The Book of Jasher

The Book of Jasher

The Book of Jasher, translated from Hebrew in 1840, provides an alternative biblical narrative referenced in Joshua and 2 Samuel. This text covers the creation of Adam and Eve, the lives of biblical figures like Noah and Abraham, and the early history of humanity. Themes of idolatry, righteousness, and divine judgment are explored throughout its chapters. Readers interested in biblical apocrypha and ancient history will find valuable insights into the stories and characters that shaped early religious beliefs. This edition, published by J.H. Parry & Company in 1887, serves as a historical resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Key Points

  • Explores the creation of Adam and Eve and the fall of man
  • Details the life of Noah, including the building of the ark and the flood
  • Describes Abraham's journey from Ur to Canaan and his struggles against idolatry
  • Includes narratives of Enoch and the establishment of righteousness on earth
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The BOOK OF JASHER
REFERRED TO IN JOSHUA AND SECOND SAMUEL
Faithfully translated (1840)
FROM THE ORIGINAL HEBREW INTO ENGLISH
SALT LAKE CITY:
PUBLISHED BY J.H. PARRY & COMPANY
1887.
"Is not this written in the Book of Jasher?"--Joshua, x. 13.
"Behold it is written in the Book of Jasher."--II Samuel, i. 18
Table of Contents
Preface | Introduction - Is This the REAL Book of Jasher? |
CHAPTER 1--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
CHAPTER 2--Seth is Born. People begin to Multiply and Become Idolatrous. Third Part of the
Earth Destroyed. Earth cursed and becomes corrupt through the Wickedness of Men. Cainan, a
Wise and Righteous King, Foretells the Flood. Enoch is Born
CHAPTER 3--Enoch Reigns over the Earth. Enoch Establishes Righteousness upon the Earth,
and after Reigning Two Hundred and Forty Years is Translated
CHAPTER 4--The People of the Earth Again Become Corrupt. Noah is Born
CHAPTER 5--Noah and Methuselah Preach Repentance for One Hundred and Twenty Years.
Noah Builds the Ark. Death of Methuselah.
CHAPTER 6--Animals, Beasts, and Fowls Preserved in the Ark. Noah and his Sons, and their
Wives are Shut in. When the Floods come the People want to get in. Noah One Year in the Ark.
CHAPTER 7--The Generations of Noah. The Garments of Skin made for Adam Stolen by Ham
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and they Descend to Nimrod the Mighty Hunter, who Becomes the King of the Whole Earth.
The Birth of Abram.
CHAPTER 8--The Wise Men of Nimrod, by their Divination, Foretell the Evil that Abram will
do to Nimrod's Kingdom, and they seek to kill the Child. Abram, with his Mother and Nurse are
Hid in a cave for Ten Years.
CHAPTER 9--When Ten Years Old, Abram goes to Noah and Shem, Remains with them for
Thirty-nine Years, and is Taught in all the Ways of the Lord. The Wickedness of Nimrod and
his People. They Propose to Build a Tower to Heaven and Dethrone God. The confusion of
Tongues.
CHAPTER 10--The Descendants of Noah, Scattered over the whole earth, build themselves
Cities.
CHAPTER 11--Nimrod's Wicked Reign. The Idolatry of Terah, Abram's Father. When Fifty
Years old, Abram returns to his Father's House and Discovers his Idols. Makes a pretext to
destroy them. After making Savory Meat for the gods, Abram takes a Hatchet and destroys
them, leaving the Hatchet in the hands of the larger one, where it is discovered by his Father,
who is told by Abram that the Great God had risen up in anger and Destroyed his Fellows. Terah
in his wrath betrays Abram to the King, who brings him up before the Throne for Judgment.
Abram Warns his Father and the King, before all the Princes, of the Evils of Idolatry.
CHAPTER 12--Abram placed in Prison, and is condemned after ten days to be cast into a Fiery
Furnace. His Brother Haran being Falsely Accused is condemned to the same Fate. As Haran's
heart was not right before the Lord, he perished, but Abram is Delivered and is brought forth
Alive. Is Presented with Many Gifts. The King Dreams of Abram, and again Seeks his Life.
Abram flees to the House of Noah.
CHAPTER 13--On Abram's account Terah and all his House, with Abram, Leave Ur Casdim to
go to the Land of Canaan. They tarry in Haran, where the Lord Appears to Abram, and upon
condition of Faithfulness, Promises many Blessings. Abram, commanded of the Lord, takes his
Wife and all belonging to him and goes to the Land of Canaan, where the Lord again appears to
him and Promises the Land of Canaan as an Everlasting Inheritance. After Fifteen Years, Abram
returns to Haran to Visit his Father. Teaches many to Walk in the Ways of the Lord. Again
commanded to go to Canaan, where he Builds an Altar. The Lord renews his Covenant with him.
CHAPTER 14--Rikayon's cunning Device to make Money of the Egyptians.
CHAPTER 15--On Account of Famine in Canaan, Abram goes to Egypt. Tells the People that
Sarah is his Sister, on account of her Beauty. Pharaoh Desires to take her, but is Prevented by an
Angel of the Lord. The Truth is made known, and Sarah is Restored to Abram, with many
Presents. Abram returns to his Home. Trouble between Lot and Abram on account of Lot's
cattle. Lot Removes to Sodom.
CHAPTER 16--Four Kings with Eight Hundred Thousand Men War against Sodom and the
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Cities of the Plain, and destroy and plunder their people. Abram, Hearing that Lot is taken
captive, gathers together about Three Hundred Men and Pursues the Kings, retakes the captives,
and smites the whole Army of the confederate Rings. On his Return, Abram meets Adonizedek,
King of Jerusalem, the same was Shem. Abram gives Tithing of all he had taken to Adonizedek,
and is Blessed of Him. Abram Restores to every Man his property which he had retaken in the
War, and returns to Hebron. The Lord again appears to Abram and promises to bless him with a
Numberless Posterity. Sarah being childless gives Hagar to Abram for a Wife, and becoming
jealous of her, afflicts her. An Angel comforts Hagar. Ishmael is Born.
CHAPTER 17--The Lord Appears to Abram and Establishes the Covenant of Circumcision, and
calls his name Abraham, and Sarai, He calls Sarah.
CHAPTER 18--Abraham Entertains Three Angels, who eat with him. Sarah is promised a Son.
The People of Sodom and Gomorrah, and of all the Cities of the Plain become very Wicked.
CHAPTER 19--The Abominations of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Two Angels sent to
Save Lot. The Cities of the Plain and all their Inhabitants Destroyed by Fire.
CHAPTER 20--Abraham goes to the land of the Philistines, and again tells the People that Sarah
is his Sister. Abimelech the King desires her for a Wife. An Angel warns him, and commands
him to return her to her Husband. The whole land afflicted on account of the matter. Sarah
Restored to Abraham, who entreats the Lord to heal the People of Abimelech.
CHAPTER 21--Isaac is Born, causing much Rejoicing among the Friends of Abraham. Ishmael
Attempts to kill Isaac, and on that account is sent away with his Mother. Ishmael is blessed with
Riches and Posterity.
CHAPTER 22--Ishmael returns to his Father, with his Wives and Children. Abraham Returns to
Canaan and makes his Home in Beersheba, where he Hospitably Entertains all strangers and
teaches them the way of the Lord. Isaac and Ishmael's conversation. The Offering of Isaac
Foretold. Satan's opinion of the Father of the Faithful.
CHAPTER 23--Abraham commanded to Offer up Isaac, in the Land Moriah. Abraham's
Obedience. Sarah's Affliction. What Happened on the Way. Satan attempts to hinder them. Isaac
an Acceptable Offering. Father and Son alone. The willingness of Isaac. He Assists his Father in
Building the Altar. While they both weep bitterly, they yet Rejoice to be counted worthy before
the Lord. Isaac bound and placed upon the Altar. The Angels of God intercede for Isaac, who is
released at the command of the Lord, and a Ram is offered in his place. Satan, by his deception
and Evils, causes the Death of Sarah.
CHAPTER 24--Abraham Purchases a Burial Place. Isaac sent to the House of Shem and Eber to
Learn the Way of the Lord. Eliezer is sent to get a Wife for Isaac. Goes to the House of Bethuel
and brings Rebecca.
CHAPTER 25--Abraham takes Keturah for a Wife, by whom he has Six Sons. The Generations
of the Sons of Keturah, and of Ishmael.
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FAQs of The Book of Jasher

