Psalms 40:6 - Meaning and Application

The psalmist is so amazed by God’s great works for his people that he is carried beyond them to a greater wonder, the work of redemption through our Lord Jesus Christ. God’s thoughts about that work were the most wise, abundant, and gracious, and for that reason they deserve the greatest praise. The apostle quotes this passage and applies it to Christ and his work for us (Hebrews 10:5 and following). As with the Old Testament ceremonies, so with the prayers of God’s people, they had some knowledge of the coming Redeemer.

When the apostle wants to show us Christ’s willing acceptance of his task, he does not appeal to God’s hidden plan, which does not belong to us, but to what God has revealed. First, the legal sacrifices were completely unable to remove sin and bring us peace with God and joy in him. “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire” means that God did not appoint the Redeemer to offer those sacrifices as the true answer to sin. Something had to be offered, but not those (Hebrews 8:3). That is why the Redeemer was not from Aaron’s family (Hebrews 7:14). Or, if we read the words in relation to the Messiah’s coming, burnt offerings and sin offerings would no longer be needed, because the ceremonial law would end.

But even while that law was still in force, God did not desire those sacrifices for their own sake. They could not remove guilt by satisfying God’s justice. The life of a sheep, far below the worth of a human life (Matthew 12:12), could not stand as a true equal payment, much less repair the dishonor done to God’s rule by human sin. They could not quiet a guilty conscience or change a sinful heart. That was impossible (Hebrews 9:9, Hebrews 10:1-4). Whatever value they had came from their pointing to Jesus Christ. They were shadows, indeed, but shadows of the good things to come, testing the faith and obedience of God’s people. The substance had to come, and that substance is Christ, who brings God glory and brings grace to people in a way those sacrifices never could.

Second, Christ was appointed to the work and office of Mediator, that is, the one who stands between God and people to bring them together. “My ears you have opened” means that the Father prepared him for this work (Isaiah 50:5, Isaiah 50:6) and then required him to carry it out. The phrase may also point to the custom of piercing a servant’s ear to mark lifelong service (Exodus 21:6). Christ loved this work so much that he would not go free from it. He committed himself to serve forever, and that is why he is able to save us completely, since he has agreed to serve his Father completely, and the Father upholds him in it (Isaiah 42:1).

Third, Christ gave his own willing consent to this task: “Then I said, ‘See, I have come.’” When sacrifices could not accomplish the work, he said he would come rather than let the work fail. He came to face the powers of darkness and to advance God’s glory and kingdom. This shows three things. He freely offered himself to this service, under no duty before his own willing commitment. As soon as it was proposed to him, he gladly agreed. If he had not chosen it freely, he could not have been a surety, a guaranteed representative for others, or a sacrifice, because it is by this willing heart, this mind of the one offering, that we are made holy (Hebrews 10:10). He also firmly bound himself to it: “I come,” meaning, “I will come in the fullness of time.” That is why the apostle says that when he came into the world, he was already carrying out this promise in his heart. He entered into this obligation not only to show his love, but because his undertaking was to be honored before it was fully completed. Though the price had not yet been paid, it was secured. In that sense, he was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. He also openly acknowledged this commitment. He said, “See, I have come,” and he had been saying this all along to the Old Testament saints, who knew him as the One who was to come. That promise was the foundation of their faith and hope.

Fourth, the reason he came was that it had been written about him in the scroll of the book. This refers first to the hidden rolls of God’s decree and purpose. There it was written that his ear was opened and that he said, “See, I have come.” There the covenant of redemption, the Father’s plan with the Son, was recorded, and Christ kept his eye on that command in all he did. It also refers to the written words of the Old Testament. Moses and all the prophets testified about him. In every part of that book, something was written concerning him, and he kept that in view so that all could be fulfilled (John 19:28).

Fifth, he took delight in his work. Since he freely offered himself, he was not drawn back or discouraged, but went forward with full satisfaction: “I delight to do your will, my God.” For Christ, doing the Father’s work was like food and drink (John 4:34). The reason given is, “Your law is within my heart.” It was written there and ruled there. This means the law that governed the work and office of the Mediator, what he had to do and suffer. That law was precious to him and shaped his whole mission. When God’s law is written in our hearts, then our duty becomes our joy.

Sixth, the gospel is made known to people in the great assembly (Psalm 40:9, Psalm 40:10). The same Christ who won redemption for us as priest also makes it known as prophet, first by his own preaching, then by his apostles, and still by his word and Spirit. The great salvation began to be spoken by the Lord (Hebrews 2:3). It is the gospel of Christ preached to all nations. What is preached is righteousness, God’s righteousness, the everlasting righteousness Christ brought in (Daniel 9:24), and compare Romans 1:16, Romans 1:17. It is also God’s faithfulness to his promise, the salvation long awaited, and God’s lovingkindness and truth, his mercy according to his word. In our redemption, we should notice how clearly all God’s qualities shine, and we should give him praise for each of them. It is preached to the great congregation, in verse 9 and again in verse 10.

When Christ was on earth, he preached to large crowds, sometimes thousands at a time. The gospel was preached to both Jews and Gentiles, and to great gatherings of both groups. Public worship is God’s own design, and in those meetings the glory of God, seen in the face of Christ, should be praised and preached for the good of people.

How was it preached? Freely and openly. “I have not held back my lips,” “I have not hidden it,” and “I have not concealed it.” This shows that anyone called to preach the gospel would feel strong pressure to keep quiet, because the message had to be preached in open conflict and under heavy opposition. But Christ himself, and those he called to this work, set their faces like a flint (Isaiah 50:7), and they were wonderfully upheld in it.

We should be thankful they were faithful. Because they preached this way, our eyes can see this joyful light and our ears can hear this joyful sound. Without it, we might have been lost forever in ignorance.