if

LIBRARY

TORONTO

SHELF No.

&&
35
1

?3

REGISTER No.

BEQUEST OF
REV.

CANON SCADDIHG.
7907.

D.

D.

ADVERTISEMENT

TO THE SECOND EDITION,

IN issuing a second edition of the Book of Jasher, the publishers deem it just and proper to have offered in relation to the merits subjoin a portion of the remarks from various sources that That it has not had a circulation commensurate with its merits, may be ascribed of the work.
to the timidity of those

who were

apprehensive that
it

it

was put

forth as

whereas

all

that

was

originally claimed for

was the

fidelity of its translation

an inspired work, from the Hebrew

and

its

undoubted antiquity.

that seven or

more

editions of this
;

Since the publication of the first edition, it has been ascertained work have issued from the Press in various parts of Europe

since the discovery of printing

and eminent Hebrew scholars from Germany, now

it

in this
is

country, are familiar with the book, and bear testimony to the estimation in which abroad, among literary persons of high attainments.

held

CER TIFIC AXES.

University of New York, April 10, 1840. have compared a large portion of the translation of the Book of Jasher with the original Hebrew, and find it faithfully and elegantly rendered into English. The Hebrew itself is of a
I

very pure character.

ISAAC NORDHIEMER,

PROFESSOR OF ORIENTAL LITERATURE.

the Book of Jasher, having read a considerable part of it The Hebrew is very purely written, and the while in the hands of the translator in England. It is full of interest translator is an eminent scholar and has done it ample justice. throughout, and breathes a pure spirit of piety and religion, and I am satisfied that this is the first English translation ever made of that work, the Royal Asiatic Society at Culcutta never having com pleted the translation of their copy as anticipated. H. V. NATHAN, April 14, 1840. MINISTER OF THE ENG. AND GERMAN SYNAGOGUE, KINGSTON, JAMAICA.

To Messrs. Noah Gould, GENTLEMEN I am acquainted with

cf-

The

following letter

is

from Professor Turner an able Hebrew scholar.

Theological Seminary, Chelsea Square, N. Y., April 28, 1840. GENTLEMEN Agreeably to a request made to me yesterday by Mr. Noah, I have sufficiently examined the English version of the Rabbinical work which heads the title of the Book of Jas I have carefully her, to satisfy myself of its general correctness. compared three chapters of the translation with the original, and have no hesitation in saying that in general they give a correct representation of the author s meaning, and as literal as the different idioms of the t wo languages would allow. In some instances however, it would have been desirable that every word of the Hebrew should have been rendered into English. For instance, in ch. i, v. 2, the Cranslator has omitted the word dust, in mentioning man s formation from the ground, and in and he took away one of his ribs and built v. 4, the literal version after middle part would be In v. 6 also, the Rabbinical flesh upon it, and made a woman and brought her to the man. writer does not say called their names Adam and Eve, but in the very words of the Hebrew In chap, xx, v. 4, the version reads thus and the bible, v. 2. called their name Adam. servants of Abimelech went to Abimelech, saying, in the original it is and the servants of In v. 19, the name of Pharaoh Abimelech came and praised Sarah to the king, saying, &c. is omitted, and occasionally the word subjects, is substituted for servants. It is possible that the translator made use of a copy of some other edition which may have varied in a few words from that examined by me. The points referred to, are, on the whole, unimportant, and do not detract from the general accuracy of the translation.
<

am

respectfully,

Your

obt. serv

t.

To Messrs, Noah $

Gould.

SAMUEL

H.

TURNER.

The

following letter

is

from Professor Bush of

New York. New York, April

30, 1840.
in

GENTLEMEN
original,

have examined portions of several chapters of the Book of Jasher carefully comparing with it the translation put into my hands by the publishers.
I

the

The

work itself is evidently composed in the purest Rabbinical Hebrew, with a large intermixture of the Biblical idiom, and I consider the translation as a whole, not only as decidedly faithful, but as peculiarly happy in retaining the air of antique simplicity which distinguishes the original, and which constitutes the matchless excellence of our English version of the Hebrew Scriptures. In a few instances I have noticed slight verbal variations from the original, similar to those ad verted to by Prof. Turner, as in one case choice of our sepulchres for choice of our land ; but not they are of too little moment to detract from the character of general fidelity which I do
hesitate to assign to the translation.

