of all nations Rather, for all nations. See margin. The words are cited from Isaiah 56:7.

a den of thieves Literally, a cave of robbers or bandits. See Jeremiah 7:11. The distinction is to be borne in mind between "the robber," brigand or violent spoiler (Matthew 21:13; Matthew 26:55; Luke 22:52; John 18:40; 2 Corinthians 11:26), and the "thief" or secret purloiner (Matthew 6:19; Joh 12:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; Revelation 3:3; Revelation 16:15). Trench's Synonyms, § 44. What our Lord alludes to is one of "those foul caves which He had so often seen, where brigands wrangled over their ill-gotten gains." Farrar, Life, II. 205.

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