Psalms 40:7 Interpretation Summary

Bible Verse: Psalms 40:7

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

This verse is a profound declaration concerning the predisposition of the Psalmist to obey God’s will, emphasizing the importance of divine purpose laid out in the scriptures. The Psalmist acknowledges the revelation of God's will as presented in sacred texts, which suggests both a personal and communal understanding of God's broader plan.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry interprets this verse as the expression of the willing obedience of Christ, who recognizes that His coming into the world is not only for His ministry but also as the ultimate fulfillment of the prophecies written about Him. He emphasizes that it shows Christ’s readiness to fulfill His mission, contrasting it with the inadequacy of sacrifices and burnt offerings which were insufficient for true atonement.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes highlights that the phrase "in the volume of the book" implies a written declaration of God’s purposes that span the entirety of scripture. He notes that this aligns with the messianic fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and illustrates the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the centrality of Jesus in salvation history.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke emphasizes that the phrase refers to the records or writings of the sacred texts wherein God's will is revealed. He implicates the importance of recognizing one’s place in God's plan as revealed in the ‘book’ of scripture, indicating a deep theological understanding of one's relationship with God through obedience and fulfillment of His word.

Related Bible Verses

This verse invites numerous connections with other scriptural references:

• Hebrews 10:7: "Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God." — This New Testament reference directly quotes Psalm 40:7 and corroborates the Christological interpretation.
• John 5:39: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." — This verse reflects the importance of looking into the Scriptures to find Christ, aligning with Psalms 40:7’s theme.
• Luke 24:44: “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” — This highlights the fulfillment of written scripture in Jesus’ life.
• Isaiah 53:4-5: "...he was wounded for our transgressions..." — These OT verses are foundational to understanding the redemptive purpose of Jesus expressed in Psalms 40:7.
• Romans 10:4: "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth." — This illustrates the culmination of the Old Testament laws in Christ, echoing the concept found in Psalms 40:7.
• Matthew 5:17: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." — Emphasizing Jesus' role in fulfilling what was written, consistent with the message of Psalms 40:7.
• Acts 3:18: "But those things, which God before had showed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled." — This verse links the prophetic writings to Christ's suffering, establishing connections with Psalms 40:7.

Understanding Through Cross-Referencing

To fully grasp the themes in Psalms 40:7, one must employ tools for Bible cross-referencing, which reveal key connections and thematic unity throughout scripture. Here’s how to approach this:

• Using a Bible Concordance: Identify keywords like “will,” “book,” or “coming” and explore their occurrences across the scripture to gain context.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Utilize resources that provide parallels and connections between verses across different books.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study: Engage in studies that specifically look at how Psalms 40 interacts with the New Testament, particularly in light of Christ's fulfillment.

Conclusion

Psalms 40:7 serves as a pivotal verse that encapsulates the idea of divine purpose articulated through scripture. Understanding the verse in the context of various theological commentaries and cross-referencing with related passages enhances our appreciation of its significance. As believers study the Bible, it is crucial to recognize the interconnectedness of scripture through thematic Bible verse connections, ensuring a holistic interpretation of God’s word which culminates in the person of Jesus Christ.