ISB ~ John 2 v15

poured out … overturned:The aggressive actions of Jesus are a prophetic sign of the Temple’s imminent destruction (Mk 13:1-2). The expulsion of oxen, sheep, and pigeons (2:14) from the precincts likewise signifies the termination of animal sacrifice in the Temple (4:21-24). See note on Mk 11:15.

• Allegorically (Origen, Comm. in Jo. 10, 16): the sanctuary is the undisciplined soul, filled, not with animals and merchants, but with earthly and senseless attachments. Christ must expel them with the whip of his divine doctrine to make spiritual worship possible.