Isaiah 56:7

Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Even them will I bring {H935} to my holy {H6944} mountain {H2022}, and make them joyful {H8055} in my house {H1004} of prayer {H8605}: their burnt offerings {H5930} and their sacrifices {H2077} shall be accepted {H7522} upon mine altar {H4196}; for mine house {H1004} shall be called {H7121} an house {H1004} of prayer {H8605} for all people {H5971}.

I will bring them to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples."

I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.โ€

even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.

Commentary

Isaiah 56:7 presents a powerful prophetic vision of God's inclusive kingdom, extending the promise of salvation and worship to all who faithfully seek Him, regardless of their background. This verse is central to understanding God's heart for humanity and His plan for a universal house of worship.

Context

This verse is part of a section in Isaiah (chapters 56-66) that deals with God's future blessings and judgments, particularly focusing on who will be included in the Lord's covenant community. Chapters 56:1-8 specifically address the inclusion of eunuchs and foreigners (Gentiles), who under the Mosaic Law were often excluded from full participation in Israel's worship and assembly (see Deuteronomy 23:1-3). Isaiah counters this by emphasizing that those who hold fast to God's covenant, keep the Sabbath, and choose what pleases Him will be welcomed into His house and given an everlasting name.

Key Themes

  • Radical Inclusivity: The phrase "Even them" directly refers to the eunuchs and foreigners mentioned in the preceding verses. This highlights God's radical embrace of those traditionally marginalized. It foreshadows the New Covenant reality where there is neither Jew nor Gentile, male nor female, slave nor free in Christ. God's grace extends beyond ethnic or social boundaries.
  • Universal Worship: The core message, "mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people," signifies that God's temple and presence are not exclusive to one nation but are intended for all humanity. This was a revolutionary concept in ancient Israel. It prophesies a time when people from every tribe and tongue will come to worship God, a vision echoed throughout the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation (e.g., Revelation 7:9-10).
  • Accepted Sacrifice and Joy: The promise that "their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar" assures these outsiders that their worship will be genuine and pleasing to God. This acceptance brings "joyful in my house of prayer," signifying a deep spiritual contentment and belonging found in God's presence.
  • God's Holy Mountain: "My holy mountain" refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem, the symbolic dwelling place of God. Bringing them to this mountain signifies full access to God's presence and fellowship, a privilege previously reserved for the Israelites.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "house of prayer" comes from the Hebrew beit tefillah (ื‘ึตึผื™ืช ืชึฐึผืคึดืœึธึผื”). The crucial addition "for all people" (ืœึฐื›ึธืœึพื”ึธืขึทืžึดึผึฝื™ื - l'kol ha'ammim) emphasizes the universal scope. This declaration directly challenges any narrow, ethnocentric view of God's covenant, asserting His desire for a global community of worshippers.

Practical Application

Isaiah 56:7 remains profoundly relevant today. It calls believers to embrace a spirit of inclusivity and hospitality, ensuring that the church, as God's house, is truly a place of prayer and welcome for all people, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or past. It reminds us that God's love and salvation are for everyone who turns to Him in faith. This verse was famously quoted by Jesus when He cleansed the Temple, rebuking those who had turned it into a "den of thieves" rather than a place of prayer for all nations (see Mark 11:17). This underscores the timeless importance of the church being a welcoming, prayer-focused community that reflects God's universal love.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Mark 11:17

    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.

  • Isaiah 2:2

    And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

  • Isaiah 2:3

    And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

  • Malachi 1:11

    For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name [shall be] great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense [shall be] offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name [shall be] great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Luke 19:46

    Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

  • Matthew 21:13

    And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

  • Romans 12:1

    ยถ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.