Psalms 40:7
Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
Psalms 40:7
Verse 7 stands as a pivotal messianic moment within the psalms: “Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me.” The speaker shifts from offering sacrifices to a personal readiness to fulfill the divine will embedded in Scripture. Some scholars see it as prophetic of Christ’s incarnate mission—the Son who finds his purpose in the written Word and in the Father’s plan. In the ancient Near Eastern world, “the volume of the book” would evoke a comprehensive scroll or codex—the divine program laid out in Scripture. The phrase “it is written of me” signals a personal identification with God’s redemptive plan. David’s words reflect both faithful submission and a forward-looking anticipation of the Messiah who would perfectly embody obedience to the Father.
Theologically, this verse anchors Jesus as the living embodiment of God’s Word and will. It foreshadows Hebrews 10:5-7, where Christ quotes Psalm 40:6-8, highlighting the contrast between animal sacrifices and the needed obedience of the Son. It underlines a key theme: Scripture points to Christ, and Christ fulfills Scripture. It also reinforces a biblical pattern of obedience arising from a heart transformed by God’s will, not merely from ritual compliance. The verse invites readers to interpret Scripture as a living mission statement—God’s redemptive plan reveals itself through a person, the Messiah, who comes not to abolish the law but to fulfill it.
In everyday life, this verse challenges us to align our actions with God’s overarching plan found in Scripture. When faced with decisions, ask: does this choice serve God’s redemptive purposes as revealed in the Bible? Like Jesus, believers are called to live out what Scripture says, not merely to study it. Practically, read Scripture with an eye toward mission—how does this passage reveal God’s heart for people, justice, mercy, and restoration? Consider joining or forming a Bible study that explores how different books point toward Jesus. Let the awareness that “the volume of the book” is about Jesus shape your daily prayers and priorities: loving God, loving neighbors, and seeking righteousness in tangible ways.
Cross-References: Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 24:44-47; John 5:39; Isaiah 53:10-11; Luke 4:17-21