Psalm 40:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then I said, "Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me:

NIV: Then I said, "Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll.

NASB: Then I said, 'Behold, I have come; It is written of me in the scroll of the book.

CSB: Then I said, "See, I have come; in the scroll it is written about me.

NLT: Then I said, 'Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures:

KJV: Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,

NKJV: Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me.

This statement implies that David is available to the Lord for the performance of His will. The Psalms often refer to God's written Word as the source of wisdom and truth (Psalm 12:6; 40:8). The reference here to scrolls and book is the same: a mention of the written Scriptures. David was ready to do God's will, and he perceived that God's will was presented in these writings.

That comment also points us prophetically to Jesus, who fulfilled every Scripture that identified Him as God's obedient servant. His life from conception to crucifixion and resurrection was prophesied in the Old Testament. He was the prophesied Messiah, who was obedient to God's will in all things, including His sacrifice for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). In John 8:29 Jesus asserted, "And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him."

The book of Hebrews cites this verse as part of an explanation of Jesus' role as Savior (Hebrews 10:5–7).

Psalm 40:1–10 delivers a steady stream of thanksgiving, as David recounts the Lord's deliverance of him from his enemies. He is grateful for giving him a new lease on life. He commits himself to doing the Lord's will and to telling others about how the Lord delivered him from his enemies. Psalm 37:1–7 emphasizes the fact that the Lord delivers those who wait on Him and commit themselves to His will. Hebrews 10:5–9 quotes the Greek version of Psalm 40:6–8 and applies the passage to Jesus the Messiah.

David waited on the Lord for quite some time to be delivered from his foes, and the Lord heard him. This remarkable deliverance would persuade many to trust in the Lord. David insists that no one can compare with the Lord. Verses 6–8 are messianic; Hebrews 10:5–9 applies them to Jesus. David shared this story with his fellow worshipers in the sanctuary. He was confident that the Lord would continue to show him His mercy, His steadfast love, and His faithfulness. David needed the Lord's help because he was conscious of his many sins, and he knew his enemies wanted to kill him. He concludes this psalm by humble acknowledging that the Lord thought about him and was his help and deliverer. He asks the Lord to come quickly to his defense.

In this psalm David offers praise to the Lord for meeting his needs. He may have composed this psalm during one of his exiles in the wilderness or during the infancy of his rule as Israel's king. Verses 1–5 may refer to his exile, and verses 6–10 may depict his dedication as king. Verses 11–17 tell of his prayer for forgiveness and his exaltation over his foes. Psalm 70 parallels Psalm 40:13–17. Hebrews 10:5–9 quotes Psalm 40:6–8, making the latter passage messianic.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 11/22/2024 5:04:28 AM