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Explanation for:
Matthew
21
:
13
And he saith to them: It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but you have made it a den of thieves.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"John addresses this matter at the opening of his Gospel, while Matthew discusses it at its conclusion. This suggests that the event occurred at two different times. Circumstantial evidence and the reaction of the Jews to Jesus support this notion. According to John, the incident took place during the Passover festival, yet Matthew indicates it happened well before this feast. In John's account, the Jews question Him, asking, \\"By what sign wilt Thou prove it to us?\\" (John 2:18), whereas in Matthew's narration, they offer no response, remaining silent despite Christ's rebuke—this silence stems from the fact that they had already marvelled at His actions (John 2:18). The Jews deserve greater scrutiny since Christ performed these acts multiple times, yet they persisted in conducting business within the temple and accused Him of opposing God. They failed to recognize the reverence He demonstrated toward the Father and His divine authority. They witnessed His miracles and the consistency between His words and deeds, yet remained unconvinced and even grew resentful, despite the prophets’ declarations and the praises of the young men, who had not yet reached maturity. Consequently, as He admonished them, He invoked the words of the prophet Isaiah: \\"My house shall be called a house of prayer.\\""},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"As Jesus enters the temple, a throng of followers spreads their garments along the path to protect the donkey’s legs. Upon entering, He drives out all merchants and buyers, overturning the tables of the money changers and scattering the seats of those selling doves. He admonishes them by invoking Scripture, declaring that His Father’s house is meant to be a house of prayer, not a den of thieves. This sentiment is echoed in another Gospel. This temple, the holiest place dedicated to God on earth, attracted many, especially during festivals, where countless sacrifices were made, particularly of rams, bulls, and goats. To ensure that the less fortunate could also participate in offerings, they would bring young birds. People journeying from afar often lacked animals for sacrifice, prompting the priests to create a marketplace where they sold various sacrificial animals on-site. In providing a service to the poor, the priests also sought to profit from these transactions. However, transactions were frequently unsuccessful due to the buyers’ lack of means, as many were struggling financially and could not afford even inexpensive offerings. Thus, to address the needs of the impoverished, the priests employed money changers who offered loans under collateral.\\n\\nYet, since the law forbade charging interest, it was crucial not to profit from borrowed money, which not only lacked benefit but could potentially be lost. Consequently, they devised a system involving something akin to what we term \\"Collybistas.\\" While there’s no appropriate translation in Latin for this term, collywas referred to small, inexpensive gifts provided to guests — items like roasted peas, raisins, and various fruits. Since they couldn’t legally accept extra money, the Collyvites accepted other items in exchange for their services, evading the restrictions imposed on them, much like what Ezekiel warned against, declaring that one should not take interest or excessive returns. Observing these corrupt practices in His Father’s house, and fueled by righteous zeal—as articulated in the Sixty-eighth Psalm: zeal for your house consumes me—Jesus fashioned a whip of cords and expelled the multitude from the temple, stating, “It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” Truly, a robber is he who exploits faith for profit, transforming God’s temple into a place of commerce when service to God devolves into mere financial transactions.\\n\\nThis message has a plain meaning. In a sacramental sense, the Lord daily enters His Father's temple, driving out bishops, presbyters, deacons, laypeople, and all who gather there, deeming both sellers and buyers equally culpable, for it is written, \\"Freely you have received, freely give.\\" He toppled the tables of the money changers, as the altars of God are likened to money changers’ tables due to the avarice of the priests. He also overturned the seating of those selling doves, symbolizing those who commodify the grace of the Holy Spirit, seeking to exploit the faithful, as it is written, “They devour My people as food.” The doves were housed in cages rather than on seats, which were merely occupied by their sellers. This distinction is noteworthy since the act of sitting symbolizes the honor of teaching, which loses its value when tainted by greed.\\n\\nEach individual must reflect on what has been conveyed regarding the Church in relation to themselves, for the Apostle asserts, “You are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you.” Let there be no commerce, no buying, no selling, and no yearning for possessions within the sanctuary of our hearts, lest Jesus enters in His anger and cleanses our temple with a whip, transforming it back into a house of prayer from a den of thieves and a center of trade."