Ancient Book Of Jasher: Referenced In Joshua 10:13; 2 Samuel 1:18; And 2 Timothy 3:8

I give this version of the Book of Jasher a grade of 5. If given the choice, I would give it a grade of 4.5. However, the few personal issues I have with this version do not apply to the average reader, which brings it closer to a 5. This version is the 1840 translation of the Book of Jasher. I have the original Hebrew edition of Jasher. This translation is very good. It is non-biased, consistent and uses language that is the same as the classic translations of the Bible (like the KJV) that most people are used to. The benefit of this version is that it is thoroughly annotated throughout with subtitles and the chapter titles that are very descriptive. The publisher did not simply copy the translation, slap a cover on it and sell it. A person can read the Bible and readily go to the Book of Jasher for details without much trouble at all. And this is the primary purpose of the Book, to fill in the background details concerning the people, places and events of (primarily) the first five books of the Bible. So, while the Bible only briefly mentions the teachings and actions of great prophets like Enoch, Noah and Abraham and provides little (or no) information about the ancient nations, the Book of Jasher provides the details. Hence, a person learns WHY these prophets are still held in high esteem to this very day. We also learn valuable information about Sodom, Babylon and many other nations that the Bible gives scant details about. So, while the Bible tells us that Sodom was a wicked nation, the Book of Jasher describes life in Sodom and how they actually lived. Another benefit of this version is that it contains outstanding appendices for further information. Appendix A provides and details account of the notable events from Adam to Joshua along with a Table of Nations. Appendix B provides outstanding explanations for each of the alleged contradictions of Jasher with the Bible. Finally, Appendix C is the original preface to the 1840 Edition. So, in addition to the benefit of having a physical copy (instead of reading on the Internet), the book contains a lot of additional information that clarifies many misconceptions and adds to one's biblical knowledge. I do have two primary complains with this version. First, I would have happily paid an additional $5 for a hardcopy. I work two fulltime jobs and usually study the Scriptures "on the go". That means that I keep my books with me in my car and in a book bag. So, I am concerned if a paperback version will hold up to the rigors of my in my book bag. Second, although it is well-annotated, it would have been OUTSTANDING if this book contained the references to the corresponding verses in the Bible. For instance, chapter 1 in Jasher covers chapters 1-4 in the Bible. On a more person note, the chapter divisions in the Hebrew version are different than the English translation. For instance, the FIRST chapter in the original Hebrew is the same as the FIRST FOUR chapters in the English. So, the English has three times as many chapters overall. Granted, I am sure that only a fraction of a percent of readers will have access to the Hebrew version. I just wish that it annotated the distinctions. Perhaps, one day, someone will come out with a bilingual version with the original Hebrew and English translation on facing pages. There are some who have concerns about the Book of Jasher. The main concern is that is it somehow "adds" to the biblical canon. Well, actually, the Book of Jasher is more of a history book. It contains no theological interpretations other than the universally accepted fact that there is only one Supreme Creator of the Heavens and Earth. It also does not contain any commandments or precepts. So, at the end of the day, it serves largely as a HISTORICAL account of biblical events. Therefore, it is closer to being in the category of the Book of Ester or the Book of Maccabees. For example, the Book of Jasher explains WHO Hagar is and where she is from. We read that she was actually the daughter of the Pharaoh that Abraham lied to by saying that Sarah was his sister. When Pharaoh sent Abraham away with gifts, he sent his daughter, Hagar, to be servant of Sarah (Sarai at the time). So, when one returns to the biblical narrative, the reader has additional insight into the reason for many events that are not explained in the Bible at all. So, if a person is only concerned with the "religion", then the Bible is sufficient. However, the Book of Jasher provides outstanding insight into the REASONS for many of the events in the Bible that occurred both before and after Joshua. The readers learns WHY the Jews observe the Holy Days, WHY the Jews rejected the commandments, WHO were the Egyptians, Babylonians, Canaanites and other nations and WHO are the famous prophets such as Enoch, Abraham, Noah, Isaac, Jacob and the like. It is TEN TIMES better than any biblical history book out there! I am definitely happy that I have the book and I will study it as a companion to the Bible for many years to come.

