Book of the Wars of the Lord

The Book of the Wars of the Lord is one of several non-canonical books referenced in the Bible which have now been completely lost. It is mentioned in Numbers 21:13–14, which reads:

"From there they set out and camped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the desert and bounding the Amorite territory. For Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. That is why the Book of the Wars of the says: '... Waheb in Suphah and the ravines of Arnon, and at the stream of the ravines that lead to the dwelling of Ar, which lies along the border of Moab.'"

- Numbers 21:13–14

David Rosenberg suggests in The Book of David that it was written in 1100 BC or thereabouts. Theologian Joseph Barber Lightfoot suggested that it was merely another title for the mysterious biblical Book of Jasher.

The Book of the Wars of the Lord is cited in the medieval Book of Jasher as being a collaborative record written by Moses, Joshua, and the children of Israel. It was likely a collection of victory songs written about Israel's military conquest of Canaan.

A notable reference to an unnamed book is found in Exodus 17:14, where God commanded Moses to inscribe an Israelite military victory over the Amalekites in a book and recount it later in the hearing of his successor Joshua. The book is not specifically mentioned by name. However, some Torah scholars such as Moses ibn Ezra have suggested this book may refer to the Book of the Wars of the Lord.