Psalms 40:7
Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The concept of one's destiny being 'written in the book' reflects ancient Near Eastern scribal culture where written documents carried authority and permanence. Kings kept chronicles; priests maintained genealogies; prophets recorded oracles. Written texts transcended oral tradition's fluidity, establishing fixed, authoritative record. When David says 'it is written of me,' he acknowledges submission to established, divinely authorized text.
For Israel, Torah represented God's written will—instructions for how covenant people should live. Reading and applying Torah was central to godliness: 'This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein' (Joshua 1:8). Kings were commanded to write their own Torah copy and read it daily (Deuteronomy 17:18-19). David's reference to the book reflects this Torah-centered piety.
The Dead Sea Scrolls reveal how Second Temple Judaism searched Scripture for messianic prophecies, believing Israel's future redemption was 'written' in prophetic texts awaiting fulfillment. The Essenes produced pesharim (interpretive commentaries) explaining how contemporary events fulfilled ancient prophecies. This interpretive tradition provided foundation for New Testament christological reading of Old Testament texts.
Early Christianity understood Jesus as Scripture's fulfillment. Matthew repeatedly notes events happening 'that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet' (Matthew 1:22, 2:15, 17, 23, etc.). Jesus told His disciples, 'All things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me' (Luke 24:44). The church saw the entire Old Testament as testimony to Christ, all pointing toward His coming, death, and resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean for you to say 'Lo, I come' in response to God's call?
- How do you discern what is 'written of you' in Scripture—your calling and responsibilities before God?
- In what ways does Scripture's authority shape your decisions and life direction?
- How does Christ's fulfillment of what was 'written of Him' encourage your obedience to what God has written for you?
- What might God be calling you to that requires a 'here I am' response of immediate availability?
Analysis & Commentary
Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me. This verse follows immediately after declaring that God desires obedience rather than sacrifice. The 'Then' (az, אָז) marks responsive action—having understood God's true desire (opened ears), David responds with personal commitment: 'Lo, I come.' The Hebrew hineh ba'ti (הִנֵּה־בָאתִי) expresses ready willingness and immediate availability: 'Behold, I have come' or 'Here I am.'
This language echoes significant biblical moments of responsive obedience. Abraham answered God's call: 'Behold, here I am' (Genesis 22:1). Moses responded at the burning bush: 'Here am I' (Exodus 3:4). Samuel, awakened by God's voice, replied: 'Speak; for thy servant heareth' (1 Samuel 3:10). Isaiah, seeing God's glory, volunteered: 'Here am I; send me' (Isaiah 6:8). Each instance represents decisive moment of commitment when human will aligns with divine purpose.
'In the volume of the book it is written of me' (bimegillat sefer katuv alai, בִּמְגִלַּת־סֵפֶר כָּתוּב עָלָי) references Scripture's authority and personal application. The 'volume of the book' (megillat sefer, מְגִלַּת־סֵפֶר) means 'scroll of the book'—likely Torah or the scriptural record. David recognizes that his life, calling, and responsibilities are 'written'—prescribed, ordained, determined by God's revealed word. He submits to Scripture's authority, accepting what God has written concerning him.
Hebrews 10:7 applies this verse to Christ: 'Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.' The writer sees Christ speaking these words upon entering the world—recognizing His messianic calling written in Scripture and committing to fulfill it. Christ came to do what Scripture predicted and prescribed—the suffering servant (Isaiah 53), the rejected cornerstone (Psalm 118:22), the pierced one (Zechariah 12:10). His entire life fulfilled what was 'written of Him' in Old Testament Scripture.