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"As the master of the house, referring to the temple, the Lord expelled the merchants, demonstrating that what is the Father’s is inherently His as well. He acted, on one hand, to uphold the dignity of the temple, while on the other, indicating the end of offerings. By driving out the cattle and pigeons, He signified that the true requirement was not the sacrifice of animals, but rather prayer, stating, “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers.” In a den of robbers, there is violence and bloodshed. He termed the temple a den of robbers due to the transactions occurring there, as greed reflects the nature of thieves. The vendors are akin to money-changers. Those who sell ecclesiastical titles are akin to merchants of doves, trading the grace of the Holy Spirit, who once descended in the form of a dove. They are expelled from the temple for their unworthiness to hold the priesthood. Reflect upon how to avoid transforming the temple of God—your mind—into a den of robbers, which are akin to demons. Our thoughts become a cradle if we allow ourselves to dwell on material concerns such as buying and selling for profit, causing us to gather the smallest of coins. In a similar fashion, we create a den of robbers for ourselves if we engage in the commerce of doves, suggesting that we lose the spiritual discernment and understanding inherent within us."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"He said to them, \\"It is written, My sanctuary shall be known as a house of prayer; as stated by the prophet Isaiah. However, you have turned it into a den of thieves.\\" He referred to those engaged in trade there as thieves, for they were greedy like thieves, or because their wares were acquired through deceit and theft. As Jeremiah proclaimed, ‘A den of robbers is My house’ (Jeremiah 7:11)."},{"author-name":"Theophan the Recluse","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8983a6e0f4c3aecaae3fc_Theophan%20the%20Recluse.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"It is widely recognized that the sanctuary demands respect, focused contemplation, a profound understanding of faith, and an awareness of God’s presence. Yet, who among us truly meets these expectations? Many enter the sanctuary with the intention to pray and with fervor, only to find their minds drifting away, often engaged in internal dialogues louder than those encountered by the Lord in the temple of Jerusalem. What causes this distraction? Essentially, the experience of being in the sanctuary mirrors our overall existence. Our manner of living directly impacts how we conduct ourselves within the sacred space. Although the sanctuary may foster and enhance spiritual endeavors, the routine flow of life will typically take precedence. Thus, if you wish for your time in the sanctuary to reflect a genuine encounter with the Lord, it is essential to prepare by leading a life grounded in prayer and faithfulness. By engaging in this diligent practice, you will gradually learn to stand in reverent awe within the sanctuary consistently. This same reverence will then permeate your everyday actions, allowing you to ascend spiritually. May the Lord guide you as you begin this journey."},{"author-name":"Jewgenij A. Popow","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Sin represents a disregard for the sacredness of God's temple. This is manifested in several ways: 1) Individuals arrive at church in a state of natural impurity and even more audaciously in willful sinful conditions; 2) Laypeople unnecessarily enter the altar area, engaging in discussions about worldly matters and displaying anger; 3) The church is treated as a venue for entertainment, where attendees come solely to enjoy musical performances or the loud reading of Scripture; 4) During weddings, the church is turned into a spectacle, with guests facing away from the altar throughout the ceremony; 5) Some treat the church merely as a convenient location for socializing or, regrettably, even for more disgraceful activities; 6) Individuals bring and use trivial items, such as tobacco, within the church; and 7) They pass or drive by the altar with irreverence, accompanied by songs and shouting, whereas a God-fearing Christian approaches the altar with humility, uncovering their head and making the sign of the cross. The Scripture urges us, “set your heart toward the entrance of the temple” (Ezek. 44:5); “Judah has profaned the sanctuary of the Lord” (Mal. 2:11); “they shall not approach the altar” (Num. 18:3); “my temple shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.”"},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The phrase, \\"My house,\\" is referenced (not in a literal sense) initially from Isaiah 56:7 and subsequently from Jeremiah 7:11. After the dedication of the first temple, Solomon, its architect, earnestly prayed for the Lord to listen to the prayers offered within its walls, extending this invitation not only to the Israelites but also to the Gentiles. The Lord assured Solomon that He would grant his request, promising to establish the temple as a sanctuary of prayer for all nations (1 Kings 8, 1 Kings 9). This was also the intention behind the construction of the second temple, which succeeded the first. The term \\"a den of thieves\\" refers to the numerous robbers that particularly inhabited the rugged regions of Judea, often residing in caves or makeshift shelters (a den). The Lord compares the merchants operating in the temple to thieves because \\"the desire for greed is akin to a thieving passion\\" (Theophilus); those sellers motivated by self-interest mirrored the actions of robbers. This comparison emphasizes the impropriety of conducting such secular commerce within the sacred precincts of God's holy temple."