Lecture Notes: The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Introduction

• Host: Hebraic Heritage Ministries Yeshiva Discipleship Program.
• Focus: The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).
• Context: Matthew 24 (Yeshua discusses signs of His coming and end of the age).

Context of the Parable

Yeshua's Signs of His Coming

• Matthew 24:3: Disciples ask about the sign of Yeshua's coming and end of the age.
• Yeshua gives many signs before revealing the ultimate sign.
• Matthew 24:32-33: Parable of the fig tree—Israel likened to a fig tree (Hosea 9:10).
• Luke 21:20, 25: Jerusalem attacked; signs in the sun, moon, stars, and distress of nations.
• Matthew 24:30: The ultimate sign: Son of Man coming in clouds with great glory.

Connection to the Torah

• Exodus 3: Yahweh speaks to Moses through the burning bush; promises redemption of Israel.
• Exodus 4: Signs given to Moses for Israel's belief; related to the signs of Yeshua’s coming.
• First Sign: Rod turning into a serpent, symbolizing Yeshua becoming sin for humanity.
• Second Sign: Leprous hand healed, symbolizing Israel’s sin, exile, and eventual restoration.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

• Matthew 24:45: Who is a faithful and wise servant?
• 1 Corinthians 4:2: Stewards must be faithful.
• Matthew 25:1: The kingdom of heaven likened to ten virgins with lamps meeting the bridegroom.

Symbolism and Interpretation

• Bridegroom: Yeshua (Revelation 19:7).
• Ten Virgins: Legal congregation in Hebraic culture, representing the body of Messiah.
• Lamps: Symbolize the Torah (Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 6:23).
• Oil: Symbolizes Torah and good deeds (Midrash Rabba).

Wise vs. Foolish Virgins

• Wise Virgins: Follow the Torah (Proverbs 28:7, Psalm 19:7).
• Foolish Virgins: Do not follow the Torah.
• Matthew 25:5: Virgins slumbered, representing spiritual slumber and departure from the Torah.

Spiritual Slumber and Awakening

• Isaiah 29:9-10: Spiritual slumber caused by abandoning the Torah.
• Psalm 107:10-11: Darkness as punishment for forsaking the Torah.
• Psalm 119:105: Torah as a light and guide.

Conclusion

Key Points

• Yeshua's Return: Linked to signs and ultimate redemption of Israel.
• Faithfulness and Wisdom: Expected of Yeshua's servants; following the Torah is wise.
• Resurrection of Israel: Paralleled with Yeshua's resurrection; key sign of Messiah’s role.
• Great Glory: Yeshua returns in glory, ending Israel’s exile, uniting Northern and Southern Kingdoms.

Summary

• Faithful Servants: Rewarded by ruling with Yeshua (Matthew 19:27-28, Revelation 5:10, 20:6).
• Yeshua’s Glory: Manifested in the redemption and reunification of Israel.
• Ten Virgins Parable: Represents the body of Messiah; wise virgins ready for the bridegroom.

Next Steps

• Further explanation of the parable of the Ten Virgins in the next part of the teaching.