This book is a treasure, well put together, almost like a text book. Good size print, easy to read, with dates of events throughout the text . Helpful and interesting appendixes, such as the preface from the original Hebrew translator which includes the history of the scroll, and preface from his son the printer, which I have never read before. Really beautiful. Birth and death dates, marriages, List of Gentile Kings, Table of Nations compiled from the bible, Jasher, and Josephus, alleged contradictions with the Bible which the author addresses. And of course tons and tons of details that are not included in the Bible from Genesis to entrance into the Promised Land. This is a book you cannot put down. For example, it was Lamech (who had married Adah and Zillah) who killed Cain. Lamech was old and couldn't see very well, he and his young son Tubal-Cain were in the field one day and thinking they saw an animal far off Tubal-Cain told his father to shoot the bow, and he shot it, only it was Cain. (This is how God requitted Cain for killing his brother Abel) And then in despair and clapping his hands together Lamech struck his young son Tubal-Cain, and killed him also. So Adah and Zillah were angry at him and seaprated from him and wanted to kill him. And so we have Lamech's statement to his wives in the bible that makes more sense now, and upon the advice of Adam his wives returned to Lamech. This is a book you must have and keep right along side your Bible. Truly a treasure.

I have given 5 stars but wanted to go for 4.5, not because anything is wrong with 91 chapters but rather there are typos and spelling mistakes on account of writers' own explained words in beginning and at the end of the book. The core 91 chapters of Jasher itself are really captivating, and be careful anyone will be zapped into reading this book so intently that one might forget food, phone calls, time of day or night and will be transported right into the actions of the book. This is indeed a very interesting book and it really supplicates information where our 66 books have deliberately kept those things hidden. It now makes so much sense to understand for example as to why the brothers of Joseph threw him into pit or sold him to Ishmalites or why they could not accept his visions and dreams. Even in their act of evil, they are shown as pragmatic as they really were, and sure enough what a display of strength for 10 brothers. I was little taken aback when I was reading Joseph weeping over Rachel (mother) grave and she talking back to him, giving him assurances but thanks to the writers' notes at the end of book, where he clarifies that even Samuel was consulted by Saul in the state of spirit and he replied him back, though with caution. I can say this is a real wonderful find and really hard work seen from the writer to combine all the certificates at the end. The story about my half star rating is that I was waiting to read the name of God, where at one instance is mentioned as Jehovah, but as I have to come to know that from Hebrew texts, it should be pronounced as YeHoVah. I did not see this revelation in this book and maybe it is not intended for to reveal this info, but otherwise, the entire book is a masterpiece and as I said, keep the food and drinks at arms' length as one might forget this world while reading the book.

