Luke 19:46
He declared to them, "It is written: 'My house will be a house of prayer.' But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
It is written
This phrase indicates the authority of Scripture. Jesus often uses this phrase to affirm the divine inspiration and unchanging truth of the Scriptures. The Greek word for "written" is "γέγραπται" (gegraptai), which is in the perfect tense, signifying a completed action with ongoing effects. This underscores the enduring authority of God's Word. Jesus is referencing the Old Testament, showing His respect for the Scriptures as the foundation of truth and moral guidance.

My house
This phrase refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was considered the dwelling place of God among His people. The use of "My" signifies ownership and divine authority. In the Old Testament, the temple was a sacred space where God's presence was uniquely manifest. Jesus, by calling it "My house," asserts His divine identity and authority over the temple, aligning Himself with God the Father.

will be a house of prayer
This phrase is a direct quotation from Isaiah 56:7, which emphasizes the temple's intended purpose as a place of communion with God. The Greek word for "prayer" is "προσευχῆς" (proseuchēs), indicating a place dedicated to worship and communication with God. Historically, the temple was central to Jewish religious life, where sacrifices and prayers were offered. Jesus is reminding the people of the temple's true purpose, which had been overshadowed by commercial activities.

but you have made it
This phrase indicates a contrast between God's intention and human action. The Greek word "ἐποιήσατε" (epoiēsate) is in the aorist tense, suggesting a completed action that has altered the state of the temple. This highlights human responsibility and the deviation from God's original design. Jesus is addressing the corruption and misuse of the temple by the religious leaders and merchants.

a den of robbers
This phrase is a reference to Jeremiah 7:11, where God condemns the people for turning the temple into a place of injustice and exploitation. The Greek word for "robbers" is "ληστῶν" (lēstōn), which implies not just theft but violent and deceitful behavior. Archaeological findings and historical records indicate that the temple had become a center for commercial activity, where money changers and merchants exploited worshippers. Jesus' use of this phrase is a strong condemnation of the moral and spiritual corruption present in the temple, calling for a return to genuine worship and righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is asserting His authority and fulfilling His role as the Messiah by cleansing the temple.

2. The Temple in Jerusalem
The sacred place where Jews gathered for worship and sacrifices. It was meant to be a house of prayer for all nations.

3. Money Changers and Merchants
Individuals conducting business in the temple courts, turning a place of worship into a marketplace.

4. The Jewish Leaders
The religious authorities who allowed the commercialization of the temple, contributing to its desecration.

5. The Passover Festival
The context in which this event occurs, a time when many Jews traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate and offer sacrifices.
Teaching Points
The Sanctity of Worship
The temple was meant to be a sacred space dedicated to prayer and communion with God. We must ensure that our places of worship remain focused on God and not become distracted by worldly pursuits.

Righteous Anger
Jesus' actions demonstrate that there is a place for righteous anger when God's holiness is compromised. We should be zealous for God's honor and integrity in our lives and communities.

Purity in Worship
Just as Jesus cleansed the temple, we are called to examine and purify our hearts, ensuring that our worship is genuine and not tainted by ulterior motives.

Inclusivity in God's House
God's vision for His house is one of inclusivity, where all nations can come to pray. We should strive to make our churches welcoming to all people, regardless of background.

Guarding Against Corruption
The presence of money changers in the temple serves as a warning against allowing commercialism and corruption to infiltrate our spiritual lives and communities.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' cleansing of the temple challenge our understanding of righteous anger and its place in our lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our places of worship remain focused on prayer and communion with God, rather than becoming distracted by worldly concerns?

3. How can we apply the principle of the temple being a "house of prayer for all nations" to our local church communities?

4. What steps can we take to examine and purify our hearts, ensuring that our worship is genuine and pleasing to God?

5. How can we guard against the influence of commercialism and corruption in our personal spiritual lives and within our church communities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 56:7
Jesus quotes this verse, emphasizing that the temple is meant to be a house of prayer for all nations, highlighting God's inclusive vision for worship.

Jeremiah 7:11
Jesus references this verse to condemn the corruption and misuse of the temple, likening it to a den of robbers.

Matthew 21:12-13 and Mark 11:15-17
Parallel accounts of the cleansing of the temple, reinforcing the significance of Jesus' actions.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Paul speaks of believers' bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, drawing a parallel to the sanctity expected in places of worship.
DesecrationW. Clarkson Luke 19:46
The House of PrayerW. Clarkson Luke 19:46
The Advent of the Humble KingR.M. Edgar Luke 19:28-48
Christ Dealt Immediately with WrongJ. Parker, D. D.Luke 19:45-46
Christ's Indignation Aroused by IrreverenceCanon Liddon.Luke 19:45-46
God's House a House of PrayerCanon Liddon.Luke 19:45-46
Irreverence RebukedLuke 19:45-46
Lessons from Christ's Cleansing of the TempleJames Foote, M. A.Luke 19:45-46
My House is the House of PrayerA. McEwen.Luke 19:45-46
The Cleansing of the TempleH. Goodwin, M. A.Luke 19:45-46
The House of PrayerCanon Liddon.Luke 19:45-46
The Louse of PrayerG. M. Merry.Luke 19:45-46
The Purified TempleA. Watson, D. D.Luke 19:45-46
The Regenerate Soul is a House of PrayerCanon Liddon.Luke 19:45-46
People
Jesus, Zacchaeus
Places
Bethany, Bethphage, Jericho, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives, Olivet
Topics
A'den, Cave, Den, Hole, Prayer, Robbers, Saying, Thieves, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 19:46

