Commentary on Hebrews 10:7

Hebrews 10:7 states, "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 a profound declaration made by Christ regarding His mission and purpose on earth, aligned uniquely with the divine will of God. It encapsulates the essence of His incarnation and redemptive work.

Introduction

Hebrews 10:7 is a quotation from Psalm 40:7-8, highlighting its Messianic implications. This verse serves as a pivotal statement in the epistle, emphasizing the purpose of Christ’s coming and His obedience to the Father. In this commentary, we shall draw upon insights from renowned public domain commentaries to elucidate the theological significance of this verse.

The Context of Hebrews 10

• Supremacy of Christ: The book of Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of Christ over the Levitical priesthood and Old Testament sacrifices. In this context, the author is establishing that Christ’s coming fulfills the prophecies and sacrifices outlined in the Old Testament.
• Contrast Between Old and New: The sacrifices of the Old Covenant could not take away sin; thus, the reality of Christ’s sacrifice is being highlighted as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s will.

Interpretations from Notable Commentators

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry emphasizes the voluntary nature of Christ’s coming. He remarks that Christ willingly offered Himself as a sacrifice, which is foundational for understanding the nature of His atonement. Henry notes that this act was initiated by God's will, thereby underscoring God’s sovereign plan in redemption. He states:

"In these words, we have the very essence of Christ's mission: He came into the world to serve and to do the will of God."

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes focuses on the phrase "in the volume of the book it is written of me." He interprets this to affirm that the Scriptures bear witness to Christ, signifying that the ancient texts foretold His coming and purpose. Barnes highlights that the phrase contemplates both the written law and the prophetic writings that point to Jesus as the Messiah. He notes:

"The sacred writings speak of the coming of Christ and the nature of His mission; thus, He acknowledges that He is the fulfillment of those prophecies."

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke delves into the theological significance of "to do thy will, O God." He argues that this indicates Christ’s perfect obedience to the Father, which contrasts sharply with the failures of the Old Covenant. Clarke highlights that God's will implies not only the act of coming but also the entirety of Christ’s life and sacrificial death. He observes:

"Christ's submission to God's will is what makes His sacrifice effective; it is this obedience that grants believers access to grace."

Theological Implications

• Christ as the Fulfillment of Prophecy: The verse serves as a confirmation that Christ's life and work were preordained, fulfilling the Scriptures.
• Divine Will and Human Agency: Christ's statement reveals the harmony between divine sovereignty and the human response, essential for understanding God's redemptive plan.
• The Nature of Sacrifice: Christ's fulfillment of the Old Testament type and shadow sets a model for understanding how the New Covenant operates.

Conclusion

Hebrews 10:7 provides profound insights into Christ's purpose on earth and His commitment to fulfill the divine will. The insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke contribute to a deeper understanding of the verse, highlighting key theological themes such as Christ’s obedience, the fulfillment of Scripture, and the nature of sacrifice.

For pastors, students, theologians, and scholars, this exploration serves as a reminder of the depth of Scripture and the intricate ways in which it reveals the person and work of Christ. As this verse resonates throughout the ages, it calls all believers to acknowledge the significance of Jesus’ mission and the divine will that orchestrated it.