Very

respectfully, Yours, &c.,

To Messrs. Noah $ Gould.

GEO. BUSH.

NOTICES OF THE PRESS.

it is said, Is this not written in the book Behold it is written in the book of Jas of Jasher ? In Home s how are the mighty fallen her, the beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places Introduction to the study of the Scriptures there is an account of various writings that claim to be the book of Jasher, and among the rest is one written in Rabbinical Hebrew, said to have been discovered in Jerusalem at its capture by Titus. This book has been translated into Eng lish, and has just been published in a beautiful octavo volume of 260 pages. This volume forms what may at least be termed a literary curiosity. The translator lays no claim for this book as a work of inspiration, but as a monument of history comparatively covered as a work possessing in its language all the characteristic with the ivy of the remotest ages simplicity of patriarchal times and as such he conceives it peculiarly calculated to illustrate and confirm the sacred truths handed down to us in the Scriptures. That the present work is a faithful translation of a veritable Hebrew original we cannot doubt after perusing the testimonies of such men as Professors Nordheimer, Turner, and Bush of this city, who have all examined it, and upon comparison pronounced the English version in although it will be observed that these gentlemen carefully abstain from utter general correct ing any opinion as to the authenticity of the work, or its value as auxiliary in any sense to revela can There be no question as to its being the same wofk with that mentioned by Home as tion. printed at Venice in 1613, and from internal evidence we think it may be dated as far back as any of the kindred fictions of the Talmud, and perhaps to a period coeval with the recently Ang licized Book of Enoch, of which Prof. Stuart has given an elaborate account in the January number of the Biblical Repository. certain value no doubt attaches to any book faithfully transmitted to us from so remote a period of the past, and if we should find in it no traces what ever of historical verity, we may still be interested or amused to see into what wild extravaganzas a Rabbinical fancy may run, and with what ingenuity it may graft upon the majestic simplicity and brevity of the sacred narrative a luxuriant offshoot of fables, fictions, allegories, and dreams. N. Y. Observer.

THE BOOK

In the book of Joshua, x. 13, OF JASHER. And in 2d Samuel I. 18, 19, it is recorded,
;

THE BOOK OF JASHER. The existence of the book of Jasher mentioned in the Bible has The most industrious researches for centuries were baffled in its pursuit, long been doubted. and a number of forgeries produced during the early ages of Christianity predisposed scholars to The discovery of regard with suspicion every work for which was claimed antiquity or verity. the book of Enoch in Abyssinia, and other exhumations of the same kind, have in some degree lessened the habitual suspicion with which such pretensions are regarded, and the announce
ment
of the publication of the

Book

of Jasher/ will

now command

the attention of the learned,

at least, if not their sanction. Some persons of less wit than assurance

have declared that

this curions

do not know precisely what meaning they attach to that term but if it is to be position. taken in its legitimate sense, those who apply it to the Book of Jasher are incapable of judging of what constitutes an effort to deceive. It is declared the editor to be a translation of a very
;

We

production

is

an

im

belief that

by No claim of inspiration is preferred no declaration of nothing more. even a veritable historical chronicle, though an opinion is hazarded that it is the book spoken of in one or two passages of scripture, of the same title. Of its antiquity we have abundant evidence in the work itself. Eminent orientalists, well qualified to give judgment in the premises, assert that it is written in the purest Hebrew, and that the style is of that peculiar kind for which the earliest Jewish It is certainly a great curiosity, writings are distinguished. and it must command much attention among critics. New Yorker.
old

Hebrew manuscript
it is

THE BOOK OF JASHER. This remarkable book, which is twice referred to in the Old Testa ment, has caused much literary disturbance. It being a desideratum in biblical literature, the temptations have been great to produce fabrications under the title, and some of these have proved successful in imposing for a time even upon men of learning and research. The imposi tions however have been long detected, and another copy, in Hebrew, of the work has been dis A translation of it was commenced by order of the Asiatic Society, but upon learning covered. This has been that the work we now notice was in progress, that translation was discontinued. most carefully examined by persons conversant with the original language, and it has received from them very high praise both for the fidelity and the vigor of the translation. To those who may not happen to be acquainted with the book, we would state that it is a bible history from it has never been deemed a canonical book, the creation of the world to the death of Joshua in no instance contradicting the Old Testament text, but in but yet one of high authority some particulars amplifying where the bible has slightly touched. It is therefore an important It removes several adjunct to the biblical library, and no mean assistant to the biblical student.
;

