The concept of God's personal knowledge of each individual is a profound theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing His omniscience, intimate involvement, and care for His creation. This knowledge is not merely general or abstract but deeply personal and specific to each person.

Omniscience and Intimacy

God's omniscience is a foundational attribute, indicating that He knows all things, past, present, and future. Psalm 139:1-4 beautifully captures this truth: "O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD." This passage highlights that God's knowledge extends to the minutiae of our daily lives, our thoughts, and even our unspoken words.

Creation and Individuality

God's personal knowledge begins even before our birth. Jeremiah 1:5 states, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations." This verse underscores the idea that God's knowledge and plans for us are established even before our physical existence. Similarly, Psalm 139:13-16 speaks to God's intimate involvement in our creation: "For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be."

Guidance and Presence

God's personal knowledge is not passive but active, guiding and sustaining us throughout our lives. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages believers to trust in God's understanding: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This guidance is a testament to His intimate knowledge of our needs and circumstances.

Moreover, God's presence is a constant reassurance of His personal knowledge and care. Matthew 10:29-31 illustrates this with the analogy of sparrows: "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." This passage reassures believers of their value and God's attentive care.

Redemption and Relationship

God's personal knowledge of us is also evident in His redemptive work. Ephesians 1:4-5 reveals that He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world: "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." This choice reflects a deep, personal knowledge and love that seeks a relationship with each individual.

Furthermore, Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, knows His sheep intimately. John 10:14-15 states, "I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep." This relationship is characterized by mutual knowledge and sacrificial love.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently affirms that God's knowledge of us is personal, comprehensive, and rooted in His love and purpose for our lives. This knowledge is a source of comfort, guidance, and assurance of His constant presence and care.