“And He taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves” (Mark 11:17).

As we continue to compare the corresponding days of Creation Week and Redemption Week, we must note that the chronology of the latter has been the subject of much disagreement among authorities. Details are uncertain, but we can at least consider this possible additional dimension to the understanding and harmony of the two weeks.

Having created and activated the earth on the First Day, God next provided for it a marvelous atmosphere and hydrosphere in which, later, would live the birds and fishes. No other planet is equipped with air and water in such abundance; the earth was uniquely planned for life! The hydrosphere, on the Second Day, was further divided into waters below and waters above “the firmament,” equipped to maintain a perfect climate worldwide.

Paralleling the primeval provision of life-sustaining air and water, on Day Two of Redemption Week, the Lord entered again into the city and into the temple, which He had called His Father’s house (John 2:16). As He approached the city, He cursed the barren fig tree (Mark 11:12–14) and then, in the temple, overthrew the tables of the money-changers (Mark 11:15). Both actions—the cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the temple—symbolize the purging of that which is barren or corrupt in the Creator’s kingdom. He had created a world prepared for life, but mankind had made it unfruitful and impure. As physical life must first have a world of pure air and water, so the preparations for a world of true spiritual life require the purifying breath of the Spirit and the cleansing water of the word, preparing for the true fruit of the Spirit and the true temple of God’s presence in the age to come. HMM