Pinnacle of the Temple
Pinnacle of the Temple
We are told that here it was, on the pinnacle of the temple, the devil, in his temptations of Christ, set the Redeemer. (Mat 4:5) An ordinary reader might from here be led to conclude, that if the pinnacle of the temple was like the present towers of our churches, it was hardly possible to have stood upon them. But he should be told that the pinnacles were on square roofs, like terrace walks, with galleries, so that they formed a platform to walk upon. One of the Jewish historians relates, that the roof of the temple had spikes of gold on it, to hinder the birds from resting there, that they might not defile it. The pinnacle of the temple, therefore, though high and elevated, yet formed a sufficient spot for walking upon. Probably here, like the galleries the church speaks of persons retired for conversation. See Gallery and Gallaries