“Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God”
This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Hebrews that focuses on the superiority of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice compared to the sacrifices of the Old Testament Law. To better understand the significance of Hebrews 10:7, it’s helpful to explore its context within the chapter.
Hebrews 10:1-18 highlights how the Old Testament sacrificial system, with its repeated animal sacrifices, could not truly take away sins but merely served as a temporary atonement. The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that these sacrifices were a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would offer Himself as the perfect, once-and-for-all sacrifice for sins.
In verse 5 of Hebrews 10, the author quotes from Psalm 40:6-8, attributing the words to Christ:
“Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me” (Hebrews 10:5, KJV).
The passage is referencing the fact that God was not ultimately pleased with the various sacrifices prescribed in the Law of Moses. Instead, God had prepared a body for Jesus, who would fulfill His will completely.
Then, in Hebrews 10:7, the writer continues quoting Christ, who is described as speaking these words:
“Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God” (Hebrews 10:7, KJV).
This verse underscores Jesus’ obedience to God’s will. It expresses His readiness and willingness to come into the world to fulfill the divine plan of salvation. The phrase “in the volume of the book” suggests that the entire Scripture bears witness to the purpose of Christ’s coming, which is to accomplish the will of God through His redemptive work.
Hebrews 10:7 reveals the essence of Jesus’ mission on Earth. It highlights His submission to God’s will, His role as the obedient servant, and His purpose to fulfill the divine plan of salvation. This verse emphasizes the superior nature of Christ’s sacrifice, demonstrating that Jesus’ obedience and offering of Himself are far greater than the sacrifices offered under the Old Covenant.
Overall, Hebrews 10:7 encapsulates the central theme of Hebrews, emphasizing the superiority of Jesus’ sacrifice and His complete obedience to God’s will, which ultimately brings salvation to humanity.
