In the New Testament, the account of men selling cattle, sheep, and doves is prominently featured in the context of Jesus' cleansing of the Temple. This event is recorded in all four Gospels, highlighting its significance in the ministry of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Context

The practice of selling animals in the Temple was primarily for the convenience of Jewish pilgrims who traveled to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices. According to the Mosaic Law, specific animals were required for various sacrifices and offerings (Leviticus 1-7). The presence of cattle, sheep, and doves in the Temple courts was intended to facilitate these religious obligations, especially for those who could not bring their own animals from afar.

Gospel Accounts

1. Matthew 21:12-13 : "Then Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. And He declared to them, 'It is written: My house will be called a house of prayer. But you are making it a den of robbers.'"

2. Mark 11:15-17 : "When they arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. And He would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. Then He began to teach them and declare, 'Is it not written: My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of robbers.'"

3. Luke 19:45-46 : "Then Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were selling there. He declared, 'It is written: My house will be a house of prayer. But you have made it a den of robbers.'"

4. John 2:14-16 : "In the temple courts He found men selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and money changers seated at their tables. So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle. He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those selling doves He said, 'Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father’s house into a marketplace!'"

Theological Significance

The actions of Jesus in cleansing the Temple underscore His zeal for the sanctity and purity of worship. The Temple, as the house of God, was intended to be a place of prayer and communion with the Divine. The commercialization and exploitation occurring within its courts were a corruption of its sacred purpose. Jesus' righteous indignation reflects His authority as the Son of God and His commitment to restoring true worship.

The reference to a "den of robbers" indicates that the activities in the Temple had become exploitative, taking advantage of worshippers rather than serving them. This critique aligns with the prophetic tradition, echoing the words of Jeremiah 7:11, where the prophet condemns the people for turning the Temple into a place of injustice.

Cultural and Historical Background

The sale of animals and the presence of money changers were not inherently wrong, as they provided necessary services for Temple worship. However, the manner in which these activities were conducted had become corrupt. The money changers exchanged foreign currency for the Tyrian shekel, the only currency accepted for the Temple tax, often at unfair rates. The sellers of animals likely charged exorbitant prices, exploiting the pilgrims' need to fulfill their religious duties.

Implications for Worship

The cleansing of the Temple serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining the purity and integrity of worship. It challenges believers to examine their own practices and attitudes towards worship, ensuring that they align with the reverence and devotion that God desires. The event also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who would become the perfect offering, rendering the Temple sacrifices obsolete and opening the way for all to approach God directly through Him.