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

Very interesting read, highly recommend

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.

Sheds a bit more light on some old testament accounts.

I learned so many wonderful details that have augmented my knowledge of the book of Genesis. More importantly, I feel it inspired a deeper worship of the Lord, my God, as it seemed to clarify things as disparate as why Esau was so different from Jacob (didn’t it seem a little unfair in Genesis?)…, and Sodom and Gomorrah - a bit harsh - but no, if you read what their “law of the land” was, and these had nothing to do with sexual anything - yikes! - oooo judgment was necessary, and maybe Moses wasn’t born with a lisp; also, why Judah could rightfully be called a LION. It’s a book mentioned in Scripture, even though not part of the canon, it was expected people studied it. I also respect the measured manner in which Dr. Johnson approaches texts he translates, topics he teaches (I’ve watched his Monday night studies on biblefacts.org) - and I’m picky. I’m far from perfect, yet we need to rightly divide the Word Of Truth, and I feel I’ve learned a lot at Dr. Johnson’s feet.

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.