Topical Encyclopedia Money changers in biblical times were individuals or businesses that exchanged currency, often for a fee. Their presence is most notably recorded in the context of the Temple in Jerusalem, where they provided a necessary service for those coming to pay the Temple tax or to purchase sacrificial animals. The role and actions of money changers are addressed in several scriptural passages, highlighting both their practical function and the potential for corruption.Old Testament Context While the Old Testament does not explicitly mention money changers, it provides the backdrop for their necessity. The Law required that certain offerings and taxes be paid in specific currencies, such as the half-shekel Temple tax (Exodus 30:13). This requirement would have necessitated currency exchange for Jews traveling from regions with different monetary systems. New Testament References The New Testament provides more direct references to money changers, particularly in the Gospels. The most significant account is Jesus' cleansing of the Temple, where He confronts the money changers directly: · 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.'" · 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 the nations? But you have made it a den of robbers.'" · 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!'" These passages highlight Jesus' condemnation of the commercialization and exploitation occurring within the sacred space of the Temple. The money changers, by charging fees and potentially exploiting worshippers, were seen as contributing to the desecration of a holy place. Theological Implications The actions of Jesus in the Temple underscore a broader theological concern with the purity of worship and the dangers of allowing commerce to corrupt religious practice. The presence of money changers in the Temple courts, and their association with exploitation, serves as a warning against the intrusion of materialism into spiritual life. Cultural and Historical Context In the cultural and historical context of first-century Judea, money changers played a crucial role in facilitating the religious obligations of the Jewish people. However, their practices were susceptible to abuse, as evidenced by the need for Jesus' intervention. The Temple, as the center of Jewish worship, was meant to be a place of prayer and reverence, not commercial gain. Conclusion The scriptural references to money changers serve as a reminder of the potential for financial practices to interfere with genuine worship and devotion. The actions of Jesus in cleansing the Temple highlight the importance of maintaining the sanctity of religious spaces and practices, free from the corrupting influence of greed and exploitation. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 21:12And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, Nave's Topical Index Mark 11:15 John 2:15 Library Ascetic. Commerce Luther's Separation from Rome. Luther's Separation from Rome In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... A Traveler's Note-Book Resources What does it mean that “money is the answer for everything” in Ecclesiastes 10:19? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the money changers in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about lending money? | GotQuestions.org Money: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Money Changers: General Scriptures Concerning Money of the Jews Regulated by the Standard of Sanctuary Money of the Romans, Stamped With the Image of Caesar Money was Current With the Merchants Money was Given for Merchandise Money was Given: Custom of Presenting a Piece of Money was Given: Love of, the Root of all Evil Money was Given: Power and Usefulness of Money: Brass Introduced As, by the Romans Money: Gold and Silver Used As Money: Jews Forbidden to Take Usury For Money: Love of, the Root of Evil Money: Originally Stamped With the Image of a Lamb Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Farthing Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Fourth of a Shekel Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Gerah the Twentieth of a Shekel Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Half Shekel or Bekah Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Mite Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Penny Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Pound Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Shekel of Silver Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Talent of Gold Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Talent of Silver Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Third of a Shekel Money: Usually Taken by Weight Money: Value of, Varied Corruptly Related Terms Money-changers (5 Occurrences) Redemption-money (3 Occurrences) |
    |