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"He expelled all the merchants and customers from the temple, overturning the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves, preventing anyone from carrying anything through the temple grounds. \\"He drove out the peddlers, demonstrating that all that belongs to the Father is also His. He intended to indicate the end of sacrifices: by chasing away the oxen, sheep, and doves, He prophesied that there would no longer be a need for sacrifice or slaughter of animals, but rather for prayer\\" (Blessed Theophylact). To this decisive act, the Lord added a powerful rebuke and teaching: He stated, \\"It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer for all nations; but YOU have made it a den of thieves, due to your selfishness,\\" echoing the words of the prophets (Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11). The temple was meant to be a universal sanctuary, where all noble and virtuous souls, in search of the one Creator, could find solace, particularly at a time when polytheism was naturally declining, and more Gentiles were yearning to worship the One God. Many were coming to Jerusalem to witness Jewish worship and even to embrace the Law of Moses. In such times, the grandeur of the divine service conducted in the Jerusalem temple was significant, as was the outer court, which Gentiles could not enter. Reflecting on the Lord's stern remarks to the merchants, Blessed Theophylact cautioned: \\"Ensure that the temple of God, which is your heart, does not become a den of thieves, a dwelling for demons. This occurs when our minds are consumed by earthly concerns, fixated on commerce, or when our love of money leads us to obsess over the smallest coin. We transform ourselves into a den of robbers when we misplace spiritual gifts.\\" St. Philaret remarked, \\"You hear God declaring to you that the temple is His dwelling.\\" Contemplate standing in the house of the Lord, within the courts of our God (Ps. 133:1). Once you enter the sanctuary, remember how close the presence of the Almighty is! God is here, near to us, enveloping us with His glory. The heavenly hosts surround and dwell among us. How remarkable that the earth remains steady! How can the sinner bear the weight of His presence? Here dwells the Almighty: \\"let all the earth tremble before Him!\\" Let humanity bow in humility! Let the sinner cry out! Here is the all-good God. May every breath sing His praises! May those who find no solace in worldly things be comforted! Let the sinner never lose hope. God Himself calls the temple His abode, yet it must become a house of prayer through humanity. The prayers in the Jerusalem temple were persistently offered: the psalms of David were sung, and sacrifices were made, especially when our Lord was present. The presence of greed and secular concerns turned the temple into a den of thieves; the pursuit of profit in God's house rendered the vendors contemptible in the eyes of the Lord, akin to robbers claiming the spoils. Since every passion is contemptible in God's sight, and all worldly distractions are unbecoming of His house, reflect, visitor of the holy temple: how do you approach it, and what significance do your actions impart? What should we do if sinful thoughts continue to plague us even within the temple, akin to festering wounds, tainting its sanctity? Let us boldly and humbly lay our weaknesses before the Lord of the temple, imploring Him not to cast us away but rather to heal our afflictions, just as He healed all who approached Him in faith in the Jerusalem temple."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"He stated to them, it has been declared by the prophet Isaiah, My house is to be a house of prayer for all nations, yet YOU have turned it into a den of thieves through your greed, as the prophet Jeremiah also warns. This sacred space was meant to be a sanctuary for all noble and righteous souls, reaching out to the one Creator of both nature and humanity. Especially at the time of the Savior's arrival, as polytheism was waning, an increasing number of Gentiles craved the worship of the One True God, coming to Jerusalem in hopes of witnessing Jewish worship and even embracing the Law of Moses. Under these conditions, the significance of the divine service within Jerusalem's temple was magnified, as was the courtyard, where Gentiles were barred from entering the inner sanctum. Contemplating the Lord’s stern message to the merchants, Blessed Theophylact cautions, ‘Take heed that the temple of God, which is your heart, does not become a den of thieves, a dwelling for demons. This can occur if we allow ourselves to become consumed by earthly distractions, the preoccupations of trade, or an excessive love for wealth, caring only for the smallest gain. We risk turning ourselves into a den of thieves by neglecting the spiritual gifts entrusted to us.’ St. Philaret reminds us, ‘God Himself proclaims that the temple is His dwelling place.’ Reflect on this call to ‘stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God!’ When you enter the Lord's house, remember how close He is to us! God is present; His glory envelops us. The pure Heavenly Beings surround us and mingle among us. How can the earth remain steady? How can a sinner stand unshaken? Here dwells God Almighty: ‘let all the earth tremble before Him!’ Let humanity humble itself! Let the sinner cry out! Here is the essence of God’s goodness. May every breath offer Him praise! May those who find no solace amidst creation find comfort. Let those weighed down by sin not lose hope. God calls the temple His dwelling, and it is through us that it must transform into a house of prayer. In the temple of Jerusalem, prayer was consistently offered: the psalms of David resounded, and sacrifices were made during the presence of our Lord. Yet, the avarice and secular pursuits within the temple have corrupted it into a den of thieves; the desire for gain has rendered those who trade so despicable in the eyes of the Lord as if they were robbers sharing plunder. Since all passions and worldly concerns are abominable to God, reflect, O visitor to the holy temple: how do you approach it, and what do you contribute to its sanctity? But what can we do when sinful thoughts plague us, even in the house of God, like festering wounds emitting their foulness? Let us, with humility and courage, lay our infirmities before the Lord of the temple; let us implore Him not to cast us away from His presence but to heal our weaknesses, just as He healed all who approached Him in faith within the temple of Jerusalem."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In his act of purifying the temple, Jesus conveyed a profound message to those responsible for transforming the sacred precincts into a marketplace, specifically the high priests and Pharisees. He declared, \\"Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have made it a den of robbers?\\" Faced with this admonition, the Jewish leaders remained quiet, fully aware of their wrongdoing. They ought to have recalled the words of Isaiah: \\"And the sons of the foreigners who have joined themselves to the Lord, to serve Him and to love the name of the Lord... I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer... For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations\\" (Isaiah 56:6-7). Additionally, they should have reflected on Jeremiah's prophecy: \\"Is not this house, over which My name is called, become a den of robbers in your eyes?\\" (Jeremiah 7:11). \\n\\nThe Jewish people were also aware that when Solomon erected the first temple, which was later destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, he prayed publicly, asking God to hear the pleas of any foreigner who approached: \\"Even the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel, when he comes from a land far away for the sake of Your great name... and prays at this temple, Thou shalt hear... and do all that the foreigner shall call upon Thee, that all the nations of the earth... shall know that this house is called by Thy name\\" (2 Chronicles 6:32-33). Yet now, that very temple, envisioned by its original architect as a sanctuary inviting foreigners to worship the one true God, has been degraded into a marketplace, giving the impression to outsiders of being a den of robbers instead of a house of prayer."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Upon reaching the temple and observing his surroundings, the Saviour was deeply saddened to witness that the familiar greed of the Jewish people had once again overshadowed the lesson He had previously imparted. In the presence of the throngs, the temple of God had reverted to a marketplace. The temple courts were filled with cattle and sheep, vendors selling doves, and money changers; the grand colonnade was cluttered with herded animals and overwhelmed by the clamor of bargaining voices and the clattering of coins. Christ refused to teach in such a defiled environment. Once more, filled with a mix of sorrow and righteous indignation, He expelled them all, and none dared to challenge His commanding authority. He did not even permit individuals to disrupt the sanctity of the space by traversing it with their wares, treating it as a mere thoroughfare. The vast assembly of Jews, at times comprising two or three million, flooded the holy city during the festival week, making the court of the Gentiles a more disgraceful and noisy sight than usual, particularly as on that day the paschal lamb was selected and purchased by the worshippers in accordance with the law. Yet, nothing could excuse the transformation of the house of the Most High—a house of prayer for all nations—into a den reminiscent of darkened hiding places where thieves split their stolen gains. He did not commence His customary teachings until the temple had been restored to a state of respectability and tranquility. Fortunately, this task was made simpler as it had already been accomplished before."}]}
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