Mysticism and Spirituality

The Parable of the Bridesmaids

The Parable of the Bridesmaids is a timeless lesson of vigilance and preparation. When we overlay the themes of the rabbinic tradition, we see more information under the surface to help us prepare.

The Hidden Orchard

03 Jan 2024 — 5 min read

Many are familiar with the Parable of the 10 Maidens in the Gospel of Matthew¹. When we unpack some of the key elements from the Rabbinic tradition, we'll uncover an interesting insight into this timeless tale.

From the outset, the parable indicates we're talking about the future arrival of the Messianic era. The parable wastes no time to set up a dichotomy between the wise and the foolish bridesmaids.

These two groups are judged upon their preparedness while awaiting the bridegroom. Especially, the amount of oil they have [for their lamps] is the determining factor. While it is clear that oil is important, it is not apparent how one attains such oil.

Oil for the Lamps

In a previous article², we explored the metaphors of oil and lamps. There, we learned that oil is a metaphor for good deeds - more specifically - this is a Rabbinic reference to the observance of the 613 commandments.

We see versions of this idea numerous times in the Midrash and Talmud. Interpreting this idea from the Proverbs, we read:

Rabbi Menaḥem bar Yosei interpreted this verse homiletically: “For the mitzva is a lamp and the Torah is light” (Proverbs 6:23).

The verse associates the mitzva with a lamp and the Torah with the light of the sun. The mitzva is associated with a lamp ... Sotah 21a

Accordingly, in Jesus's parable, having oil implies that one has accrued a sufficient amount of mitzvot through obedience.

Bridesmaids

In some sources, bridesmaids (also translated as virgins or maidens) can represent the Neshamah³, but to me, it is more fitting with Jesus's homiletic theme here that this represents Israel.

We see this in a Midrash on Psalm 45:

The royal princess, her dress embroidered with golden mountings, is led inside to the king; and maidens in her train, her companions, are presented to you. They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king. - Psalm 45: 14-16

In the Midrash⁴, this Psalm is connected to Song of Songs, a book that portrays the bride as the nation of Israel as they are redeemed from various exiles.

Here too, the bride and her maidens are escorted back to the Tabernacle, the house of G_D.

'maidens in train,' these are the people of Israel, who are referred to as maidens.

It is but a slight innovation to direct this concept as a reference to the Messianic kingdom.

A Surprising Turn

The parable takes a negative turn for the foolish bridesmaids. Without enough oil, they are left with little time to remedy their situation.

An obvious solution would be for those with oil to share what they have with those in need. We see similar advice throughout the Gospels when concerning material needs, but no such solution is proposed here.

We realize that this oil can not be cheaply, or quickly acquired. While all of the maidens slept awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom - only those who prepared ahead of time were able to enter into the celebration.

As the parable closes, it becomes apparent that this message is talking about the vigilance and discipline one will need to remain 'awake' and in continual preparation for the Messianic kingdom.

Despite the common interpretations, we again see Jesus as pro-Torah, encouraging his students to keep the mitzvot to the best of their ability.

He has not replaced them nor abolished them, but affirms their importance in the time before the redemption. Sadly, this message has become warped through time.

Though we still await the final redemption today, this parable serves as a reminder that we must make use of the opportunities provided to us to seek the Creator. Even in darkness, the Torah remains a light to our path if we provide the oil.

Below is the full parable ...

Reread with these new elements in place. Do you see more hints?

The Parable of the 10 Virgins

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of the virgins were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish ones took their lamps, they did not take extra olive oil with them. But the wise ones took flasks of olive oil with their lamps. When the bridegroom was delayed a long time, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is here! Come out to meet him.’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’

‘No,’ they replied. ‘There won’t be enough for you and for us. Go instead to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they had gone to buy it, the bridegroom arrived, and those who were ready went inside with him to the wedding banquet. Then the door was shut. Later, the other virgins came too, saying, ‘Lord, lord! Let us in!’ But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I do not know you!’ Therefore stay alert because you do not know the day or the hour.

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