Why do biblical writers focus on humanity's relationship with God rather than proving God's existence?

Biblical writers do not focus on proving God's existence because the Hebrew Bible is a literature of faith rather than a work of scientific observation or historical demonstration. For these writers, God’s existence is not a speculative problem to be solved; instead, their primary concern is the human condition and humanity's destiny in relation to God.1

The biblical narrative centers on God’s ongoing interaction with humanity—through creation, provision, judgment, deliverance, and the covenant—rather than abstract philosophical arguments. The writers interpret human life and history through the lens of God’s nature, including his righteousness, mercy, and love. Consequently, the focus remains on how people experience God’s presence and activity in their lives, such as the prophets who perceived political and economic events as occasions where God was testing, punishing, or saving the people of Israel. Ultimately, the biblical perspective views humanity's rebellion, estrangement, and potential for reconciliation as the central themes of existence, with God’s reality serving as the foundational context for these human experiences.12