Good book

A Most Wonderfully Intriguing Experience! I bought this book about a year ago and I have greatly enjoyed it! In fact, I am here tonight to buy another copy and decided to write a review. I already have at least three copies of Jasher from different publishers, but this one was the very first "Book Of Jasher" I bought and maybe the best one. And since I seem to have misplaced it (we moved recently), I am wanting this specific copy. The Book Of Jasher (I am American so I am using purely my own Language, cool?) has been an amazing roller-coaster ride! What I mean is my mind keeps switching back and forth from: "Is it Real! It is real! No, it is not real! Oh wait! I think it IS Real!... UGH!" (but that is a good "ugh" lol!) If for no other reason I have enjoyed the detailed historical stories of stuff like ... 1: The early life of Abraham and how he interacted with Nimrod and even Noah! And the fantastic details of the day and happenings of when he destroyed the Idols in his Fathers house and that conversation on that day with Terah... 2: The details of Enoch before the Flood (the good Enoch, the 7th from Adam Enoch, Father of Methuselah...you know, that one) How Enoch, for a while, stayed away from men, staying in his dwelling. And then riding a horse far away and so many men loved him as their leader so much they walked and followed him behind his horse for miles and miles ... and it was too far away and so some of them died but Enoch was just suddenly gone. If for no other reason, these stories are sooooo interesting! It kind of reads like a novel in a way. There is argument over the authenticity over this book and rightfully so I suppose. But it is my opinion that "some" of it is accurate. Also, it seems to me that the book of Jasher is not and probably never was written for the intention of being inspired spiritual teaching per se, more of just simple history in great detail. To say, "It is not Inspired Scripture" is TOTALLY misunderstanding what Jasher is (in my humble opinion). That would be like making the same statement about an Encyclopedia or other history books...well of course not, its just history. Yes, it does tell in detail stuff that Abraham said, and Enoch said to and about God and right and wrong so I can see how we might think it is trying to be scripture. But after studying it for a few months, I personally don't think it was intended to be "Scripture", although it IS intended to make sure that "History" is properly recorded. Another reviewer said that the book of Jasher does not exist "anymore" because it is lost and that it is "unfairly marketed". To me, this was an extremely inaccurate thing to say considering that fact that whether it has been lost and or found is totally 100% based on the speculations of 'men' and what they choose to believe or think. How can one know this for sure especially since we do now have "a" book of Jasher in our possession and if it is not legit, well, it is an incredible forgery. The reviewer saying it is unfairly marketed...well...thats just so bad to say especially when others WANT to read it for themselves and make that decision which by default requires it to be available (marketed). Oh, also, this reviewer said he had "not read the book but.... " It is my experience that reading stuff like this for myself is much much better than deciding NOT to read just because others say it is not real....or vs versa for that matter. Also, Jasher has caused me to study the Bible much deeper and very frequently coz it is so exciting ti imagine ... it just might be true! So I look to see! Cool! Peace!

This is a fascinating history book which compliments the Bible wonderfully. It elaborates on many events that took place and fills many gaps. I haven`t finished reading it all but so far I have learned many very interesting facts. Such as: The Ancient Egyptians were descendants of Noah`s son Shem which completely destroys the myth that Judaism and Christianity came from ancient Egyptians religion. Rather what happened is, The Egyptians(Shem`s decedents) forgot the true God and creator and decided to make gods out of wood and stone and although they retained some of the truth they departed from the pure truth which Noah and his sons taught to everyone. As you read you will have many moments when you will remember verses in the Bible that you didn`t fully understand before but will become clear to you. It`s amazing reading about the beginnings of mankind and how certain countries, nations and civilizations were created. For example: It discusses the "Chittims" who would later be known as The Romans. You will also read about areas of the world such as Franza and Italia which we know today as France and Italy. Be the way, Franza and Italia were decendents of Noah`s sons as well. As you will learn, when a people built a city they had the custom of naming it after an important person. Magog (son of Noah`s son Japheth) is thought to be the father of what would much later be known as Russia. In fact, some Russians actually say that they are decendents of Japheth. And Tubal another son of Japheth is the ancestor of the Iberians who later helped found Spain, Italy and Georgia. You will also see that the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were both named after men and you will read in detail what evil and sinful things they did to provoke The Lord to judge them. Overall, a super interesting history book of true events and it will open your eyes to how early man lived soon after God created him. But remember, use the Bible as your main source of information as that is the infallible word of the living God. Jasher is very accurate history book which the bible refers to 3 times while the Bible is God`s divinely inspire word written for our instruction for this life and for the life to come.

This is a great historical text.

There’s a lot of history and story that fleshes out the story of Genesis in this book “of the Upright.” Some of it is fantastical, not that it didn’t happen that way, it’s just amazing and wondrous. I loved the fact that Noah and Abraham were contemporaries and that Abram spent about 10 years with Noah learning the ways of the Lord. Then Isaac spent many years the Noah’s son Shem for the same reason. Also that the priestly order of Melchizedek was through Noah and Shem and before them methuselah and Enoch and Adam. We just don’t learn this from Genesis alone and who in any church teaches this. For those led to learn more, I recommend it.