The Book of Jasher, also known as the Book of the Upright or the Book of the Just Man, is an ancient text that is referenced twice in the Hebrew Bible but did not make it into the biblical canon. Though not considered scripture, it provides intriguing details that expand upon the biblical accounts. But should this book have been included in the Bible? Let’s explore the evidence.
Origins and History of the Book of Jasher
The title “Book of Jasher” comes from Joshua 10:13 and 2 Samuel 1:18 where the ancient book is mentioned. In Joshua, it is referenced as a source for the account of the sun standing still. In Samuel, it is mentioned as containing the Song of the Bow, David’s lament over Saul and Jonathan. Though the original Book of Jasher is lost to history, various texts by the same name have surfaced over the centuries claiming to be the ancient work referenced in Scripture.
A Hebrew copy dating to A.D. 1625 was published in Venice in 1613 by Jacob ben Samuel of London, England. This version contains a detailed history from the creation of man to the conquest of Canaan under Joshua. There is also an 18th-century forgery in Hebrew claiming to be the lost Book of Jasher. Additionally, an English translation by Photiades was published in 1840 claiming to be the original work translated from Hebrew. However, none of these can definitively claim to be the mentioned Jasher.
Scholars believe the original Book of Jasher was likely a collection of Israelite poetry and songs in circulation at the time the Old Testament was compiled. The Midrash references many poetic passages and songs now lost that expand on biblical figures and events, which may have been samples from the original Jasher. So despite later texts bearing the name, the original Book of Jasher has been lost to antiquity.
Content in the Book of Jasher
Though not canonical, the texts titled Book of Jasher provide us insight into ancient Jewish traditions and interpretations of Genesis. The 18th-century forgery covers much of the same ground as Genesis but with expanded details. It contains 91 chapters that begin with the creation in Genesis 1 and end with the death of Moses in Deuteronomy 34. Some highlights include:
- A more detailed story of the Garden of Eden and the fall of man (chapters 2-6)
- Enoch walks with God and is taken up to heaven alive (chapters 6-7)
- Details on Cain’s descendants and their inventions before the flood (chapters 8-10)
- Additional conversations between God and Abraham (chapters 11-15)
- Backstory on Abraham in Canaan before Isaac’s birth (chapters 16-18)
- Jacob and Esau’s rivalry beginning in the womb (chapter 26)
- Humorous account of Rachel concealing idols under herself when Laban searches their tents (chapter 44)
- Story of two serpents fighting before Moses lifts up the bronze serpent (chapter 80)
The book also contains ancient Jewish traditions, such as Abraham and Isaac knowing astrology, Moses teaching the Hebrews herbal medicine, and Melchizedek advising Abraham to name his son Isaac. However, these traditions contradict the Genesis account at points.
Should the Book of Jasher be in the Bible?
There are several reasons why the Book of Jasher and other similar works did not make the canon of inspired Scripture.
- Not the original – None of the surviving texts match the time period of the original referenced Book of Jasher.
- Contradicts Scripture – The texts contradict established biblical accounts and contain questionable traditions.
- Not written by prophets – The Books of the Old Testament were written by prophets moved by the Holy Spirit. Jasher lacks divine inspiration.
- Never recognized by Judaism – Jewish scholars never considered Jasher on the same level as God-breathed Scripture.
- Not referenced by Jesus – If Jasher was inspired, Jesus would have quoted from it, but He does not.
- Absence from the Dead Sea Scrolls – No copies were found among the scrolls, which included other extrabiblical Jewish works.
So in summary, the available Book of Jasher texts cannot definitively claim to be the lost book mentioned in the Old Testament. And neither Jewish nor Christian traditions ever considered the work Scripture. So there is no basis for it to be included in the biblical canon. However, it can still provide interesting – though fictional – expansions on biblical stories from Jewish literature.
The Value and Limitations of the Book of Jasher Today
Given that we do not have the original Book of Jasher, should we still read and study the available texts? There are a few factors to consider when discerning the value of these extrabiblical books:
- They provide insight into how ancient Jews interpreted biblical history and figures.
- The expansions can help provide context for stubby accounts in Genesis.
- It is interesting to consider ancient Jewish traditions about biblical patriarchs.
- We are reminded how God preserved His inspired Word over questionable traditions.
- Apocryphal works have value when read with discernment about their limitations.
However, there are good reasons to exercise caution regarding extrabiblical books like Jasher:
- They lack divine inspiration and contain questionable claims.
- They introduce traditions that contradict God’s Word.
- They can confuse readers who lack discernment about canonized Scripture.
- To assign authority equal with Scripture can begin a subtle slide into error.
- We need to examine the doctrines and claims of such works in light of the Bible.
So in summary, the Book of Jasher and other Old Testament apocrypha can be interesting reads to provide cultural context about ancient Jewish thinking. But they also require discernment given they lack inspiration. We should allow Scripture to be the ultimate lens through which we evaluate any other ancient religious texts.
References to the Book of Jasher in the Bible
There are two references to the Book of Jasher in the canonized Old Testament. Let’s look at the biblical context of each mention:
“Is this not written in the Book of Jasher?” (Joshua 10:13a ESV)
After Joshua prayed for the sun and moon to stand still, the author notes the account is recorded in Jasher. The passage confirms Jasher contains Hebrew poetry, stories, and songs no longer available to us.