     1611   Scripture, inspiration and authority
     7382   house of God

Luke 19:45-46

     2009   Christ, anger of
     5838   disrespect

Library
August 31 Evening
Occupy till I come.--LUKE 19:13. The Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.--Unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.--Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?--Leaving
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 28. "Thou Good Servant, Because Thou Hast Been Faithful in a Very Little, have Thou Authority Over Ten Cities" (Luke xix. 17).
"Thou good servant, because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities" (Luke xix. 17). It is not our success in service that counts, but our fidelity. Caleb and Joshua were faithful and God remembered it when the day of visitation came. It was a very difficult and unpopular position, and all of us are called in the crisis of our lives to stand alone and in this very matter of trusting God for victory over sin and our full inheritance in Christ we have all to be
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Kingdom of Christ
LUKE xix. 41. And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it. Let us think awhile what was meant by our Lord's weeping over Jerusalem. We ought to learn thereby somewhat more of our Lord's character, and of our Lord's government. Why did he weep over that city whose people would, in a few days, mock him, scourge him, crucify him, and so fill up the measure of their own iniquity? Had Jesus been like too many, who since his time have fancied themselves saints and prophets, would
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

Melted by Kindness
'And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to-day I must abide at thy house.' --LUKE xix. 5. It is characteristic of Luke that only he tells the story of Zacchaeus. He always dwells with special interest on incidents bringing out the character of Christ as the Friend of outcasts. His is eminently the Gospel of forgiveness. For example, we owe to Him the three supreme parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Trading Servants
'Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.... And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.' --LUKE xix.16, 18. The Evangelist, contrary to his usual practice, tells us what was the occasion of this parable. It was spoken at Jericho, on our Lord's last journey to Jerusalem, Bethany was but a day's march distant; Calvary but a week ahead. An unusual tension of spirit marked our Lord's demeanour, and was noticed by the disciples with awe. It infected
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Rewards of the Trading Servants
'Because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities... Be thou also over five cities.'--LUKE xix. 17, 19. The relation between this parable of the pounds and the other of the talents has often been misunderstood, and is very noteworthy. They are not two editions of one parable variously manipulated by the Evangelists, but they are two parables presenting two kindred and yet diverse aspects of one truth. They are neither identical, as some have supposed, nor contradictory,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

A New Kind of King
'And when He was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; 38. Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. 38. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto Him, Master, rebuke Thy disciples. 40. And He answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

December the Eighteenth the Sinner's Guest
"He is gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner." --LUKE xix. 1-10. It was hurled as an accusation; it has been treasured as a garland. It was first said in contempt; it is repeated in adoration. It was thought to reveal His earthliness; it is now seen to unveil His glory. Our Saviour seeks the home of the sinner. The Best desires to be the guest of the worst. He spreads His kindnesses for the outcasts, and He offers His friendship to the exile on the loneliest road. He waits to befriend the
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

August the Twenty-Sixth Missing the Lord
"Thou knowest not the time of thy visitation." --LUKE xix. 37-44. Yes, that has been my sad experience. I have wasted some of my wealthiest seasons. I have treated the hour as common and worthless, and the priceless opportunity has passed. There have been times when my Lord has come to me, and I have turned Him away from my door. He so often journeys "incognito," and if I am thoughtless I dismiss Him, and so lose the privilege of heavenly communion and benediction. He knocks at my door as a Carpenter,
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Effectual Calling
1. Now, first, effectual calling is a very gracious truth. You may guess this from the fact that Zaccheus was a character whom we should suppose the last to be saved. He belonged to a bad city--Jericho--a city which had been cursed, and no one would suspect that any one would come out of Jericho to be saved. It was near Jericho that the man fell among thieves; we trust Zaccheus had no hand in it; but there are some who, while they are publicans, can be thieves also. We might as well expect converts
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Mission of the Son of Man
Our text announces as a declaration of our Saviour, that he, the Son of Man, is come to seek and to save that which was lost. In addressing you this morning, I shall simply divide my discourse thus:--First, I shall lay it down as a selfevident truth, that whatever was the intention of Christ in his coming into the world that intention most certainly shall never be frustrated. We shall then in the second place, look into the intention of Christ, as announced in the text, viz., "to seek and to save
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

A Day to be Remembered
"And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house."--Luke 19:9. OBSERVE, DEAR FRIENDS, that our Lord spoke this sentence to Zacchaeus. Some of us may have fancied that he said it to the objecting people, but he did not. They may have heard it, and their objection may have been answered by it, but the main purpose of our blessed Lord, in uttering those words, was not to answer objectors, but to comfort one who might feel dispirited by their murmuring remark. Therefore, "Jesus said
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 46: 1900

