Literary devices are often just fancy words for simple concepts. A metaphor is a comparison and hyperbole is an over-exaggeration. Here, allusion is a fancy word for a reference; when a writer alludes to something, they are either directly or indirectly referring to another, commonly-known piece of art or literature.
God uses allusions throughout his dealings with humans. The celebrations, the temple, the sacrifices all allude to actual heavenly things. What we see on earth is a small reflection of what is in heaven.
In chapter ten of my book, I use the meeting with Noah by the tree alluding to the story of Abram when he meets the three strangers in Genesis 18:
The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day.
2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.
3 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by.
4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree.
5 Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way–now that you have come to your servant.” “Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.”
6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs of fine flour and knead it and bake some bread.”
7 Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it.
8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree. (Gen 18:1-8 NIV)
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