Topical Encyclopedia Temple-robbers, also known as sacrilegious persons, are individuals who commit acts of theft or desecration against sacred places, particularly those dedicated to the worship of God. In the context of the Bible, temple-robbery is considered a grave sin, as it involves the violation of spaces set apart for divine worship and the dishonoring of God Himself.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the sanctity of the temple and other holy places is emphasized repeatedly. The tabernacle, and later the temple in Jerusalem, were central to Israelite worship and were considered the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The holiness of these places was to be maintained with utmost reverence. In Leviticus 19:30, the Israelites are commanded, "You must keep My Sabbaths and have reverence for My sanctuary. I am the LORD." The act of temple-robbery is implicitly condemned through various laws and narratives. For instance, in 1 Samuel 5, the Philistines capture the Ark of the Covenant, an act that brings calamity upon them, illustrating the severe consequences of desecrating what is holy to God. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of temple-robbery extends beyond physical theft to include any form of desecration or misuse of what is sacred. In Acts 19:37, during the uproar in Ephesus, the city clerk defends Paul and his companions by stating, "For you have brought these men here who are neither temple robbers nor blasphemers of our goddess." This defense highlights the serious nature of such accusations and the cultural understanding of the sanctity of temples. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often speaks of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), broadening the understanding of what it means to defile a temple. This teaching underscores the importance of maintaining purity and holiness in one's life, as believers themselves are considered temples of God. Moral and Theological Implications From a moral and theological perspective, temple-robbery is not merely an act of theft but a profound disrespect for the divine. It reflects a heart that is irreverent towards God and His holiness. The act of robbing a temple is seen as a direct affront to God, who is the ultimate owner of all things, and it disrupts the sacred order established by Him. The Bible consistently calls for reverence towards God and His dwelling places, whether they be physical structures or the spiritual temple of the believer's body. The act of temple-robbery, therefore, is a violation of the command to honor God and to treat His sacred spaces with the respect they deserve. Historical and Cultural Context Throughout history, temple-robbery has been a common occurrence, often associated with invading armies or corrupt individuals seeking to exploit religious institutions for personal gain. In the ancient Near East, temples were not only religious centers but also repositories of wealth, making them targets for plunder. In the Roman world, where the New Testament was written, temples were integral to civic and religious life. The accusation of temple-robbery was serious and could lead to severe punishment, reflecting the widespread cultural reverence for sacred spaces. Conclusion While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive list of temple-robbers, the principles laid out in Scripture make it clear that any act of desecration against what is holy is a serious offense in the eyes of God. Believers are called to uphold the sanctity of God's dwelling places, both in physical structures and within themselves, as a testament to their reverence for the Almighty. Library Acts XIX Thesaurus Temple-robbers (1 Occurrence)Temple-robbers. Temple-plunderers, Temple-robbers. Temples . Multi-Version Concordance Temple-robbers (1 Occurrence). ... /t/temple-robbers.htm - 6k Temples (17 Occurrences) Temple-plunderers (1 Occurrence) Robbed (27 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that the house of prayer had been turned into a den of thieves? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the money changers in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is sacrilege? What does it mean to be sacrilegious? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Temple-robbers (1 Occurrence)Acts 19:37 Subtopics Related Terms Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) |
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