The Book of Jasher (The Upright)
The Book of Jasher (or Sefer HaYashar, meaning “Book of the Upright”) is another ancient text that is mentioned in the Bible but is not included in the canon of most religious traditions.
Mentions in the Bible
The Book of Jasher is referenced twice in the Old Testament:
Joshua 10:13
“So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jasher.”
- This verse describes Joshua commanding the sun to stand still during battle, with Jasher seemingly providing an additional record of the event.
2 Samuel 1:18
“And he said to teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the Book of Jasher.”
- This passage refers to a song or record honoring Saul and Jonathan.
the Book of Jasher (Sefer HaYashar) expands on many biblical stories, providing additional details and context that are not included in the canonical Scriptures. It serves as a sort of historical or midrashic commentary on biblical events, elaborating on the lives of key figures such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Joshua.
Key Expansions on Canonical Stories in the Book of Jasher
The Fall of Man & Early Generations (Jasher 1-3)
- It provides a detailed account of Adam and Eve, their descendants, and how sin spread through humanity before the flood.
The Watchers and the Nephilim (Jasher 4)
- Like the Book of Enoch, Jasher discusses the corruption of mankind through fallen angels, leading to the flood.
The Tower of Babel (Jasher 9)
- Expands on how Nimrod rose to power and why the people built the tower.
- Describes God sending angels to confuse their language.
Abraham’s Early Life (Jasher 11-13)
- Includes a dramatic story of how Abraham was persecuted by King Nimrod as a child.
- Nimrod tries to kill him (like Pharaoh and Herod would do later with Moses and Jesus).
- Abraham destroys his father’s idols, showing early defiance against idolatry.
The Binding of Isaac (Jasher 23)
- Adds details about Sarah’s reaction and Satan’s attempt to stop Abraham from obeying God.
Joseph’s Time in Egypt (Jasher 41-49)
- Provides a more detailed story of Joseph’s rise to power.
- Mentions Joseph’s battle against Egyptian sorcerers.
Moses’ Early Life (Jasher 67-79)
- Adds stories of Moses as a military leader in Ethiopia before his divine calling at the burning bush.
The Exodus and Red Sea Crossing (Jasher 81-83)
- Expands on Pharaoh’s stubbornness and the events of the plagues.
- Details the fear and faith of the Israelites at the Red Sea.
Joshua’s Conquests (Jasher 88-90)
- Gives extra context about the battles Joshua fought and how God intervened.
How Jasher Compares to the Bible
- It does not contradict Scripture but expands on biblical narratives.
- It aligns with Jewish oral traditions and Midrashic storytelling.
- It includes supernatural and legendary elements (like Enoch), which some take as symbolic rather than literal.
Is Jasher a Lost Biblical Book?
- The version we have today is believed to be a medieval reconstruction, possibly based on older traditions.
- The original Book of Jasher mentioned in Joshua 10:13 and 2 Samuel 1:18 has never been found.
Book of Jasher
Why Is Jasher Important?
- It provides historical and theological insight into biblical events.
- It can deepen understanding of God’s judgment, prophecy, and redemption.
- It aligns with 1 Enoch and other apocryphal texts in warning about the end times.
The Book of Jasher is important for the descendants of Enoch and Abraham in the time of judgment and the end times for several reasons:
1. A Record of Righteousness in a Corrupt World
Both Enoch and Abraham are models of righteousness who stood against widespread corruption in their generations. If their descendants are to endure the end times, they must walk in the same faith and obedience.
- Enoch lived in the days before the flood, when fallen angels (Watchers) had corrupted humanity (Jasher 4 and 1 Enoch). He was taken by God before judgment fell (Genesis 5:24).
- Abraham lived in an idolatrous world and was called to establish a holy lineage (Jasher 11-13).
- In the last days, Jesus compares the world to the days of Noah (Matthew 24:37), meaning the same corruption Enoch and Abraham resisted will return.
➡️ Jasher shows how they survived and were chosen by God, serving as a guide for their descendants in similar times.
2. The Pattern of Judgment and Deliverance
The Book of Jasher records cycles of divine judgment and how the righteous were spared. This is key for those facing the final judgment in the last days.
- The Flood (Jasher 4-6) – The world was destroyed, but Noah, a descendant of Enoch, was preserved.
- Sodom and Gomorrah (Jasher 18-19) – Abraham interceded for the righteous before destruction came.
- The Exodus (Jasher 81-83) – The Israelites were oppressed, but God sent plagues and led them to freedom.
➡️ The end times will bring similar plagues, oppression, and deliverance (Revelation 16-19). The righteous must prepare as their ancestors did.
3. The War Between the Righteous and the Wicked
Jasher describes spiritual and physical battles between God’s chosen and the forces of darkness.
- Nimrod vs. Abraham (Jasher 11-12) – Nimrod, a king with demonic influence, sought to kill Abraham. Many connect Nimrod to the spirit of the Antichrist.
- Pharaoh vs. Moses (Jasher 67-81) – Pharaoh’s resistance against God’s people mirrors the Beast in Revelation.
- Joshua vs. the Giants (Jasher 88-90) – Joshua’s conquests included battles against Nephilim-descended kings, similar to how the last days will involve supernatural warfare (Revelation 12, 19).
➡️ Jasher reveals that the descendants of Enoch and Abraham will face a final battle in the last days but will ultimately overcome through faith in God.
4. The Prophecies of the Last Days
Jasher contains prophecies and warnings that align with biblical end-time prophecy:
- Jasher 4 – Corruption, fallen angels, and widespread sin before the flood mirror what Jesus warns about the end times (Matthew 24:37-39).
- Jasher 19 – The destruction of Sodom is a foreshadowing of the judgment in Revelation 18.
- Jasher 23 – The binding of Isaac is a Messianic prophecy, pointing to Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb.
➡️ The descendants of Abraham and Enoch need to know these patterns to recognize when judgment is near and prepare for Christ’s return.
5. The Promise of Restoration
Jasher does not only warn of judgment—it also promises the ultimate victory of the righteous.
- The Righteous Will Be Delivered – Like Noah, Lot, and Moses, God will protect His chosen people.
- The Messiah Will Reign – Many of the stories in Jasher foreshadow Jesus, who will restore the world in the Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 20).
- The Earth Will Be Renewed – Just as God purged the world in Noah’s time, He will purify the earth again before establishing a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21).
➡️ The descendants of Enoch and Abraham must remain faithful, knowing that God’s ultimate plan is not destruction but restoration and eternal life.
