Names of Books mentioned in the Bible
What are the names of books mentioned in the Bible that are not in the Bible?
The Bible references numerous books that are not part of its current canon. These books are often cited as sources or additional histories but were not included in the final biblical compilation. Some of the more notable ones include:
- Book of the Wars of the Lord: Mentioned in Numbers 21:14, this book is referenced in the context of recounting Israel’s journeys and conflicts.
- Book of Jasher (or Jashar): Mentioned in Joshua 10:13 and 2 Samuel 1:18, it appears to be a collection of poetic accounts or heroic tales from ancient Israel.
- Book of the Acts of Solomon: Referred to in 1 Kings 11:41, this book likely contained details about Solomon’s reign, wisdom, and accomplishments.
- Book of Samuel the Seer, Book of Nathan the Prophet, and Book of Gad the Seer: These three texts are cited in 1 Chronicles 29:29 as sources for the events of King David’s life.
- Prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite and Visions of Iddo the Seer: Mentioned in 2 Chronicles 9:29, these may have been collections of prophetic writings related to the kingship.
- Book of Shemaiah the Prophet and Iddo the Seer on genealogies: 2 Chronicles 12:15 refers to these books, possibly documenting genealogies and royal history.
- Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel and Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah: Frequently mentioned in 1 and 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, these annals likely recorded the deeds and events of each kingdom’s rulers.
- The Sayings of the Seers: Mentioned in 2 Chronicles 33:19, this text might have been a collection of prophetic sayings or wisdom literature.
These lost texts may have been historical accounts, prophecies, or wisdom literature relevant to the Israelite community, but they were not preserved or included in the canonical Hebrew or Christian Bible as it stands today. The nature and content of these books remain a topic of scholarly interest and debate.
Joel
A Prophecy of Esau and Jacob 