The concept of books as memorials of God's providence is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where written records serve as testimonies to God's faithfulness, guidance, and intervention in the lives of His people. These records, often referred to as "books" in the Scriptures, are not merely historical accounts but are seen as divinely inspired testimonies that bear witness to God's sovereign acts throughout history.

Scriptural Basis

The Bible itself is the ultimate memorial of God's providence, comprising various books that recount His dealings with humanity. In Exodus 17:14, the Lord instructs Moses, "Write this on a scroll as a memorial and recite it to Joshua, because I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven." Here, the act of writing serves as a means to preserve the memory of God's deliverance and judgment.

Similarly, in Deuteronomy 31:24-26, Moses commands the Levites to place the Book of the Law beside the Ark of the Covenant as a witness against the people, underscoring the role of written records as enduring testimonies of God's covenant and expectations.

Historical Books

The historical books of the Old Testament, such as Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings, serve as memorials of God's providence in the establishment and governance of Israel. These books document the cycles of faithfulness and rebellion, highlighting God's patience, justice, and mercy. For instance, the book of Joshua records the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham.

Prophetic Books

The prophetic books also function as memorials, capturing the words of the prophets who were divinely appointed to call the people back to faithfulness. These writings often include both warnings of impending judgment and promises of restoration, reflecting God's providential care and ultimate plan for redemption. Isaiah 46:9-10 declares, "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose.'"

Psalms and Wisdom Literature

The Psalms and wisdom literature, such as Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, are rich in reflections on God's providence. The Psalms, in particular, are replete with personal and communal remembrances of God's past acts of deliverance and provision. Psalm 77:11-12 states, "I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will ponder all Your work, and meditate on Your mighty deeds."

New Testament

In the New Testament, the Gospels serve as the primary memorials of God's providence through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These accounts provide a detailed record of the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the inauguration of the New Covenant. The Acts of the Apostles continues this narrative, documenting the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the early Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The epistles further expound on the implications of God's providence in the life of believers, offering theological insights and practical exhortations. The Book of Revelation, with its apocalyptic vision, assures believers of God's ultimate victory and the consummation of His providential plan.

Conclusion

Throughout the Scriptures, the concept of books as memorials of God's providence underscores the importance of remembering and recounting God's mighty acts. These written records serve as a perpetual reminder of His faithfulness, guiding believers in their faith journey and encouraging them to trust in His sovereign will.Psalm 56:8
You tell my wanderings: put you my tears into your bottle: are they not in your book?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 139:16
Your eyes did see my substance, yet being imperfect; and in your book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Battle of the Books, 1749-1755.
... At that time the number of hymn-books in England was ... understand the same (and this
is a thing, God be praised ... see, if he knows where to look, memorials of their ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiii the battle of.htm

Soul Winning
... soul-winner, blessed of God, shall have memorials of his ... but what has opportunities
for serving God; and what I ... not read and for the days when books were scarce ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/soul winning.htm

A Question for Communicants
... There are other ways of preserving memorials, such as ... not inspired books, but still
were books which we ... God's providence will work in this way if many treat ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/a question for communicants.htm

The Life of Sir Thomas Browne.
... his private life, and has, therefore, few memorials preserved of ... is to be found in
any books of that ... philosophy, and a sound faith of God's Providence, and a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/the life of sir thomas.htm

The Christian Life
... Since then you have such sacred memorials associated with ... already suggested, our
minds have, by God's help, been ... It is like taking and arranging books by their ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the christian life.htm

Index of Subjects.
... neglect of, [129]553; order of its books, [130]336. ... of, a great good, [865]319; local
memorials of, [866 ... Satan, his service harder than God's, [867]42; his wages ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/index of subjects.htm

Criticism of the Westminster System of Doctrine.
... XX.2: 'God alone is Lord of the conscience ... Westminster Confession and Catechisms
the best books in his ... in some measure entitle it' (Memorials of Westminster ...
/.../ 97 criticism of the.htm

Contents and Character of the Extant Works.
... catechetical commentary on the preceding Books combined ... on the power of material
memorials to affect ... great orations conclude""the universal providence of God. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/ix contents and character of the.htm

The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of his Saints
... many a dilapidated shrine, stand as memorials of that ... time, than of the hand of God,
but thought ... philosophers believed that they were writing books which would ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the desolations of the lord.htm

The Church of Rome in the Third Century.
... is the author of one of the books named on ... Many of the memorials of the dead which
they contained ... times married, began to be recognised as God's ministers; and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter v the church of.htm

What are the lost books of the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What are the books of the Bible? What does it mean that the Bible is composed of different books? | GotQuestions.org

Should we read other books, or just the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Books: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus