Psalms 40:7

"Sacrifice and offering you didn’t desire. You have opened my ears. You have not required burnt offering and sin offering."

Key Reflection

Psalms 40:7 reflects a profound theological statement, asserting that the traditional sacrifices and offerings of the Jewish religion were not what God desired from the psalmist. Instead, God was more interested in the sincerity of his service and obedience. The phrase "You have opened my ears" suggests that God is listening to the psalmist's heartfelt devotion, indicating a shift from external rituals to an internal transformation of heart and will. This passage foreshadows the New Testament’s teaching on true worship being spirit and truth rather than mere outward ritual (John 4:23-24).

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Then said I -InHebrews 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 offerings - the sacrifice of animals - under these circumstances I said;” that is, I resolved or purposed to come. Lo, I come -It is difficult to see how this could be applied to David; it is easy to see how it could be applied to the Messiah.

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