The Honoured Guest
ARE you prepared, like Zaccheus, to give the Lord Jesus Christ a glad and grateful welcome? If we would obtain the full benefit of his devoted life, his atoning death, and his triumphant resurrection, we must receive him into our hearts by simple faith, and entertain him with tender love. Outside the door of our heart Jesus is a stranger; he is no Saviour to us; but inside the heart which has been opened, by divine grace, to admit him, his power is displayed, his worth is known, and his goodness
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 61: 1915

The Tears of Christ.
(Tenth Sunday after Trinity.) S. LUKE xix. 41. "He beheld the city, and wept over it." The saddest sight, save one, in the history of the world is that pictured in the text--the Son of God weeping over the city which God had chosen to put His Name there. Let us, in fancy, to-day look upon the scene on which our Saviour looked, and recall the history of that city which had lost sight of the things concerning her peace. No other city in the world, not even Rome, has such a wonderful story as Jerusalem.
H. J. Wilmot-Buxton—The Life of Duty, a Year's Plain Sermons, v. 2

The Consequences of Sin.
10th Sunday after Trinity. S. Luke xix, 42. "If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes." INTRODUCTION.--I spoke to you the other day about the measure of sin, and showed you that there was a certain limit allotted to every man, beyond which he could not go and still expect forgiveness, a point in the downward course at which the Holy Spirit will cease to strive to hold him back. We see in this day's Gospel
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Ciii. Zacchæus. Parable of the Pounds. Journey to Jerusalem.
(Jericho.) ^C Luke XIX. 1-28. ^c 1 And he entered and was passing through Jericho. [This was about one week before the crucifixion. Jericho is about seven miles from the Jordan and about seventeen and a half from Jerusalem.] 2 And behold, a man called by name Zacchaeus; and he was a chief publican, and he was rich. [See p. 76. It is probable that Zacchæus was a sub-contractor under some Roman knight who had bought the privilege of collecting taxes at Jericho, or perhaps the privilege of all
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacchæus - the Healing of Blind Bartimæus - the Plot at Jerusalem - at Bethany,
ONCE more, and now for the last time, were the fords of Jordan passed, and Christ was on the soil of Judæa proper. Behind Him were Peræa and Galilee; behind Him the Ministry of the Gospel by Word and Deed; before Him the final Act of His Life, towards which all had consciously tended. Rejected as the Messiah of His people, not only in His Person but as regarded the Kingdom of God, which, in fulfilment of prophecy and of the merciful Counsel of God, He had come to establish, He was of
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Last Week of Jesus.
Jesus did in fact set out with his disciples to see once more, and for the last time, the unbelieving city. The hopes of his companions were more and more exalted. All believed, in going up to Jerusalem, that the kingdom of God was about to be realized there.[1] The impiety of men being at its height, was regarded as a great sign that the consummation was at hand. The persuasion in this respect was such, that they already disputed for precedence in the kingdom.[2] This was, it is said, the moment
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Servants and the Pounds.
"And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. And
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses Men in Human Language...
CHAPTER XXXIV. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION. 1. Since the Bible addresses men in human language, and according to human modes of thinking and speaking, the interpreter's first work is to ascertain the meaning of the terms employed. Here he must proceed as in the case of other writings, seeking by the aid of grammars, lexicons, cognate languages, ancient versions, ancient interpreters, and whatever other outward helps are available, to gain a thorough knowledge of the language employed by
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Monday in Passion Week. And when He was Come Near, He Beheld the City and Wept Over It.
And when He was come near, He beheld the city and wept over it. Du weinest für Jerusalem [76]Heermann. 1630. trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855 Thou weepest o'er Jerusalem, Lord Jesus, bitter tears; But deepest comfort lies in them For us, whose sins have filled our soul with tears: Since they that tell, When sinners turn to Thee Thou lov'st it well, And surely wilt efface, of Thy unbounded grace, All the misdeeds that on our conscience dwell. When God's just wrath and anger burn Against
Catherine Winkworth—Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year

Epistle Xlvii. To Dominicus, Bishop.
To Dominicus, Bishop. Gregory to Dominicus, Bishop of Carthage [1454] . We have received with the utmost gratification the letters of your Fraternity, which have reached us somewhat late by the hands of Donatus and Quodvultdeus, our most reverend brethren and fellow-bishops, and also Victor the deacon with Agilegius the notary. And though we thought that we had suffered loss from the tardiness of their coming, yet we find gain from their more abundant charity; seeing that from this delay in point
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Epistle xii. To Conon, Abbot of Lirinus (Lerins).
To Conon, Abbot of Lirinus (Lerins). Gregory to Conon, Abbot of the Monastery of Lirinus [126] . The carefulness of persons in authority is the safeguard of subjects, since one who watches over what is entrusted to him avoids the snares of the enemy. But how skilful thou art in ruling the brethren, and how earnestly watchful in keeping guard over them, we have learnt from the report of our most reverend brother and fellow-bishop Mennas [127] . And as our hearing of the unwary remissness of thy predecessor
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

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