Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me:
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just a poetic statement about obedience; it's a profound declaration of Christ's Incarnation, highlighting that His coming wasn't a spontaneous decision but a preordained fulfillment of God's written plan. The "scroll of the book" points not to any casual mention, but to the specific, divinely inscribed destiny of the Messiah within all of Scripture.
Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me:
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist reflects on God's deliverance, contrasting empty animal sacrifices with a willing obedience. This leads to a declaration that the true way to please God is found not in rituals but in radical commitment, as prophesied in Scripture itself. The context points forward to a perfect fulfillment of God's will, suggesting this isn't just David speaking about himself but a prophecy pointing to Christ's mission.
The Old Testament sacrificial system pointed beyond itself. It wasn't just about the animals; it was about something more profound God was preparing.
Beyond the Blood
Psalms 40:6 speaks of sacrifices and offerings. God wasn't finding pleasure in them – not because He disliked His own commands, but because these were a temporary system pointing to a greater reality.
The 'I come' in this verse isn't a reluctant sigh, but a joyful declaration. It speaks of a divine purpose perfectly fulfilled.
The Messiah's Purpose Revealed
The phrase 'Lo, I come' is a pivotal declaration. While David might have spoken from his own experience of deliverance, the New Testament points to this as a prophecy about Jesus Christ.
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The 'book' wasn't just a collection of writings; it was God's unfolding plan, with Jesus at its very center.
God's Word, God's Plan
The reference to the 'volume of the book' is significant. In ancient times, books were scrolls, rolled up – a tangible representation of God's written word and unfolding plan.
This verse, understood as a Messianic prophecy, points to the unique role of Christ in fulfilling God's will. The 'volume of the book' refers to the Old Testament scriptures, which foreshadowed His coming and His perfect sacrifice, distinct from the animal sacrifices of the Law.
c. 1400-400 BC
Composition of the Pentateuch
The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, containing laws and prophecies, were written and compiled. These texts formed the core of Jewish scripture and were understood by many to contain prophecies about a coming Messiah.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
Davidic Kingdom
King David reigns, a period of significant literary and religious development in ancient Israel. Many of the Psalms are attributed to this era, reflecting the spiritual life and understanding of the time.
c. 950 BC
Solomon's Temple Construction
The First Temple in Jerusalem is built, establishing a central place for sacrifices and worship. This institution would later be contrasted with the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
c. 515 BC
Second Temple Period Begins
Following the Babylonian exile, the Second Temple is dedicated in Jerusalem. The sacrificial system continues, but the anticipation of a Messiah who would fulfill the Law and offer a perfect sacrifice remains a significant theme.
c. 250-150 BC
Septuagint Translation
The Hebrew Scriptures are translated into Greek. This translation, known as the Septuagint, becomes widely used and influences early Christian understanding of the Old Testament, sometimes using different wording than the Hebrew text.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified in Jerusalem. Early Christians, particularly the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews, interpret this event and Jesus' life as the fulfillment of prophecies, including those found in Psalms 40.
The New Testament author directly quotes and applies Psalm 40:6-8 to Jesus Christ, highlighting His perfect obedience and substitutionary sacrifice as superior to Old Testament offerings.
Luke 24:27Jesus Himself points to the writings of Moses (the 'book' or 'scroll') as testifying about Him, aligning with the psalmist's declaration that his coming was foretold in Scripture.
Genesis 3:15This foundational prophecy of the 'seed of the woman' bruising the serpent's head is seen as an early instance of 'it being written' about the Messiah's redemptive work in the 'volume of the book'.
John 5:46Jesus tells the Pharisees that if they believed Moses, they would believe Him, because Moses wrote about Him, underscoring the prophetic nature of the Old Testament scriptures concerning the Messiah.
Philippians 2:8This passage describes Christ's obedience unto death, mirroring the intentional 'I come' of Psalm 40:7, and showing the ultimate fulfillment of His written purpose to do God's will.
clarkePsalms 40:7: "Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,"
In the volume of the book - במגלת ספר bimegillath sepher, "in the roll of the book." Anciently, books were written on skins, and rolled up. Among the Romans, these were called volumina, from volvo, I roll; and the Pentateuch in the Jewish synagogues is still written in this way. There are two wooden rollers; on one they roll on, on the other they roll off, as they proceed in reading. One now lying before me,…
barnesPsalms 40:7: "Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,"
Then said I-- In Hebrews 10:7 , the apostle applies this to the Messiah. See the notes at that verse. This is the most simple and satisfactory interpretation of the passage. The word "then" in this verse means, "since this is the case;" or, "things being thus." It does not refer to time, but to the condition of things. "Since it was certain that the work needful to be done could not be accomplished by bloody…
This verse isn't just a poetic statement about obedience; it's a profound declaration of Christ's Incarnation, highlighting that His coming wasn't a spontaneous decision but a preordained fulfillment of God's written plan. The "scroll of the book" points not to any casual mention, but to the specific, divinely inscribed destiny of the Messiah within all of Scripture.
The psalmist reflects on God's deliverance, contrasting empty animal sacrifices with a willing obedience. This leads to a declaration that the true way to please God is found not in rituals but in radical commitment, as prophesied in Scripture itself. The context points forward to a perfect fulfillment of God's will, suggesting this isn't just David speaking about himself but a prophecy pointing to Christ's mission.
The psalmist reflects on God's deliverance, contrasting empty animal sacrifices with a willing obedience. This leads to a declaration that the true way to please God is found not in rituals but in radical commitment, as prophesied in Scripture itself. The context points forward to a perfect fulfillment of God's will, suggesting this isn't just David speaking about himself but a prophecy pointing to Christ's mission.
"Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me:" — This verse isn't just a poetic statement about obedience; it's a profound declaration of Christ's Incarnation, highlighting that His coming wasn't a spontaneous decision but a preordained fulfillment…
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Last reviewed October 2026