What is the Book of Noah?

Answer

There is no “Book of Noah” currently in existence. However, written material attributed to Noah is referenced in two Old Testament pseudepigrapha books (which falsely claim to be written by well-known Old Testament figures) and in some fragments found in the Dead Sea Scrolls.

In the non-canonical Book of Jubilees, Abraham summons Isaac and imparts instructions concerning sacrifices and the consumption of sacrificial animals. He mentions that he is reiterating these instructions because “I have found it written in the books of my forefathers, and in the words of Enoch, and in the words of Noah” (Jubilees 21:10). As these instructions are not present in the Bible in relation to Noah, many believe this refers to a different written source with Noah’s name associated with it. Earlier in Jubilees, this “book” is elaborated upon further. A benevolent spirit recounts its conflict with malevolent spirits who are trying to lead Noah’s descendants astray. Most of the spirits are restrained and condemned, but some are allowed to remain as a test. God instructs one of the benevolent spirits to educate Noah so that he and his descendants can avoid any snares:

“And one of us He commanded to teach Noah all their remedies; for He knew that they would not walk uprightly, nor strive for righteousness.

“And we followed all His instructions: we bound all the wicked evil ones in a place of condemnation, and one-tenth of them we left to be under Satan’s authority on earth.

“And we instructed Noah on all the remedies for their ailments, as well as their deceptions, so that he could heal them with the herbs of the earth.

“And Noah recorded all these things in a book as we directed him, detailing every type of remedy. This prevented the evil spirits from harming Noah’s descendants.

“And he entrusted all that he had written to Shem, his eldest son, as he held him in great esteem.

…ly above all his sons” (Jubilees 10:10-14).

So Jubilees refers to material that was written down by Noah. The author may have indeed quoted from some existing work, a “Book of Noah,” or he may have simply ascribed things to Noah without any written source.

In the Book of Enoch (another pseudepigraphal book) chapters 50–59, there is an extensive section that refers to Noah. This is often assumed to be a fragment from the Book of Noah. Enoch, Noah’s grandfather, is the narrator. He reveals to Noah what will come to pass as well as some hidden knowledge that he will need to know. Chapter 106 gives a “prophecy” about Noah and the destruction that will come on the earth. Once again, the author of Enoch may have been quoting from some existing work, or he may have simply been using his imagination to communicate a message.

The Book of Noah is the subject of much scholarly study and speculation, but the evidence for it as a separate work is scant. However, scholars are forever in search of new angles to study. There is also an effort to put the Bible and the pseudepigraphal books (and all other ancient religious writings) on equal footing. Both are seen to be simply a record of ancient religious thoughts and experiences. If the Bible is nothing more than this, then it deserves no more attention than any other ancient religious document. However, if the Bible is God’s revealed Word, then it is more than mere religious reflections and as such deserves to be handled differently. The Book of Noah may make for an interesting topic of academic study, but the Bible explains the way to live and the way to eternal life.