Matthew 21:10-17
Was stirred ( εσεισθη ). Shaken as by an earthquake. "Even Jerusalem frozen with religious formalism and socially undemonstrative, was stirred with popular enthusiasm as by a mighty wind or by an earthquake" (Bruce).Cast out ( εξεβαλεν ). Drove out, assumed authority over "the temple of God" (probably correct text with του θεου, though only example of the phrase). John (Joh 2:14) has a similar incident at the beginning of the ministry of Jesus. It is not impossible that he should repeat it at the close after three years with the same abuses in existence again. It is amazing how short a time the work of reformers lasts. The traffic went on in the court of the Gentiles and to a certain extent was necessary. Here the tables of
the money-changers ( των κολλυβιστων, from κολλυβος, a small coin) were overturned. See on 17:24 for the need of the change for the temple tax. The doves were the poor man's offering.
A den of robbers ( σπηλαιον ληιστων ). By charging exorbitant prices.
The children ( τους παιδας ). Masculine and probably boys who had caught the enthusiasm of the crowd.
Hearest thou ( ακουεις ). In a rage at the desecration of the temple by the shouts of the boys they try to shame Jesus, as responsible for it.
Thou hast perfected ( κατηρτισω ). The quotation is from Ps 8:3 (LXX text). See 4:21 where the same verb is used for mending nets. Here it is the timeless aorist middle indicative with the perfective use of κατα-. It was a stinging rebuke.
To Bethany ( εις Βηθανιαν ). House of depression or misery, the Hebrew means. But the home of Martha and Mary and Lazarus there was a house of solace and comfort to Jesus during this week of destiny. He
lodged there ( ηυλισθη εκε ) whether at the Bethany home or out in the open air. It was a time of crisis for all.
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