Books Mentioned By Biblical Writers, Inspired or Not inspired?
Posted: Friday, January 13, 2012
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
The writers of the inspired books contained in the Holy Bible often refer to writings of others, in different ages. The question which arises is, are all of those books referred to by those writers inspired within themselves? In most cases they are, but not in every case.
In the New Testament, we have frequent references made by the writers and by Jesus himself which are to books of the Old Testament, and at least once, a reference is made by one of t he inspired apostles concerning the writings of a fellow apostle. We might dispense with those readily.
In this, the apostle is referring to the writings of Paul, which he says is sometimes difficult to understand and, due to this, those who are unlearned or unstable, sometimes twist the meanings of those scriptures and others, into saying things which were not intended by the writer, and which will therefore be held against them. Paul was well educated, moreso than the other apostles as far as is known, and his style of writing was sometimes confusing to the unlearned.
And there are many instances of the New Testament writers referring to Old Testament writings and quoting them. Jesus himself often made the statement, “It is written” and then quote a verse from the Old Testament. And the other writers do likewise.
In the Old Testament there are several references very similar to this one in 1 Kings :
The rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities which he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? Nevertheless in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet. (1 Kings 15:23 KJV)
There are 11 other passages almost identical to the above with the exception of the name of the king (Asa, in this instance) and the name of the particular book referred to. These passages are found in: 1 Kings 16:27, 1 Kings 22:39, 2 Kings 1:18, 2 Kings 14:15, 2 Kings 14:28, 2 Kings 15:15, 2 Kings 16:19, 2 Kings 21:25, 2 Chronicles 34:24, 2 Chronicles 34:31, 2 Chronicles 36:8.
So far, all of these references are to books which themselves were also inspired of God. There are two references made, however to a book which is not deemed to be a part of the Holy Bible and is uninspired Here are the two verses which refer to it:
And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. (Joshua 10:13 KJV)
(Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.) (2 Samuel 1:18 KJV)
There exists an ancient writing which is claimed to be the Book of Jasher. There have been other writings which have chosen to be called that name also, and none have been able to convince all scholars of their authenticity, or if they are complete. The book is online and has 91 chapters. It records history including the following portions in chapter one: The Creation of Adam and Eve. The Fall. Birth of Cain and Abel. Abel a Keeper of Sheep. Cain a Tiller of the Soil. The Quarrel Between the Brothers and the Result. Cain, the First Murderer, Cursed of God.
It then progresses to chapter 91 which contains the following portions: The Elders Judge Israel. They drive out all the Canaanites and Inherit the Promised Land.
It is rather interesting to read, but those who do are cautioned to remember this book is not considered to be inspired of God by biblical scholars, as those are in the canon of the Holy Bible. You may find the chapter index of the book here: http://www.ccel.org/a/anonymous/jasher/home.html
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