Think for a moment about the devastation caused by sin. This was not just a “mistake” or “moral failure.” No matter how much we dress up the sins of the people, the severity of their choices caused for the glory of God to depart from the temple forever. It would not return to that degree until the presence of Jesus Christ came.
What happens when we defile someone’s residence? What happens when we enter into their home and violently demolish all they stand for? God called this place the house of YHWH. It could no longer be His residence. The relationship had been broken. The divine King has stepped away from the relationship.
In all of our relationships, this would be it. We would not stand for such horrific treatment from others. But God did not do this. Miraculously, He came and fulfilled His end of the deal. He was faithful to the covenant established.
The abominable sins that caused God’s presence to leave His residence would one day be absorbed by His own Son on a cross. What? The Almighty God that was forced out of His home would come back? Yes. He would come for restoration, forgiveness, and eternal hope. This is the baffling and scandalous nature of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice.