My pastor was teaching a class on the unity and diversity of Scripture when a verse from the book of Numbers leapt out at me. I consider myself deeply familiar with the Bible and yet, apparently, I’d skipped over mentions of lost books of the Bible. Yet, this time, Numbers 24:14 NASB “For that reason it is said in the Book of the Wars of the Lord,” ignited my imagination.
With a love of speculative fiction, I imagined all kinds of content for this book, but then I remembered that most ancient writings from the Israelites were named by the first significant words that appear in the scroll. So, for instance, Genesis is Bereshit in Hebrew which is translated “In the beginning.” Exodus is Shemot, meaning “Names.” Leviticus is Vayikra, meaning “And He called.” Numbers is Bamidbar translated, “In the Wilderness.” And Deuteronomy is Devarim, which is “Words.” So, it’s most likely that “Wars of the Lord” is the first significant phrase in this scroll. Still intriguing, though.
“Wait a minute!” I asked, “What is this?” You may similarly intrigued.
The discussion in my pastor’s class about writings that are referenced in the Bible but not included sent me on a search. I remembered my friend, Eva Marie Everson, had just released a novel, and in her research, she referenced the writings of Gad, the seer. Turns out, these are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 29:29 along with the chronicles of Samuel and of Nathan the prophet, “Now the acts of King David, from the first to the last, are written in the chronicles of Samuel the seer, in the chronicles of Nathan the prophet, and in the chronicles of Gad the seer” (NASB).
I am curious about everything related to God and His Word, so I followed the trail of these books. Still, as I indulged my curiosity, I remembered that my pastor often tells us that while we don’t get all the details we always want in God’s Word, we do have everything we need (which often makes him sound like he’s quoting the Rolling Stones).
Besides the books or writings already mentioned, some of the lost books mentioned in God’s Word include:
1. The Book of Jasher, possibly poetry. Joshua 10:13 and 2 Samuel 1:18
2. There are several books or chronicles of kings referenced throughout the Old Testament. This is understandable as every king would have had a scribe recording the history of their reign. Some that are mentioned are The Chronicles of King Ahasuerus (Esther 2:23), The Acts of the Kings of Israel (also called the Acts and Prayers of Manasseh) mentioned in 2 Chronicles 33:18, and The Book of the Acts of Solomon (1 Kings 11:41).
3. Writings of various prophets not included in the canon of Scripture are referenced, including those written by Shemaiah and Iddo (2 Chronicles 12:15), Ahijah the Shilonite (2 Chronicles 9:29), and the Seers (2 Chronicles 33:19).
Some of these writings may exist, but none are considered on a standing with the books actually included in the Bible's canon.
The short answer is no. The “Lost Books” is a broad category that also includes the Pseudepigrapha and the Apocrypha.
We know a pseudonym is a fictitious or pen name. Pseudepigrapha are ancient writings from biblical times that have been determined to be suspicious as not authentic to the author claimed in the title. There are many, and occasionally, we see them in modern headlines. Perhaps the most familiar are The Gospel of Thomas, The Gospel of Mary, and the Gospel of Judas. A frequent topic of the New Testament writers was the prevalence of false teachers already on the rise in the early church. Many of these writings reflect one of the most prevalent forms of false teaching called Gnosticism.
Greg Grandchamp explains that Gnosticism can be challenging to define. “The word itself is derived from the Greek word “gnosis,” which means knowledge. At the core, all versions of Gnosticism, and there are many, contend that people find their salvation and overcome the material, physical world only through attaining secret knowledge.”
Apocryphal books are biblically related writings but have historically not been accepted as to be included in the canon of Scripture. The books commonly known as apocryphal are:
While some denominations accept some of these books as authoritative Scripture, since the Reformation, most are not considered Scripture by Protestant denominations. The Apocrypha are generally published as either a stand-alone volume not included in the Bible or as a distinctive section clearly separate from the canonized books within the Bible.
Truth is truth. God’s truth stands wherever we find it, even in books written by secular writers or without the intent of teaching God’s truth. So, the books of the Apocrypha, those considered pseudepigrapha, and even the lost books mentioned within Scripture are likely to include some biblical truth, although that doesn’t validate them as “true” books.
Heresy is often built on truth, but then falsehood is added, part of the truth is withheld, or the truth is subtly, dangerously twisted in ways that can, and have, led believers astray so they have shipwrecked their faith. This is a tactic as ancient as the Garden of Eden when the serpent asked Eve, “Has God really said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1 NASB). “Has God really said?” is a phrase repeated through time by people with the intent of leading followers of Christ off the narrow road.
God’s truth is revealed in His Word. Nothing that contradicts, twists, adds to or subtracts from this Word should be considered authoritative above Scripture.
First, every Christian’s primary focus of study should be the entire Word of God as found in canonized Scripture. The Old and New Testament books contain the full truth we need to follow Him. Peter wrote in 2 Peter 1:3 (NASB) “for His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” With busy schedules and full lives, most believers would benefit from exploring the breadth and depth of Scripture before expanding to any extra-canonical writings.
Second, any writing historically considered heresy (such as most of the Pseudepigrapha and parts of the Apocrypha) is best for the common believer to avoid. Some will read or study these writings as academics, teachers, or pastor/shepherds to analyze them and prepare to spot similar heresies in every age. Don’t allow curiosity alone to lead, but listen to the Holy Spirit and to your pastoral leadership. In the course of evangelism, if the people to whom you’re witnessing are quoting from extra-biblical literature, it can be helpful to read it yourself but engage the support of well-studied leadership mature in the faith.
Third, as far as the apocrypha is concerned or any verified lost books mentioned in Scripture that exist, it can be interesting to read these. Sometimes, we learn from apocryphal works from where some damaging misconceptions of the church arise. However, read these as books, not as God’s Word, but as you might read books now written by followers of Jesus. Evaluate them with the same eye, always weighing what is read against the authoritative truth of God’s Word.
Further Reading
What are the Lost Books of the Bible?
What are the Apocryphal Books and Do They Belong in the Bible?
Are There Missing Books of the Bible?
Lori Stanley Roeleveld is a blogger, speaker, coach, and disturber of hobbits. She’s authored six encouraging, unsettling books, including Running from a Crazy Man, The Art of Hard Conversations, and Graceful Influence: Making a Lasting Impact through Lesson from Women of the Bible. She speaks her mind at www.loriroeleveld.com.
He is a cross pendant.
He is engraved with a unique Number.
He will mail it out from Jerusalem.
He will be sent to your Side.
Emmanuel
Bible Verses About Welcoming ImmigrantsEmbracing the StrangerAs we journey through life, we often encounter individuals who are not of our nationality......
Who We AreWhat We EelieveWhat We Do
2025 by lntellectual Reserve,Inc All rights reserved.
