A verse that does not belong in the Bible

Several times “book” is used figuratively, as in the expressions “your [God’s] book” (Exodus 32:32), “book of remembrance” (Malachi 3:16), and “book of life” (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; 20:15). It appears that these are all basically the same, that is, they are all God’s “book” of remembrances.

Consider other examples: Exodus 17:14; 24:7; Numbers 21:14, 15; Joshua 10:12, 13; 1 Kings 11:41; 14;19, 29; 2 Kings 15:33; 24:5; 1 Chronicles 9:1; 27:24; 2 Chronicles 16:11; 20:34; 24:27; 33:18; 32;32; Ezra 4:15; Nehemiah 12:33; Esther 2:23; 6:1, 2; 10:2; Acts 19:19; Hebrews 10:7.

I think you would do well not to stumble on what it meant or means to the people during the time it was written. If you believe that the Bible is relevant for all time – now as it was then – then I don’t see any discord or confusion. By that very belief, you are saying that God see’s and is directing things into the future. And that belief, would be good, right, and true. That God does this, is evidenced in many places in the Scriptures. Too many to list. Not the least of which, are the verses predicting the coming of Christ, which then happened. So, it could be, that that verse is much more relevant now, than it was then, by God’s design.

But even if I do say that it HAS TO BE completely relevant to the people of that time, I still see a great deal of relevance. First, it is relevant to the few people who were educated and did make books. Second, to my understanding it simply says; “Don’t get hung up, thinking that by reading about God, writing about God, studying Him, theorizing about this or that, discussing doctrine, wondering what’s relevant or isn’t relevant, etc., etc., that you are going to find God or come to God. Don’t excessively waste your time doing that, and neglect the most important thing. Because it’s not by of that type of ‘knowledge’ that you are made righteous in God’s eyes. If you want to come to God then the bottom line is this; fear God, so that you keep his commandments! It’s just that simple. The only ‘knowledge’ you really need is to know what He expects from you…, Then, once you have heard and received that knowledge – once you know what that it is (whatever it is to you, for we all have disagreements about exactly what God expects), then; Do it!
And that message certainly would have been relevant to anyone to whom it was preached. Especially since most people were uneducated and couldn't read or write. So, the ‘book writers’ and teachers of the day could look at that verse and then go to the uneducated people and preach to them saying; “Here are God’s commands! Fear Him and keep them!” Instead of thinking that they should be sitting among themselves in a room reading, studying, and writing books.

So, I guess when I read that, I see exactly the opposite of what you see. That it absolutely belongs there. That it fits right in with many things I understand. Anyway, just my opinion.

Oh.., one other thought..,
Even Christ preached the same message saying; "Get out their and preach! Spread the Gospel". In other words, don't get hung up sitting around writing, discussing, theorizing, etc. He even, by example did this Himself. I remember that it says somewhere that the things He said - if they were put into books- would fill the earth. But they were not put into books. Very little was put into books, because it was mostly preached. So, He Himself followed that teaching. Also i think, the apostles mostly preached and that very little was written down compared to the many words that were spoken by them throughout their ministries.