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.
ISAIAH 56:7KJVWhat does Isaiah 56:7 mean?
Isaiah 56:7 says that God will welcome outsiders to His holy mountain, make them joyful in His house of prayer, and accept their offerings and sacrifices, because His house will be called a house of prayer for everyone. This verse shows God’s intention to include people from all nations in worship, not just Israel.
The prophet Isaiah is speaking God’s words to the people of Israel, but the message reaches beyond them. In the context, God is promising that foreigners and others who were once excluded will be brought near and allowed to worship at the temple. The verse highlights God’s openness and desire for all people to find a place with Him.
The Hebrew behind Isaiah 56:7
- "Holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): This word means set apart or sacred. God’s "holy mountain" refers to Jerusalem, especially the temple area, showing it is a special place chosen by God.
- "House" (בַּיִת, bayit) and "prayer" (תְּפִלָּה, tefillah): The phrase "house of prayer" emphasizes that the temple is meant to be a place for people to seek God, not just for ritual but for genuine connection.
- "People" (עָם, am): This word means people or nation. The verse stresses that God’s invitation is open to all nations, not just Israel, which was a radical idea in Isaiah’s time.
Why Isaiah 56:7 matters
- Isaiah 56:7 corrects the idea that only Israelites could approach God in worship, showing that God’s plan always included people from every nation.
- The verse highlights God’s desire for joy and acceptance in worship, not just ritual observance or exclusion.
- This verse is quoted by Jesus in the New Testament (Mark 11:17, Matthew 21:13), underlining its lasting importance in showing that God’s house is meant for everyone who seeks Him.