apparent discrepancies in the sacred text, assists in enforcing very early traditions, by showing weighty cotemporary existences, and by collating the Bible, this work and Josephus, together, the latter two of course being but notes as it were to the former, a service will be done to the reli gious as well as to the antiquarian world, the value of which cannot easily be calculated. earnestly recommend the work to general perusal, and in fact have little doubt that the nature That there are many interpolations and certain extravagances in this of it will commend itself. copy there is no doubt, and as an apocryphal work it must be considered but if it were only Albion. for its chronological merit it must be always interesting

We

clear and decisive

if

This work, with a few exceptions, probably interpolations, bears very marks of a very high antiquity. But a few of its words recognize even the ex istence of the Chaldean language, as stated by its learned and judicious translator. It was written,
OF JASHER.

THE BOOK

we may judge from the close of its records, not long after the death of Joshua. And besides confirming most of the Bible facts recorded anterior to that date, adds many incidents and partic ulars not found in the sacred books. Its author is not known, for the book of Jasher means the
correct or upright record.

This seems to be of a Various forgeries under this name have from time to time appeared. Still its claims to any thing but a human origin will not admit of much debate. It has no internal evidence of inspiration but, like the Epistles of Clemens, Barnabas, and the Shepherd of Hermas, the book of Enoch, and other apocryphal books, Jewish and Christian, it savors not of that peculiar unction which gives to the canonical scriptures an unrivalled claim upon the credence of mankind, and bespeaks for them a candid and reverential Such are its claims for a reading. * * * Millennial Harbinger. hearing.

more plausible parentage.

THE BOOK OF JASHER. Like the Book of Enoch, which has lately been given to the world in an English dress, the antiquity of this work will, we suppose, scarcely admit of a doubt the par ticular date of its origin must be matter of scholastic conjecture. As to its inspiration, the pub lishers decline expressing an opinion, but we imagine, that no one, who compares its apocryphal style with the simplicity of the Holy Scriptures, will be at any loss for an opinion upon this head. Still, we believe that the book is worthy of the attention of scholars, and that the novelty of its character, as well as the elegant mode in which it is bound, will recommend it to many general readers. Baptist Advocate.
;

THE BOOK OF JASHER. This curious piece of antiquity lies before us, which we should have noticed ere this, had not a press of other matter prevented. This book purports to be the identical book of Jasher referred to in Joshua and 2d Samuel. As to the truth of its professions, we do not pretend to say, and leave that to the learned to examine into ; but from a careful perusal of it r we are unable to see why it should not be so considered, for it breathes as pure a spirit of piety as the Mosaic account in the Sacred Oracles, which it corroborates and amplifies. That it is translated from the purest Rabbinical Hebrew any person at all acquainted with the Hebrew must be convinced even a character, from glance of the original copy, now in the possession of the publishers. There are, no doubt, some parts, fabulous interpolations of the Rabbi, but which do not affect the general character of the work. The conversation between Abraham and Isaac, while going to the place of sacrifice, and that between Joseph and his brethren the reception which Jacob received from Joseph, are all calculated to please, interest, and sustain the claim to recommend the book to the public as a work of uncommon in authenticity of the work. N. Y. New Era. terest, and a very great curiosity.
;

We

OF JASHER. have received this handsome and interesting volume. Generally has been noticed with much favor, and by those who know especially. distin guished scholar, writing in the Boston Atlas, observes of the work that it is a great curiosity,
speaking,
it

THE BOOK

We

and merits attention in many respects. There is no doubt of its being a translation from a very ancient Hebraic manuscript. The idiom and style of the original differ altogether from the modern Rabbinical Hebrew, and possess all those characteristics which Gesenius, the most illus trious of Hebrew critics, has pointed out as distinguishing the ancient from the modern Hebrew. find that great interest has been excited in this work, for a long time, in Europe, and else where. Had the work been well known to the early ecclesiastical councils, it is not improbable that it would have formed an integral portion of the sacred writings, although most likely it would have taken rank among the books of the Apocrypha. Philadelphia Gazette.

We

THE BOOK OF JASHER. This work has been for several years in the progress of translation in England, and the original copy and manuscript and notes, have been purchased from the propri etor for publication in this country, and a very beautiful stereotyped edition in the Biblical form has just been completed by Mr. Gould. The Hebrew is pronounced by Jewish and Christian It was printed in Venice in 1613, from the scholars and divines to be of the purest character. manuscript or sacred rolls, which for centuries had remained in Spain, in the great Hebrew col lege of Cordova, under Abarbanel, in the eleventh century, and is now published for the first time in English. The Rev. Dr. Horn, in his notes, speaks of several fabrications of Jasher, and one in particular by Alcuin, which not many years since was published in Bristol, in England. That evident fabrication bears no analogy to the present work, which is of considerable length, commencing with the creation of man, and ending with the death of Joshua confirming every fact in the Old Testament, and amplifying and carrying out details of intense interest. Boston
Post.

THE BOOK OF JASHER. A work of much interest, whatever may be its claims to authenticity, If it be the lost Book of Jasher, referred to in has recently issued from the New York press. Joshua and Samuel, even with interpolations and crudities, it will be eagerly sought for, not and if it be a fabrication alto only by the lovers of biblical criticism, but by the general reader gether, its great antiquity will render it an object of curiosity. Albany Argus.
;

This new work is just now exciting great attention among all who OF JASHER. It purports to be the book spoken of in the Bible, in Joshua an interest in the Scriptures. and 2d Samuel, and is a narrative of the events from the creation of Adam to the death of Joshua. It differs but little from the Bible but enlarges upon each period of time, and is quite diffuse upon topics that in the Bible are treated with brevity. As to the authenticity of the work we are not Phil. prepared to speak, but we are sure that it will be perused with interest by every reader. Spirit of the Times.

THE BOOK

feel

THE BOOK OF JASHER. This is a most luxuriously-printed volume, and one which every fear it has been regarded with prejudice, lover of scriptural antiquity ought to possess. because it was known among men of letters that a wretched counterfeit appeared in England in the laat century, got up by a journeyman printer, which purported to be a translation of the lost

We

different character.

Joshua and Second Samuel. The work before us is of a very all question, aversion, and a faithful one too, of the book re ferred to by that eminent scholar, Dr. Home, which was said to have been discovered at the Jerusalem the Romans, and which was printed at Venice in 1613. There can be by capture of no reasonable doubt of its great antiquity, and we agree with the able editor, Major Noah, in pronouncing it a work of great interest. New- York Mirror.

book of Jasher referred

to in

It is,

beyond

THE BOOK OF JASHER;

REFERRED TO
IN

JOSHUA AND SECOND SAMUEL.

FAITHFULLY TRANSLATED

FROM THE ORIGINAL HEBREW INTO ENGLISH-

NEW YORK
PUBLISHED BY
M. M.

NOAH &

A. S.

GOULD,

AT 144 NASSAU-STREET.

1840.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year eighteen hundred and forty, by MordeAlexander S. Gould, in the office of the Clerk of the Southern District of cai M. Noah

&

New-York.

ALEX.

8.

GOULD, TYPOGRAPHER, 144 NASSAU-STREET.

R. C.

STEREOTYPED BY

VALENTINE, 45 GOLD-STREET.

PREFACE.
IT
with pleasure that I
of the

is

am

able to present to the

translation

Book

of Jasher, as referred to in Joshua and

negotiation with the

American public the Second

Samuel, which,
lator of the

after several years

owner and

trans

work

in

England,

have succeeded

in obtaining.

There are many books named

classed

in the

Old Testament, which are now

among

the missing books, or books supposed to have been lost

revolutions

amidst the

many

which have occurred

it is

in Judea.

These books

questionable whether there are any missing of what were considered as emanating from inspired writers for, when the works enumerated in the Bible could not be found

are not included in the Jewish Canons, and

after the

most diligent search, the inference was,

that the

to other books, or that they were different versions of the

names applied same work.

collec

Thus, the Book of the Covenant, (Exodus

xxiv. 7.)

was a mere

tion of the injunctions and institutions delivered

by

the Almighty to Moses.

might also be said of the Book of the Law, (Deut. xxxi. 9.) The Book of the wars of the Lord (Numbers xxi. 14.) cannot be found, and
it

So

is

every where spoken of as one of the missing books.

