Why A Written Word?

Some may wonder, 'why did Jehovah not use a more dramatic method-say, a voice from heaven-to communicate with humans?' In fact, Jehovah did at times speak from heaven by means of angelic representatives. He did so, for example, when he gave the Law to Israel. (Galatians 3:19) The voice from heaven was awe-inspiring-so much so that the terrified Israelites asked that Jehovah not speak with them in this manner but that he communicate through Moses. (Exodus 20:18-20) The Law, consisting of some 600 statues, was thus transmitted to Moses orally, word-for-word.

What, though, if tht Law had neve been put in writing? Would Moses have been able to remember the precise wording of that detailed code and to convey it flawlessly to the rest of the nation? What about later generations? Would they have had to rely solely on word of mouth? That would hardly have been a reliable method of handing down God's laws. Imagine what would happen if you were to transmit a story to a long line of people by telling it to the first person and then having it relayed from one to another down the line. What the person at the end of the line heard would likely be different considerably from the original. The words of God's Law were in no such danger.

Jehovah wisely chose to have his words put in writing. He instructed Moses: "Write down for yourself these words, because it is in accordance with these words that I do conclude a covenant with you and Israel." (Exodus 34:27) So began the era of Bible writing, in 1513 B.C.E. over the next 1,610 years, Jehovah "spoke on many occasions and in many ways" to some 40 human writers who then penned the Bible. (Hebrews 1:1) Along the way, devoted copyists took meticulous care to produce accurate copies so as to preserve the Scriptures. -Ezra 7:6; Psalm 45:1.

Jehovah has truly blessed us by communicating with us in writing. Have you ever received a letter htat was so dear to you-perhaps becausse it offered needed comfort-that you saved it and read it again and again? so it is with Jehovah's "letter" to us. Jehovah put his words in written for, we are able to read them regularly and to meditate on what they say. (Psalm 1:2) We can receive "the comfort from the Scriptures" whenever we need it. -Romans 15:4.

Next time: Why Human Writers?

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002