Psalm 40 (39):8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Additionally, the decrees of the New Covenant are inscribed not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of flesh, as the Lord proclaims through the prophet Jeremiah: ‘I will place My laws in their minds, and write them on their hearts’ (Jeremiah 31:33). This signifies that the Church will embrace the New Law within the depths of their hearts and will ‘greatly desire its commandments’ (Psalm 111:1).

Consequently, the apostle urges that a husband should love his wife as Christ loves the Church, because we are parts of His body, of His flesh and of His bones (Eph. 5:30). What could be more redemptive than to be united with Christ, joined to Him in a body free from sin's blemish? In the early writings, it says that Abel's righteous sacrifice was accepted by God, while the offering of Cain, a fratricide, was rejected. Did our Lord Christ not plainly declare that He would offer Himself for us, that through His suffering He might consecrate the new sacrifice and eradicate the practice of brotherly violence? What symbolizes this more clearly than the son sacrificed by the righteous patriarch and the ram offered in substitution? Does this not illustrate that it is not the divine essence of the only begotten Son that experiences the wounds of holy suffering, but rather our shared human flesh? In the early texts, it speaks of a coming Man who would command the celestial beings. These words were fulfilled when the Lord Jesus descended to earth and the angels ministered unto Him. As He stated, "You will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man" (John 1:51). It is written in Scripture, "You shall select a lamb without blemish, male, one year old... And the whole congregation of Israel shall slaughter it" (Ex. 12:5, 6). Who is this Lamb? Hear the proclamation: "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (Jn. 1:29). He was sacrificed by the nation of the Jews, who relentlessly pursued Him with enmity. It was essential for Him to die for everyone, for on His cross, sins were forgiven, and His blood cleansed the sins of the world. Alas, for those who rejected the Creator who brought them life! The Lord says, "You have convened a council, but not with Me" (Isaiah 30:1). He did not endorse their counsel; could He approve of fratricide? Yet what boundless love! If they had turned to Him, He would not have withheld assistance, even as He recoiled in horror at their plans. It is inscribed not only in individual texts but throughout the entire law, indicating that a man would come to redeem humanity, aligning His desires with those of God. Where divine will aligns, so too does divine essence. Thus, He willingly embraced sacrificial suffering, rightly asserting, “I will offer You a sacrifice of my own accord” (Psalm 53:8). Yet, you may question, "Why did He say in the Gospel, ‘Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will’ (Matt. 26:39)?" It appears to indicate a distinction of will. However, we understand there is a difference in His expression, revealing the unity of divine nature, as He stated, "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30), and His humanity, which He used to teach us to be cautious of over-reliance on our own abilities in challenging situations, urging us not to falter in unholy pursuits of reward. Hence, Christ advises, “When they persecute you in one city, flee to another” (Matthew 10:23). It is no accident that, taking Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with Him, He began to feel deep anguish as His time of physical suffering approached: "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" (Matthew 26:37-38). He then encouraged them to “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation: the spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). Here, He speaks with humanity, in prayer, expressing sorrow as a man saying, “My Father, if it is possible." What is impossible for God? It is human nature to doubt, yet God reaffirms. As chosen witnesses of His impending judgment, Christ brought with Him His most devoted disciples, those who grasped the essence of His teachings. The other disciples were asleep, while only these remained alert. Even before His incarnation, the Lord spoke through Jeremiah, saying, “I was like a lamb led to the slaughter, and I did not know” (Jeremiah 11:19). What could the Wisdom of God, eternally intertwined in the mystery of the Father, be unaware of? The Son of God revealed all truths, for He embodies the Wisdom of the Father. How did He know ahead of time that He would be led as a lamb, yet say that He was unaware of it? Or why did He cry out, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Psalm 21:2)? How could the Father forsake the Son, who proclaims, “I am not alone because the Father is with Me” (John 16:32)? And elsewhere, He states, “I am betrayed; yet I have not gone out” (Ps. 87:9). And again, “I have awoken and am still with you” (Ps. 138:18). This illustrates that the Lord is expressing the emotions of those in distress, feeling abandoned by God. Now notice these words: “Far removed from my salvation are the words of my transgressions” (Psalm 21:2); one speaks of transgressions, the other of eternal salvation’s decrees. Words do not harm virtue; the divine essence rests securely upon His power: the Man we see and hear reveals God through His works. Yet of this Man it is stated, “Behold the Man! Who can understand him?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Who can comprehend Him? Not because He is insignificant, but because He is remarkable and wise, as posed in the question, “Who shall ascend the mountain of the Lord?” (Ps. 23:3). Who is wise enough to grasp it? (Hos. 14:10). And again: “The man of no understanding shall not know, and the ignorant shall not comprehend these matters” (Ps. 91:7). Thus, when you read the Gospel, remember to approach it with wisdom, not foolishness. May the radiance of eternal Wisdom illuminate your path! Even mere words possess the power to purify, enlighten, affirm, and strengthen. That is why Peter exclaimed, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). We will not forsake You! Furthermore, to emphasize His human nature, shortly thereafter the Lord declared: “Look, the hour approaches, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners” (Matt. 26:45). And to Judas, who betrayed Him with a kiss, He asked: “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Lk. 22:48). This means: do you spread poison with a kiss, which should convey the grace of love? A kiss symbolizes sacred peace, sealing friendship and faith. With this kiss, you betray and endanger the One whom you ought to honor! You, O man, betray the Son of Man, who descended from heaven to save humanity! Thus, it is recorded, “The Son of Man who is in heaven; only He descended from heaven” (John 3:13). Do you betray the Son of Man, who transformed you from a sinner into an apostle? Do you betray the Son of Man, who came to atone for the sins of all through His blood? I do not deny the kiss; you clearly recognize that you are violating its sanctity. Have you not read that “better are the wounds of a friend than the deceitful kisses of an enemy” (Proverbs 27:6)? For his deed, Judah was struck with remorse more profound than a lightning strike, a blow so severe that he could not endure the Lord's patience, nor could he erase the guilt of his grave crime—he returned the silver, denouncing his greed as the source of wickedness, thereby relinquishing the betrayal money to the temple. There is no forgiveness for the traitor who found no avenue for repentance, yet the sorrowful sacrilege of the Jews, who were condemned even by the voice of the traitor. Judas confessed his guilt, admitting he betrayed innocent blood; they accepted the payment for the crime and relentlessly pursued the Lord of Justice. The forgiveness granted to the crucified thief stands as a perpetual condemnation for the Jews, as in his suffering he came to recognize Christ, while they in their privilege did not. The thief confessed his transgressions to Christ, who knows how to grant forgiveness, and upon the cross, he beheld with spiritual insight the kingdom of Heaven, which Judas could not perceive even while dining with the Lord. That is why the heavenly voice responded to the thief’s request, “Truly, I say to you, today you shall be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43)! You rejoiced, serpent, for you believed you snatched an apostle away from Christ, yet you lost more than you gained; for see, the thief is taken into paradise. No one can be excluded from paradise if a thief has been welcomed there; your servant has arrived at the place from which you yourself were expelled.

