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Response
Several times in the Bible, the expression “God remembered” is used. After the rains of the great flood had ceased, “God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark” «And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged; », (Genesis 8:1). When the Hebrew slaves cried out to the Lord in Egypt, “God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant” «And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. », (Exodus 2:24). And Psalm 98:3 states, “He has recalled his love and his faithfulness to Israel.” (See also Numbers 10:9;Acts 10:31;and Revelation 16:19:) When we encounter the term “remembered,” we typically associate it with bringing to mind something that was forgotten. So, is the Bible implying that God forgets and then needs to remember?
We understand that God does not “remember” in the way we do when we forget. Unlike our limited minds, God’s mind is infinite and all-knowing (Isaiah 40:13-14;Psalm 147:5;1 John 3:20). His knowledge is flawless «Do you know the balancings of the clouds, The wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge? », (Job 37:16). God even perceives the hidden things that others cannot: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before Him.”Before the eyes of the one to whom we must give an account” «Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. », (Hebrews 4:13). Moreover, God is perfect and is not subject to human sin and shortcomings (Deuteronomy 32:4;Psalm 92:15;Matthew 5:48).
God observes us at all times (Psalm 33:13-15;see also Psalm 139:1-3). God deeply cares for all of His creation, with a unique and unfathomable love for all people (Isaiah 41:13;Zephaniah 3:17;Matthew 29:10-30;Ephesians 3:19;1 John 4:19). When God’s followers felt abandoned by the Lord, they received this reassurance through the prophet Isaiah:
“Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me,
the Lord has forgotten me.’
‘Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before me’” (Isaiah 49:14-16). It is impossible for God to forget anything, especially the people He loves.
When the Bible mentions that God “remembered” something, it does not imply forgetfulness. God always remembers—it is inherent to His nature. The declaration that “God remembered” underscores His faithfulness and eternal care.
In every instance where it says, “God remembered,” we observe that the phrase is followed by some form of action or deed on behalf.
Half of God’s people. When God “remembered” Noah and his family floating in the ark, He caused wind to blow, which began to dry up the water that covered the earth «And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that were with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters assuaged; », (Genesis 8:1). In Exodus 2:24, God “remembers” His people who were enslaved to the Egyptians, and, in the very next chapter, He sets in motion His plan to free the Israelites. Psalm 98:3 speaks of God’s continual action toward His people. We conclude that God never forgets but instead works perpetually on behalf of those He loves.
Expressions such as “God remembered” and “God’s arm is strong” are examples of anthropomorphism. Anthropomorphism is a figure of speech in which certain traits of finite humanity are ascribed to the infinite God. Such figures are found often in the Bible, and they help us understand God’s work from a human perspective. When God “remembers” sin, He punishes it «Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: According to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD. », (Psalm 25:7); when God “remembers” His people, He blesses them «And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy. », (Nehemiah 13:22). Passages in which God “remembers” are always followed by proofs that God never forgets.
