Psalms 40:7 - Then I said, “Behold, I have come. It is written about me in the book in the scroll.
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What does "Psalms 40:7" mean?
Psalm 40:7 ("Then I said, “Behold, I have come. It is written about me in the book in the scroll."") is a pivotal verse understood differently in its original context within the Psalms and within a New Testament (specifically Hebrews) interpretation. Here's a breakdown:
Understanding within the Context of Psalm 40 (David's Perspective):
"Behold, I have come": This signifies a willingness to obey and serve God. It's an expression of dedication and readiness to fulfill God's will. It's not just physical presence, but a commitment of the heart.
"It is written about me in the book in the scroll": This is the core of the complexity. Possible interpretations within the Psalm include:
God's Law/Covenant: The "book in the scroll" could refer to the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) or the broader covenant God established with Israel. David, as king, recognizes that his life and role are governed by God's law. He sees his purpose outlined within those sacred texts.
Prophecies and Divine Purpose: It could also imply that there are prophecies or divine plans concerning David specifically within the scrolls, outlining his destiny as king, warrior, and leader chosen by God. This resonates with the Davidic covenant where God promises a lasting dynasty through David.
God's Instructions/Will: Perhaps more generally, it refers to God's instructions and guidance that David has received. He acknowledges that his life should be lived according to God's design, which has been revealed to him (and is written for him to see and follow).
God's Record: It could also refer to God's personal record of David's life, including his blessings and his responsibilities, and God's purpose for David.
Understanding in the New Testament (Hebrews 10:5-7):
The author of Hebrews applies this verse to Jesus Christ. This is a typological interpretation, meaning that David's experience foreshadows a greater fulfillment in Jesus.
"Behold, I have come": In Hebrews, this signifies Jesus' willingness to incarnate (become human) and come into the world. It marks his readiness to fulfill the will of the Father.
"It is written about me in the book in the scroll": Hebrews interprets this as referring to the prophecies in the Old Testament that foretell the coming of the Messiah. These prophecies detail the Messiah's life, suffering, death, and resurrection.
Why the Application to Jesus in Hebrews?
Superior Sacrifice: Hebrews argues that the Old Testament sacrifices were insufficient to truly atone for sin. Jesus, by offering his own perfect life as a sacrifice, fulfills the purpose of those sacrifices in a complete and final way.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: The New Testament emphasizes that Jesus fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies. By quoting Psalm 40:7, the author of Hebrews highlights that Jesus came to fulfill a pre-ordained plan written in the scriptures.
Obedience to God's Will: Just as David expressed his willingness to obey God, Jesus embodies perfect obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross.
Key Differences in Interpretation:
David: Sees his life and role as part of God's broader plan for Israel.
Jesus (Hebrews): Sees his coming as the fulfillment of messianic prophecy and the ultimate sacrifice for the atonement of sins.
In Summary:
Psalm 40:7, in its original context, expresses a commitment to obey God's will and fulfill His purpose as revealed in the Law, prophecies, or personal guidance.
The author of Hebrews uses Psalm 40:7 to demonstrate that Jesus came to fulfill Old Testament prophecies and offer the ultimate sacrifice for sin, highlighting Jesus' perfect obedience to God's will.
Understanding both the original meaning and the New Testament interpretation provides a richer understanding of the verse and its significance within the broader scope of scripture.
Psalms 40:7 - Then I said, “Behold, I have come. It is written about me in the book in the scroll.
What does "Psalms 40:7" mean?
Psalm 40:7 ("Then I said, “Behold, I have come. It is written about me in the book in the scroll."") is a pivotal verse understood differently in its original context within the Psalms and within a New Testament (specifically Hebrews) interpretation. Here's a breakdown:
Understanding within the Context of Psalm 40 (David's Perspective):
"Behold, I have come": This signifies a willingness to obey and serve God. It's an expression of dedication and readiness to fulfill God's will. It's not just physical presence, but a commitment of the heart.
"It is written about me in the book in the scroll": This is the core of the complexity. Possible interpretations within the Psalm include:
God's Law/Covenant: The "book in the scroll" could refer to the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) or the broader covenant God established with Israel. David, as king, recognizes that his life and role are governed by God's law. He sees his purpose outlined within those sacred texts.
Prophecies and Divine Purpose: It could also imply that there are prophecies or divine plans concerning David specifically within the scrolls, outlining his destiny as king, warrior, and leader chosen by God. This resonates with the Davidic covenant where God promises a lasting dynasty through David.
God's Instructions/Will: Perhaps more generally, it refers to God's instructions and guidance that David has received. He acknowledges that his life should be lived according to God's design, which has been revealed to him (and is written for him to see and follow).
God's Record: It could also refer to God's personal record of David's life, including his blessings and his responsibilities, and God's purpose for David.
Understanding in the New Testament (Hebrews 10:5-7):
The author of Hebrews applies this verse to Jesus Christ. This is a typological interpretation, meaning that David's experience foreshadows a greater fulfillment in Jesus.
"Behold, I have come": In Hebrews, this signifies Jesus' willingness to incarnate (become human) and come into the world. It marks his readiness to fulfill the will of the Father.
"It is written about me in the book in the scroll": Hebrews interprets this as referring to the prophecies in the Old Testament that foretell the coming of the Messiah. These prophecies detail the Messiah's life, suffering, death, and resurrection.
Why the Application to Jesus in Hebrews?
Superior Sacrifice: Hebrews argues that the Old Testament sacrifices were insufficient to truly atone for sin. Jesus, by offering his own perfect life as a sacrifice, fulfills the purpose of those sacrifices in a complete and final way.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: The New Testament emphasizes that Jesus fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies. By quoting Psalm 40:7, the author of Hebrews highlights that Jesus came to fulfill a pre-ordained plan written in the scriptures.
Obedience to God's Will: Just as David expressed his willingness to obey God, Jesus embodies perfect obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross.
Key Differences in Interpretation:
David: Sees his life and role as part of God's broader plan for Israel.
Jesus (Hebrews): Sees his coming as the fulfillment of messianic prophecy and the ultimate sacrifice for the atonement of sins.
In Summary:
Psalm 40:7, in its original context, expresses a commitment to obey God's will and fulfill His purpose as revealed in the Law, prophecies, or personal guidance.
The author of Hebrews uses Psalm 40:7 to demonstrate that Jesus came to fulfill Old Testament prophecies and offer the ultimate sacrifice for sin, highlighting Jesus' perfect obedience to God's will.
Understanding both the original meaning and the New Testament interpretation provides a richer understanding of the verse and its significance within the broader scope of scripture.