The author of Hebrews reaches back to the traditions of the Psalms and Jeremiah to clarify the new situation which now confronts those who would be obedient to God. Whereas chapter 10 began by describing the old,cultic sacrificial ways of obedience, verses 5-10 introduce the new reality which now applies.

The author begins to explain the impetus for this change with the statement that Christ " came into the world. " More than a simple reference to Christ's incarnation, this phrase points to the entirety of the cosmos as the proper sphere of influence for Christ's activity. The world of flesh is justlyan integral part of God's plan for salvation through the new reality brought into existence by Christ's sacrifice.

Verses 5b-7 repeat the message of Psalm40:6-8 while shifting its emphasis t…