It is written of Me in the book of books, as the Hebrews refer to complete writings and smaller sections as scrolls; for instance, in this context, the Son of Man, consume this scroll (Ezekiel 3:1); since the ancients inscribed on rolls rather than rectangular sheets as we do today (Ezek. 1:1). Consequently, Christ states, 'In the roll of the book it is written of Me.' This refers to the prophetic scriptures, signifying that the prophets foretold My incarnation. The Lord later reiterated to the Jews, ‘If you had believed Moses, you would have also believed me, for he wrote of me’ (John 5:46), among other similar affirmations. Someone unnamed suggests that the book alludes to the entire Pentateuch of Moses, with the chapter representing the book of Genesis, which contains the account of Isaac related to Christ. Others interpret the small chapter to refer to the beginning of the Gospel of John, illustrating the eternal birth of the Son, or the commencement of the Gospel of Matthew, which narrates the temporal birth of Christ in the flesh. Origen describes all authentic Scripture as the head of the book, as they collectively focus on the prophecy of Christ.

A military leader lacks efficacy if he cannot skillfully maintain his followers in unwavering submission to the law and ensure their compliance with rightful commands. Conversely, when the leader, such as a householder, a monastery guide, a teacher in a school, or the military commander, wisely directs those entrusted to him with instruction, example, or even a mere gesture, the intended positive outcomes of the institution are realized. Just as a soldier is duty-bound to obey his commander in all matters, follow his lead, and be prepared to execute each order, so too is every genuine Christian called to be under the authority of God throughout their lives. In all that God wishes to accomplish in us, in what He desires us to undertake, and in His commands, we must yield to His holy will without hesitation.

As Christians, let our singular response to God's call be: "Behold, I go, O Lord, as it is written in the scroll of the book - I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart" (Psalm 39:8-9), residing in our memory, our thoughts, and our will. Following the example set by our Savior, let us affirm: "Your will, O God, surpasses all commands; fulfilling Your will is my greatest good." Just as Saul, upon being struck by a heavenly light and falling to the ground, heard the voice asking, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" his first question was, "Lord, what do you want me to do?" (Acts 9:2-6). May we echo this question daily, especially when faced with uncertainty regarding our actions: "Lord, what is Your command for me? What is Your will in this circumstance, O benevolent Jesus? Please reveal it to me through any sign that I may comprehend, whether by encouraging words, advice, or revelation. I am ready to follow Your divine guidance, which You have earnestly instilled in me." The inquiry into how we may discern God's will in all matters can be addressed by outlining certain guidelines or provisions that facilitate the revelation of His will, which we can refer to collectively as the commandments.

In the next part, he emphasizes, "Thy law is in the midst of my belly," indicating that it is deeply rooted within his heart. Consequently, it follows that regardless of how impressive human actions may seem, if they do not stem from a genuine heart, they amount to mere illusions or facades. Moreover, it is futile for one’s hands, feet, and ears to engage in obedience if it does not originate from the heart.

Further contemplation is warranted regarding the phrase, "In the book of books, it is written of me," as suggested by the Hebrew text, "In the scroll of books." Here, the Prophet uniquely claims a truth that applies universally. While the law instructs all humanity regarding righteous living, these words don't seem exclusive to an individual or a select few.

We can understand that although the literal precepts of the law are meant for everyone, they are lifeless in themselves. As the Apostle notes, they are like the wind that merely strikes. Thus, God instructs His devoted servants through the inner illumination of the Holy Spirit. This personal teaching is a unique treasure for them alone, which is why it is recorded in God’s sacred scroll specifically about those who fulfill His will.

Even though God's voice resonates throughout the entire creation, condemning the disobedient, it penetrates the hearts of the righteous, for whom it is sent to bring salvation. Just as a commander lists the names of his soldiers for clarity or a teacher highlights his best students, so God writes the names of His children in the book of the living.