Biblical References to Non-Canonical Books: From Genesis to Revelation

The Bible is a divine tapestry woven with narratives, laws, poetry, prophecy, and historical accounts. In its creation, the authors often referenced or drew upon other writings that were well-known in their time but not included in the canonical texts of Scripture. Some of these writings include the Apocryphal books (such as Tobit, Wisdom of Solomon, and 1 Maccabees) and other ancient texts like the Book of Jasher and the Book of Enoch. Below, we examine these references and elaborate on the parallels between the Bible and these extra-biblical works.

1. The Book of Jasher

The Book of Jasher (or "Sefer HaYashar") is referenced twice in the Bible:

References in the Bible

Joshua 10:13: “So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar.”This verse recounts the miraculous event where Joshua commanded the sun and moon to stand still during a battle. The author attributes this narrative to the Book of Jasher, suggesting it was a well-known source.
2 Samuel 1:18: “He ordered that the people of Judah be taught this lament of the bow (it is written in the Book of Jashar).”Here, David’s lament for Saul and Jonathan is mentioned as being recorded in the Book of Jasher.

Themes in the Book of Jasher

While the original text of Jasher has been lost, later versions purport to contain its content. These versions often echo biblical themes, including creation, patriarchal history, and miraculous events.

2. The Book of Enoch

The Book of Enoch is an ancient Jewish text attributed to Enoch, the seventh generation from Adam (Genesis 5:21-24). It provides detailed accounts of angels, the Nephilim, and visions of heaven and judgment.

References in the Bible

Jude 1:14-15: “Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: ‘See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone.’”This is a direct quote from the Book of Enoch (1 Enoch 1:9), showing its influence on New Testament theology.
Genesis 5:24: “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”The narrative of Enoch's ascension is elaborated upon in 1 Enoch, where he is described as being taken to heaven and shown divine mysteries.

Themes in the Book of Enoch

The book explores themes of divine judgment, angelic rebellion, and the coming of the Messiah, aligning with biblical eschatology.

3. Apocryphal Books Referenced in the Bible

Tobit

The story of Tobit emphasizes themes of righteousness, almsgiving, and angelic intervention. While not directly quoted in the canonical Bible, its teachings parallel many biblical principles:

Matthew 6:1-4 (Almsgiving): Echoes the virtue of giving to the needy, as emphasized in Tobit 12:8-9.
Hebrews 13:2: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” This aligns with Tobit’s encounter with the angel Raphael (Tobit 5-12).

Wisdom of Solomon

The Wisdom of Solomon is deeply philosophical and theological, discussing God’s wisdom and justice.

Romans 1:20-23: Paul’s discussion on idolatry parallels Wisdom 13:1-9, where the folly of idol worship is criticized.
Hebrews 1:3: Describes Jesus as the radiance of God’s glory, which echoes Wisdom 7:26.

1 and 2 Maccabees

These books provide a historical account of the Jewish revolt against Greek oppression. Though not explicitly quoted in the New Testament, their influence is evident:

John 10:22: Mentions the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), a festival rooted in the events of 1 Maccabees 4:36-59.

4. Additions to Daniel

Prayer of Azariah and Song of the Three Holy Children

This addition expands on the fiery furnace narrative in Daniel 3. Azariah’s prayer (verses 24-45) and the hymn of praise (verses 52-90) are filled with worship and thanksgiving, paralleling themes in Psalms.

Susanna

This story highlights God’s justice, as Susanna is vindicated from false accusations. Themes of divine deliverance and wisdom parallel narratives in the Book of Daniel.

Bel and the Dragon

This addition critiques idolatry and false worship, themes consistent with Isaiah 44:9-20 and other prophetic writings.

5. The Letter of Jeremiah

This work, often included with Baruch, warns against idolatry and emphasizes trust in the one true God. Similar warnings are found throughout the Old Testament, such as in Jeremiah 10:1-16.

6. Psalm 151

An additional psalm found in the Septuagint and Orthodox traditions, Psalm 151 is attributed to David and complements his other psalms. It reflects themes of humility and divine favor, paralleling Psalm 23 and Psalm 78.

Conclusion

The references to Apocryphal and extra-biblical texts in the Bible demonstrate the richness of the cultural and literary context in which Scripture was written. These works, though not considered canonical by all traditions, provide valuable insights into the spiritual, historical, and theological worldview of ancient Israel and the early Church. Recognizing their contributions allows for a deeper understanding of the Bible’s message and the broader narrative of God’s interaction with humanity.