_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 25:1. THEN SHALL THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.—The three parables of this chapter appear here as in closest sequence to the great discourse of chap. 24, and are as its natural conclusion (_Plumptre_). TEN VIRGINS WHICH TOOK THEIR LAMPS.—According to Rabbinical authority, such lamps... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 25:14. FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, etc.—See R.V. SERVANTS.—Slaves. DELIVERED UNTO THEM HIS GOODS.—The outward framework of the parable lies in the Eastern way of dealing with property in the absence of the owner. Two courses were open as an approximation to what we call inves... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 25:31. WHEN THE SON OF MAN SHALL COME, etc.—The paragraph, Matthew 25:31, is not a parable, as some, inclusive of Townsend and Olshausen, have supposed, but a prophecy. It is a prophecy, however, which is largely imbued with parabolic and dramatic symbolisms; and which, con... [ Continue Reading ]