Dr. Lightfoot, in
his

his Chronicles, thinks that

ing, written

Moses

refers

to a

book of

own compos

that

by command of God, (Exodus xvii. 14.) We think, however, the Book of Judges is the one referred to as the Book of the wars of
in that

the

Lord ; because,

book we have

all

the exploits of the

Hebrews

detailed at length.

We find in Chronicles

and Kings a number of books

IV

PREFACE.
to

named, which are not

in the

be found.

The

Book

of

Samuel

the Seer, also in

David the King, written the Book of Nathan the Prophet,

acts of

and also

in the

Book

of

Gad

the Seer

the acts of

Solomon

are in the

Book
ite
;

of

Nathan the Prophet, and

also in the

Book

of Abijah the Shulam;

the acts of

Rehoboam

in the

Book

of

Shemaiah the Prophet

the acts

of Jehoshaphat in the

Book

of Jehu.

The

journals of the kings of

Judah

and Israel

the three thousand and five songs, and a treatise on botany

this

and animated nature, by

of
Manasseh."

learned king, are lost

so also are the

"Acts

have been inserted

These works, not having been found by Ezra, could not in the Old Testament, and consequently cannot be con

sidered as having been written by divine inspiration. Nevertheless, it would be assuming more than is required or necessary, to say that there were no other books in the time of Ezra, than those considered as divinely
inspired.
St.

Austin says,
as they are,

some

things

The penmen of men with historical

"

the Sacred Scripture writ

lore

and diligence

other

things they writ as prophets,

classification

thus have a by inspiration from God." of their labors, both as historians and as prophets. The ne

We

gligence of the

Jews

in ancient days,

and

their constant transition

from

one country to another, occasioned

many

losses

of the sacred writings.

The Book

Deuteronomy was lost for a long time. There were many books rejected by the Canons which are still objects of curiosity, and
of

venerable for their antiquity.

the Dragon, the

The

prayer of King Manasseh, Bel and

two Books of Esdras, the Book of the Maccabees,

and the Book of Enoch, recently found and translated from the Ethiopic. The Book of Jasher, referred to in Joshua and Second Samuel, has been
long an object of great curiosity.
that
it

Some

of the

Hebrew

writers contend

was

the lives and acts of

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and other

Dr. Lightfoot thinks
it

patriarchs,
is

who were
of the

called Jasherim, the Just.

the

Book

Wars
it

of God, and so the reader

may

think in perusing

the various battles

"

recounts.
this

Grotius calls
to

it

a triumphal poem.

Jose-

phus says,
in

That by

book are

some

safe place on purpose, giving an account of

to year,

be understood certain records kept what happened among

the

Hebrews from year

and called Jasher, or the upright, on ac

count of the fidelity of the

annals."

PREFACE.

Il is

known

that

this

missing book,
to time
;

to discover such have been the curiosity and anxiety that name have appear* that several forgeries under

from time

and the Rev. Mr.

Home,

in his

Introduction to

Study

of the Scripture, has

been
;

various fabrications of Jasher

nally published
in

some pains to collect a history of the was origi the most remarkable of which
at

England,

in the

a person called year 1750, by

Hive,

*nd purported

to

work of that name, be a translation from a Hebrew

by Alcuin.
It

found in Persia

was republished

in
It

Bristol
is

in

the

a copy is now in my possession. year 1829, and but sixty two and a half pages, with copious notes, fabrication, occupying

a miserable

making out Jasher

to

word

is

the upright,

of the be one of the Judges, whereas the translation Dr. of In the same work record. or the

upright

Home,
binical

a slight reference

is

made

to the

Book

of Jasher, written in

Rab
trans

Hebrew,

said to have

been discovered
in

in

Jerusalem
is

at its

capture

under Titus, and printed in Venice

1613.