What significant events are described in The Book of Jasher?
The Book of Jasher recounts significant biblical events such as the creation of Adam and Eve, the fall of man, and the lives of key figures like Noah and Abraham. It details Noah's preaching of repentance and the construction of the ark, as well as the flood that followed. The text also covers Abraham's journey from Ur to Canaan, his confrontation with idolatry, and his covenant with God. These narratives provide a deeper understanding of the early biblical history and the moral lessons derived from these stories.
Who are the main figures featured in The Book of Jasher?
Key figures in The Book of Jasher include Adam and Eve, Noah, and Abraham, each representing pivotal moments in biblical history. Adam and Eve's creation and subsequent fall set the stage for humanity's struggles. Noah is depicted as a righteous man who builds the ark to save his family and the animals from the flood. Abraham's story illustrates his faith and challenges against idolatry, showcasing his role as a patriarch in the development of monotheism.
How does The Book of Jasher relate to the biblical texts?
The Book of Jasher is referenced in the Bible, specifically in Joshua 10:13 and 2 Samuel 1:18, suggesting its historical significance. It offers an alternative narrative to the biblical accounts, providing additional context and details about familiar stories. This text serves as a supplementary resource for understanding the cultural and religious backdrop of the biblical era, enriching the reader's comprehension of the events and characters depicted in the canonical scriptures.
What themes are prevalent in The Book of Jasher?
The Book of Jasher explores themes of righteousness, idolatry, and divine judgment throughout its narratives. The text emphasizes the consequences of turning away from God, as seen in the stories of Adam and Eve and the corruption of mankind leading to the flood. It also highlights the importance of faith and obedience, particularly in Abraham's journey and covenant with God. These themes resonate with the moral teachings found in the Bible, reinforcing the significance of faithfulness and the dangers of idolatry.

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