Matthew 21:12

Jesus went into the temple. [Second Cleansing of the Temple, Matt. 21:12—17=Mark 11:15-19=Luke 19:45-48. Major comment: Matthew. See Closing Ministry at Jerusalem; The Duration of Christ’s Ministry, the Passion Week, The Duration of Christ’s Ministry, the Opening of the Galilean Ministry, the Passion Week, the Resurrection to Ascension.] The First Cleansing of the Temple is recorded only in John (see ch. 2:13-25), which, in turn, contains no account of this Second Cleansing. The First Cleansing took place in the spring of A.D. 28, at the beginning of Jesus’ early Judean ministry (see on John 2:13-17).

Because Jesus entered the courts of the Temple late Sunday afternoon, following His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (see on Matt. 21:1), and because the Gospel record leaves more or less obscure the transition from this visit to the Temple to that of the following day, some have concluded that the cleansing of the Temple occurred on Sunday, immediately following the triumphal ride into the city. Matthew’s deviation from strict chronological order in recording the cursing and withering of the fig tree (see on v. 18) has also tended to leave the actual order of events less apparent than it would otherwise be. The narrative in Mark is in more nearly strict chronological order; hence the Second Cleansing of the Temple occurred on Monday (cf. DA 581, 582).

Cast out. Undoubtedly, the throng that accompanied Jesus had intended to crown Him as king of Israel. Although Jesus never lent encouragement to the erroneous ideas the Jews held concerning His kingdom, He now proceeded to act in the role of Messiah-King in order that all men might have full opportunity to understand the significance of the crucifixion (see on vs. 1, 5). He declared the Temple to be “my house” (v. 13), and as its rightful owner He exercised His authority to determine what use should be made of its sacred precincts (see on v. 23).

Them that sold and bought. The outer court, the court of the Gentiles, was the scene of this unholy traffic. In the Temple market were sold the various kinds of animals and birds required for sacrifice, together with cereal, salt, incense, and oil (see Vol. I, pp. 698-705). This market was considered a necessary convenience for the pilgrims who came from great distances, and who thus found it impractical to bring their own sacrifices. The noise, commotion, and sharp bargaining carried on must have offended the religious consciousness of those who worshiped God “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). This traffic was licensed by the Temple authorities, who made a handsome profit from it. But those who carried it on revealed that they had a gross misconception of the character of God and of the requirements He made of those who love and serve Him (see p. 70; see on Micah 6:8; Matt. 9:13; Eze. 44:23).

Tables. Gr. trapeza (see on Luke 19:23).

Moneychangers. Here, those who exchanged other currencies for the half shekel of the Temple, at a profit to themselves, of course (see on ch. 17:24).

Doves. Or, “pigeons.” Doves were the offering of the poor (see Lev. 12:8; see on ch. 1:14; Luke 2:24).