Isaiah 56:7

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 56:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Isaiah 56:7 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 56

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
7even 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.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, &c.] The church, called a “mountain” for its height, visibility, and immovableness; (see <230202> Isaiah 2:2), especially for the latter; the true members of it being such who are interested in the unchangeable love of God, in the immovable grace of election, in the unalterable covenant of grace, are on the Rock Christ Jesus, and are secured by the favour and power of God; and it is called a “Holy One”, because in it holy men are, holy doctrines are preached, holy services performed, and the holy God, Father, Son, and Spirit, grant their presence: and hither the Lord “brings” his people; he shows them the way thither; he inclines their minds, and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Even them-- (Eph 2:11-13). to my holy mountain--Jerusalem, the seat of the Lord's throne in His coming kingdom (Isa 2:2; Jer 3:17). joyful-- (Rom 5:11). burnt offerings . . . sacrifices--spiritual, of which the literal were types (Rom 12:1; Heb 13:15; Pe1 2:5). accepted-- (Eph 1:6). altar-- (Heb 13:10), spiritually, the Cross of Christ, which sanctifies our sacrifices of prayer and praise. house . . . for all people--or rather, "peoples." No longer restricted to one favored people (Mal 1:11; Joh 4:21, Joh 4:23; Ti1 2:8). To be fully realized at the second coming (Isa 2:2-4). No longer literal, but spiritual sacrifice, namely, "prayer" shall be offered (Psa 141:2; Psa 51:17; Mal 1:11; Mat…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Even them will I bring to my holy mountain - (See the notes at Isaiah 2:3). That is, they should be admitted to the fellowship and privileges of his people. And make them joyful - In the participation of the privileges of the true religion, and in the service of God, they shall be made happy. In my house of prayer - In the temple - here called the house of prayer. The language here is all derived from the worship of the Jews, though the meaning evidently is, that under the new dispensation, all nations would be admitted to the privileges of his people, and that the appropriate services of religion which they would offer would be acceptable to God. Their burnt-offerings - That is, their…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Mountain - To my house, which stood upon mount Zion. Joyful - By accepting their services, and comforting their hearts with the sense of my love. Accepted - They shall have as free access to mine house and altar, as the Jews themselves, and their services shall be as acceptable to me. Evangelical worship is here described under such expressions as agreed to the worship of God which then was in use. Isaiah 56:8”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“56:7 burnt offerings and sacrifices: God had previously rejected sinful Israel’s expressions of piety (1:11-13) but would welcome offerings from righteous Gentiles or foreigners. Nationality is worth little without true piety. • a house of prayer for all nations: The Lord would open the doors of the Temple to all nations (see 2:2-4). Jesus rebuked the people for desecrating the Temple and for preventing it from functioning as the house of prayer (Matt 21:13; Mark 11:17).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“them will: Isa 2:2, Isa 2:3, Isa 66:19, Isa 66:20; Psa 2:6; Mic 4:1, Mic 4:2; Zac 8:3; Mal 1:11; Joh 12:20-26; Eph 2:11-13; Heb 12:22; Pe1 1:1, Pe1 1:2 their burnt: Rom 12:1; Heb 13:15; Pe1 2:5 for mine: Mal 1:11; Mat 21:13; Mar 11:17; Luk 19:46; Joh 4:21-23; Ti1 2:8 Isaiah 56:8”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification