Jesus Cleanses the Temple

temple . . . selling. The Jewish temple was the center of religious life for ancient Israel. Many people would travel to be in Jerusalem during the feasts (see note on 2:41-42). Rather than travel with animals that would be offered as sacrifices, they relied on buying near the temple. Moreover, the temple offerings could not be given using normal coins which bore an image and violated Exod. 20:4. So, they exchanged their money for a special Tyrian coin, which was acceptable. cast out. The temple in Jesus' day has multiple areas and courts designated for different types of people. The place where the sellers had set up was the Gentiles' Court. Other people could be there, but it was the only place non-Jews could be near the temple. The sellers had set-up their booths in this area, which was supposed to be a place of prayer (v. 46).

Jesus entered Jerusalem (vv. 28, 41) and went to the temple, fulfilling Scripture (Mal. 3:1). His quotation from the Old Testament brought together Jer. 7:11 and Isa. 56:7. By basing his clearing of the temple court in Scripture, he condemned his generation of the same sin as their forefathers. den of robbers. A clear reference to Jer. 7:11. It indicates the place where robbers flee from justice after their crime. Israel lived without care for God's law, but still offered sacrifices as a way of escaping judgment. This dishonored God and temple which was meant to be a meeting place between God and his people.

Jesus spent the last week of his life preaching the gospel. However, Israel's spiritual leaders would not listen and sought to kill him. chief priests. Influential men among ancient Israel's priesthood. scribes. See note on 5:17. leaders. Probably another word for elders (9:22).

The spiritual leaders of Israel could not act on their desire to kill Jesus (v. 47) because they feared losing the support of the people (see 20:19; 22:2; Mark 12:12).