The incident of Jesus flipping tables full of coins and scaring away animals is well-known to many people, whether they are familiar with the Gospels or not. Historians agree that there is a real event behind this story, but there is much disagreement about when it happened and why Jesus chose to expel money changers and animal sellers from the temple courtyards. The event has been referred to as a “temple tantrum” or the “purification of the temple”. It is believed that Jesus was motivated by his anger at the way the temple was being used for commercial purposes.
The money changers were exchanging Roman coins for Jewish coins, which were required for temple offerings. This was seen as a form of exploitation, as the money changers were charging high fees for their services. The money that was exchanged in the temple was known as temple money. This was a special type of currency that was only used in the temple and could not be used anywhere else.
It was made up of small coins called shekels, which were made from silver or copper. The shekels were used to pay for sacrifices and other offerings in the temple. The temple money was also used to pay for the upkeep of the temple and its staff. This included paying for priests, musicians, and other workers who were employed by the temple.
The money was also used to purchase animals for sacrifice, as well as food and other items needed for religious ceremonies. The incident in which Jesus expelled money changers and animal sellers from the temple courtyards is an important part of Christian history. It serves as a reminder that God's house should not be used for commercial purposes, but rather should be a place of worship and prayer.
