Mt 5:16), but at the same time kept the grace renewed that was essential to the continuance of their light. While the bridegroom tarried. This suggests that the heavenly Bridegroom will not return as soon as the church expects him. We have a hint of the same kind in Mt 24:48.

They all slumbered and slept. Literally, "nodded and fell asleep". The thought is that the Bridegroom came at an unexpected moment. And at midnight there was a cry made. Midnight is the hour of slumber and silence when an outcry is always startling and unexpected. The implication is that the cry of the coming of the Bridegroom, the trump of the archangel will be sudden and unexpected. Compare Mt 24:27 1Th 5:23. All . . . arose, and trimmed their lamps. The object of trimming would be to secure a brighter light. It would involve the trimming of the wick and replenishing the oil if needed. When the cry does arise there will be a wonderful lamp-trimming. Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. The Revised Version says, more correctly, "Our lamps are going out". They had kept up a flickering light to this time. Their apparent piety, though it satisfied them before, was not sufficient now. Shams disappear in the presence of death or judgment.