The practice of writing and remembering God's revelations is a significant theme throughout the Bible, serving as a means to preserve divine instruction, guidance, and prophecy for future generations. This practice underscores the importance of maintaining a faithful record of God's interactions with humanity and ensuring that His words are not forgotten.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament provides numerous instances where writing is used to document God's revelations. One of the earliest examples is found in Exodus 17:14, where God instructs Moses, "Write this on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua, because I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven" . This command highlights the importance of written records in preserving God's promises and judgments.

The giving of the Law at Mount Sinai further emphasizes the role of writing. In Exodus 24:4, Moses is described as writing down all the words of the LORD. The Ten Commandments themselves were inscribed by the finger of God on tablets of stone (Exodus 31:18), signifying the permanence and authority of His covenant with Israel.

The Book of Deuteronomy reiterates the necessity of remembering God's laws through writing. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 instructs the Israelites to keep God's commandments on their hearts and to write them on the doorposts of their houses and on their gates. This practice served as a constant reminder of their covenant relationship with God and their obligation to obey His statutes.

Prophetic Writings

The prophets played a crucial role in recording God's revelations. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others were commanded to write down the visions and messages they received. For instance, in Jeremiah 30:2, the LORD tells Jeremiah, "Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you" . These writings not only served as immediate warnings and guidance for the people of Israel but also as enduring testimonies of God's faithfulness and justice.

New Testament Continuation

The New Testament continues the tradition of writing as a means of preserving and disseminating God's revelations. The Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation were all written to convey the life, teachings, and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, as well as the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the early Church.

The Apostle Paul, in particular, emphasizes the importance of written communication. In 1 Corinthians 14:37, he asserts, "If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command" . Paul's letters were intended to instruct, correct, and encourage the believers, ensuring that the teachings of Christ were accurately transmitted and remembered.

The Role of Memory and Oral Tradition

While writing was essential, oral tradition also played a vital role in remembering God's revelations. The Israelites were encouraged to recite God's laws and recount His mighty acts to their children (Deuteronomy 11:19). This oral transmission complemented the written word, fostering a culture of remembrance and obedience.

In the New Testament, the oral proclamation of the Gospel preceded the writing of the Gospels. The apostles and early Christians relied on the Holy Spirit to bring to remembrance the teachings of Jesus (John 14:26), ensuring that the message of salvation was faithfully communicated.

Conclusion

The practice of writing and remembering God's revelations is a foundational aspect of biblical faith. Through both written records and oral tradition, God's words have been preserved and passed down through the generations, providing guidance, instruction, and hope to His people.