Topical Bible: Books: Not Extant, But Mentioned in Scripture: Sayings of the Seers

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Topical Encyclopedia

The "Sayings of the Seers" is a work referenced in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Chronicles 33:19. This text is one of several non-extant books mentioned in the Bible, which suggests that it was a source of historical or prophetic material during the time of the biblical authors. The reference to the "Sayings of the Seers" is found in the context of the reign of King Manasseh of Judah, a king noted for his initial idolatry and subsequent repentance.

Biblical Reference:

2 Chronicles 33:19 states: "His prayer and how God was moved by his entreaty, as well as all his sin and unfaithfulness, and the sites where he built high places and set up Asherah poles and idols before he humbled himself, are recorded in the Sayings of the Seers."

Context and Content:

The "Sayings of the Seers" is mentioned as a source that recorded the acts of King Manasseh, including his prayer, his sins, and his eventual repentance. This suggests that the work contained detailed accounts of prophetic insights or historical records that were deemed significant by the chronicler. The term "seers" refers to prophets or individuals who received divine revelations, indicating that the content of this book may have included prophetic messages or visions.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The mention of the "Sayings of the Seers" highlights the existence of additional historical and prophetic writings that were known to the biblical authors but have not survived to the present day. This reference underscores the rich tapestry of oral and written traditions that informed the historical narratives of the Old Testament. Theologically, it points to the importance of prophetic witness in the life of Israel and Judah, as seers were often instrumental in guiding the kings and the people back to covenant faithfulness.

Role in the Canon:

While the "Sayings of the Seers" itself is not part of the biblical canon, its mention in 2 Chronicles suggests that it was a respected source of information during the time of its writing. The chronicler's use of such sources indicates a reliance on a broader historical and prophetic tradition to compile the narrative of Israel's history.

Conclusion:

The "Sayings of the Seers" remains an intriguing yet elusive part of biblical history. Its mention serves as a reminder of the many voices and writings that contributed to the spiritual and historical understanding of God's people, even if they are not directly accessible to us today.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 33:19
His prayer also, and how God was entreated of him, and all his sins, and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up groves and graven images, before he was humbled: behold, they are written among the sayings of the seers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Treatise on Christ and Antichrist.
The Extant Works and Fragments of Hippolytus. ... desires to inquire into that more
accurately, he will find it recorded in the books of the ... [1503] [Not referred to ...
/.../treatise on christ and antichrist.htm