“Behold, it is written in the Book of Jasher” (2 Samuel 1:18 ESV)
This mention refers to the Song of the Bow contained in Jasher, which was David’s lament over Saul and Jonathan’s death. Again, it provides credibility that such Hebrew songs and poetry were kept in written records like Jasher.
These two biblical references place the existence of the Book of Jasher during the time of Moses through David and Solomon when much of the Old Testament was recorded. The original work included poetry, songs, and stories passed down in Israelite culture but was not considered Scripture or directly inspired by God.
Lost Books Referenced in the Bible
In addition to the Book of Jasher, the Bible references other ancient works that did not make it into the canon of Scripture:
- The Book of the Wars of the Lord (Numbers 21:14)
- The Book of Samuel the Seer (1 Chronicles 29:29)
- The Book of Nathan the Prophet (1 Chronicles 29:29)
- The Book of Gad the Seer (1 Chronicles 29:29)
- The Prophecy of Ahijah (2 Chronicles 9:29)
- The Visions of Iddo the Seer (2 Chronicles 9:29)
- The Book of Shemaiah (2 Chronicles 12:15)
- The Book of Jehu (2 Chronicles 20:34)
- The Sayings of the Seers (2 Chronicles 33:19)
Like the Book of Jasher, these works contained Hebrew cultural elements, poetry, stories, songs, and prophecies that were not included in the Old Testament canon. The content was not deemed as divinely inspired on the same authoritative level as the Torah and the prophetic books. But the biblical authors valued the cultural heritage these Hebrew works contained.
Non-Canonical Jewish Books in Old Testament Times
During the centuries in which the Old Testament was written, many other books and oral traditions circulated in Israel that were valued but not considered Scripture. These included:
- Histories and Stories – Books like Jasher that contained folk stories, lyrical songs, poetry, and historical accounts passed down.
- Wisdom Literature – Books of wise sayings and teachings like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.
- Prophetic Works – Purported prophecies by non-canonical figures that proved inaccurate or false over time.
- Apocalyptic Visions – Dreams and visions predicting the future or end times.
- Religious Lists – Materials like temple genealogies and priestly records.
- Magical Texts – Spells, rituals, exorcisms, and folk remedies of that era.
This demonstrates the flourishing literary culture in ancient Israel. But only books recognized to have the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit were included in the biblical canon.
Apocryphal Books Referenced in the Bible
In addition to referencing ancient Hebrew works like Jasher, the Bible also mentions books that later became part of the Apocrypha:
- Book of the Wars of the Lord (Number 21:14)
- Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel (1 Kings 14:19)
- Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah (1 Kings 14:29)
These apocryphal books, which expanded between the Testaments, were valued for their historical content. But they were never considered equal to the canonical books. Jesus and the New Testament authors quote exclusively from the canonical Old Testament.
Principles for Discerning Non-Canonical Books
How should believers approach ancient religious books like Jasher that claim biblical heritage but are not Scripture? Here are some guiding principles:
- Let the Bible judge all religious books rather than vice versa.
- Consider how Jesus and the apostles discerned inspired Old Testament books.
- Reject any texts that contradict the Bible’s doctrines and accounts.
- Be aware of frauds falsely claiming ancient origins.
- Approach with discernment and an understanding of limitations.
- Focus on Scripture while non-canonical books remain secondary.
- Allow context to determine value; not all are necessarily heretical.
- Recognize the human imagination tends to wander from biblical truths.
The Word of God deservedly belongs in the center of the Christian faith. But non-canonical writings can still have value when tested against Scripture and read with careful discernment.
The Reliability of the Biblical Canon
Given references to books like Jasher and mentions of other lost works, how can we have confidence that the right books were included in Scripture? Consider a few reasons the biblical canon of inspired text can be trusted:
- The content faithfully represents God’s revelation and redemptive plan.
- The prophets and apostles uniquely conveyed God’s truth in their writings.
- The Holy Spirit confirmed what books should be recognized as Scripture.
- The chosen books were widely accepted early in Israel and the church.
- No other works can rightly claim equal divine authority and inspiration.
- Jesus affirmed the Scriptures as God’s authoritative Word and Truth.
- Archaeology confirms historical details anchored in the biblical narrative.
Though interesting cultural works like Jasher did not make the canon, we can have confidence the books God intended to preserve His truth were included by His Spirit’s guidance.
Summary of Key Points
- The original Book of Jasher referenced in the Old Testament is lost, though later texts with the name exist.
- The Book of Jasher expands biblical stories but also contains questionable traditions.
- Jewish and Christian traditions never accepted Jasher as inspired Scripture.
- Ancient apocryphal works have value when read with discernment about their limitations.
- Lost books can help provide cultural context but Scripture alone is divinely inspired.
- The Bible references other lost works and extrabiblical sources.
- The Holy Spirit ensured the biblical canon included what was inspired.
In the end, the Book of Jasher provides intriguing insights into ancient Jewish thought but clearly differs from divinely inspired Scripture. The biblical references remind us that God’s Word stood out from a flourishing culture of Hebrew literary works. Though mentioned in the Bible, Jasher should not be elevated to equality with the recognized canon.
