Topical Bible: Temple: Herod the Great's Temple: Jesus Taken to the Pinnacle of, During his Temptation

◄ Temple: Herod the Great's Temple: Jesus Taken to the Pinnacle of, During his Temptation ►

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Herod the Great's Temple, often referred to as the Second Temple, was a grand reconstruction of the original temple built by Zerubbabel. Herod's ambitious project began around 20-19 BC and was not fully completed until decades after his death. This temple stood as a central place of worship and a symbol of Jewish identity until its destruction in AD 70 by the Romans.

One of the significant events associated with Herod's Temple in the New Testament is the temptation of Jesus, where He was taken to the pinnacle of the temple. This event is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke, where Satan tempts Jesus during His 40 days in the wilderness.

In Matthew 4:5-7 , the account reads: "Then the devil took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. 'If You are the Son of God,' he said, 'throw Yourself down. For it is written: "He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone."' Jesus replied, 'It is also written: "Do not put the Lord your God to the test."'"

Similarly, Luke 4:9-12 recounts: "Then the devil led Him to Jerusalem and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. 'If You are the Son of God,' he said, 'throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: "He will command His angels concerning You to guard You carefully; and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone."' But Jesus answered, 'It also says, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test."'"

The "pinnacle of the temple" likely refers to a high point or edge of the temple complex, possibly the southeastern corner overlooking the Kidron Valley. This location would have been a dramatic and visible place for such a temptation, emphasizing the public nature of the challenge posed by Satan.

Theologically, this temptation highlights several key themes. First, it underscores Jesus' identity as the Son of God, a central tenet of Christian belief. Satan's challenge, "If You are the Son of God," is a direct attack on this identity, seeking to provoke Jesus into proving Himself through a miraculous act. Jesus' refusal to succumb to this temptation demonstrates His obedience to God the Father and His commitment to His mission, which was not to be swayed by the misuse of divine power.

Furthermore, Jesus' response, quoting Deuteronomy 6:16, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test," reflects His deep understanding of Scripture and His reliance on it to counter temptation. This response serves as a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of Scripture in spiritual warfare and the necessity of trusting God's plan without demanding signs or miraculous interventions.

Herod's Temple, as the setting for this temptation, symbolizes the intersection of divine purpose and human history. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, and in this context, it becomes a backdrop for the revelation of Jesus' divine mission and His victory over temptation.

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Matthew 4:5-7
Then the devil takes him up into the holy city, and sets him on a pinnacle of the temple,
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Luke 4:9-12
And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, If you be the Son of God, cast yourself down from hence:
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