Isaiah — Chapter 56
Synopsis Capitis
Synopsis: Universal invitation to the covenant — foreigners and eunuchs included (v.1-8). The 'house of prayer for all nations' (v.7) — cited by Christ in the cleansing of the Temple (Mt 21:13, Mk 11:17). The faithless watchmen/shepherds (v.10-12) — a fierce oracle against negligent pastors. Lapide reads ch.56 as the transition from pure prophecy of salvation to prophetic instruction on how the salvation-community must live.
Verse 7
Adducam eos in montem sanctum meum et laetificabo eos in domo orationis meae
I will bring them to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. Christ cites this when cleansing the Temple (Mt 21:13), accusing the money-changers of turning a 'house of prayer for all nations' into a 'den of thieves.' Lapide: the Temple's universal vocation was fulfilled in the Church, the true house of prayer that is open to all peoples and nations without distinction. Applied to churches: they must be primarily houses of prayer, not commercial venues or places of social gathering.