This

the

book now

time. lated into English for the first

Long

destruction of prior to the

themselves in various parts of Spain Jerusalem, the Jews had established

and Italy; they traded

to the
;

bay of

in the Gibraltar, as historians affirm,

in Sagunto, a

earliest periods of history

and Basnage mentions that

town

in Spain, a

tombstone was discovered, bearing the following inscription This is the tomb of Adoniram, an officer of in the Hebrew language day," collect the tribute, and died the King Solomon, who came to were and France Italy, &c. There can be no doubt that Spain, probably with carried Jews It is, however, certain, that the tributary to Solomon.
:

them

into

an Spain, on their dispersion,

rolls,

immense number

of manuscripts

and sacred

eleventh century, placed

where they remained many years, and were, in the and from in their college at Cordova,
great
to

thence were conveyed

printer s

Venice on the

first

discovery of printing.
it

The
by and
alone

Hebrew

Jasher shows that preface to

illegible

was a

painful transcript

from a very old and almost

Hebrew

record, and printed

with the consent of the great Consistory of Rabbins at Venice,

who

records as had the power of publishing such works from the Hebrew edideemed authentic. From the Venice edition of Jasher, another

they

VI
tion

PREFACE.

was many years subsequently published,

editions, in

in

Lemberg,

in Gallicia.

Both
atic

Hebrew,

are

now in my

possession ; and the Royal Asi

Society, having found a copy of Jasher in Calcutta, gave orders to

it

have

translated,

which order was countermanded when

it

was ascer

tained that considerable progress had been

lation.
lator,

made

in

England

in this trans

The

following copy of a letter from the secretary to the trans

that learned Society placed

shows the estimate which

upon the

work.

ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY HOUSE. Grafton St., Bond St., London, Sept. 2, 1831.

DEAR SIR I am extremely obliged by your having favored me with the Mr. Noah s letter, and in reply to your letter, mention that the
:

sight of

Oriental

Translation Committee does not consider that

work, and
it

if

that ever the

it has any claims on your Rev. Mr. Adams translates the Book of Jasher,

will not

be in the lapse of several years.

in

and valuable labors

other,

that interesting

Hoping that your praiseworthy work will soon, in one shape or

be presented

to the public,

I remain,

Dear Sir, Your obliged and ob

Serv

t,

WM.

HlJTTMAN,

Whatever may have been written and published by commentators,

lative to the fabrications of Jasher, I

re

am

persuaded they had no reference

slightly

to this work, although

this is the

work

touched upon by Dr.

Home,
of
its

as the publication in Venice, on the first discovery of printing; but origin

and history he knew nothing beyond the rumor that

it

had

originally

been brought from Jerusalem.

There are some events recorded

;

in Jasher, that are found in the

for although

Talmud, no doubt copied from Jasher

the Mishnah, and

we

find in the

Talmud,

Gemarrah, many

parables and fanciful tales, to effect moral and religious purposes, yet

every thing that

we have
The

in Jasher

we

find recorded

in the Bible,

with

this difference, that in

Jasher the occurrences of the Bible are amplified and

celebrated philosopher, Mendelsohn, expresses a

detailed at length.

PREFACE.
high opinion of this work.
are recorded in Jasher,

VH
some events which

There

are, nevertheless,

which may
but a

create surprise, particularly a detail of

first

the rape of the Sabines, which, at the

sider as an interpolation
;

glance, I

was disposed

to

con

little

reflection satisfied

me

that

it

was an

event placed in proper chronological order.

Pizron, in his Revolution of

"

Empires, or Antiquities of Nations, says, (page 164,) It is therefore like several of the Titans, in the reign of Ura ly from what I have said, that
nus, or, at least, in that of Saturn, staying and fixing themselves in that

part of Italy which

is

adjacent to the Tiber and the Appenines, were after

If

ward

called Umbrians.

such were the case, as

it

seems

it

was, the

settlement of the Titans in Italy

was made about

the time of the calling

of Abraham, that
Canaan."

is,

when he
"

left

Chaldea, to go and dwell in the land of

this

Page

175,

Now,

if all

came

to

pass,

it

pened about the time Deucalion reigned in Greece, or the deluge that happened under that prince." If as Pizron says, the sepa ration of the Sabines from the Umbrians took place 1500 years before
Christ,
it

must have hap some years after

will not

be

far distant

from the time

at

rape of the Sabine

women,

in the 91st

year of the

which Jasher places the life of Abraham.

The

following

is

the

translator s preface,

and with

all

his

admitted

learning and ability, he has been unable to do justice to the beauty, gran

deur, and alike the simplicity of the original

translation of the

Hebrew.

I also subjoin a
s

Hebrew

preface and a translation of the printer

in

pre

face, being all the

documents

my

possession.

Without giving

it

to the

world as a work of Divine inspiration, or as

it

suming
work

the responsibility to say that

in

is

not an inspired book, I have

no hesitation
t

pronouncing

it

a work of great antiquity and interest, and

it

that

is entitled,

even regarding

as a literary curiosity, to a great

circulation

among

those

who

take pleasure in studying the Scriptures.

M. M. NOAH.

New- York,

April, 1839.

TRANSLATOR S PREFACE.
THE
age in which

we

live

has been, and continues to be, particularly

minds of men, to inquire into the distinguished by various states of knowledge, and of the arts, as they existed in times an terior to the Christian era ; animated with these noble and elevated views,
a laudable desire in the

a considerable

number

and learning, have in succession turned their attention

ence
first

of individuals, greatly distinguished for their genius to the East to those

celebrated countries, in which the arts of civilization and the lights of sci

The

enlightened, and embellished human society. magnificent and unequalled remains of the arts in Egypt, Babylonia,

dawned upon,

Assyria, Palestine, and Persia, have, from time to time, been visited and explored ; and it has been amidst these fallen monuments of human gran
deur, that the adventurous and enlightened traveller has found himself

amply rewarded
these wrecks of

for his laborious

and hazardous undertakings

for,

amidst

greatness, he has succeeded in gathering ample evidence, in confirmation of many of the most important truths recorded

human

in sacred history.

Profane histories have, indeed, conveyed

down

to

us some account of

these kingdoms, and of the mighty monarchs who, during a long succes sion of ages, ruled over them but the events which they relate are evi
;

mixed up with exaggeration, and so adulterated with fable, that, however celebrated their authors might have been, and however fascinating may be the style of their composition, the religious and philosophic student turns from them with dissatisfaction, to the divinely authenticated annals of the Hebrews because, it is from these alone that he can derive true
dently so
;

information concerning the rise, the splendour, the decline, and the real causes of the ruin of those celebrated empires.

In the sacred history

we

are presented with the only authentic, and, of

course, the only valuable information concerning the origin of the universe, of men and all other animated creatures, of the gradual increase of the

human

race,

of the flood in the year A.

M. 1656,

of

which mighty event

ihere are existing evidences to the present day ; evidences, so universal and so ponderous, that all the ingenuity of the sceptical geologists will never

be able

to

remove them

in order to

make room for their plausible hypotheses.

TRANSLATOR S PREFACE.
The
ever memoiable events and transactions recorded in Scripture are many others of the most interesting nature, comprehended in the
of Jasher
;

with

Book

and they are

all

arrayed in that style of simple, unadorned

majesty and precision, which so peculiarly distinguishes the genius of the Hebrew language and this, together with other numerous internal evi
;

dences,

book

will go far to convince the Hebrew scholar that the with the is, exception of some doubtful parts, a venerable monument of antiquity and that, notwithstanding some few additions may have been
it is

presumed

made
it

to

it

in comparatively

modern

times,

it still

retains sufficient to prove

a copy of the book referred to in Joshua, ch. x., and 2 Samuel, ch. L There are not more than seven or eight words in the whole book that by

construction can be derived from the Chaldean language. The printed Hebrew copy, in the hands of the translator,

is

without

During his first perusal of it, some perplexities and doubts rose points. up in his mind respecting its authenticity but the more closely he studied
:

it,

the

more

its irresistible

evidence satisfied him, that

it

contained a trea

sure of information concerning those early times, upon which the histories of other nations are either silent, or cast not a single ray of real light and
;

he was more especially delighted

of
its

to find

that the evidence of the

whole

truths

contents went to illustrate and confirm the great and inestimable which are recorded in divine history, down to a few years later than

the death of Joshua, at

which period the book closes. In this extraordinary book, the reader will meet with models of the most sublime virtue, devotion and magnanimity, that cannot fail to raise his
admiration, and, at the

same

tion to follow the glorious

time, to excite a generous feeling of examples set before him.

emula

these preliminary observations, the translator now respectfully proceeds to lay before the readers a few remarks upon the contents of the

With

book.

The

title

-Hpn 15D

"

is

literally,

the upright or correct record

"

;"

but because the book was not known, it was therefore termed the Book of Jasher this has caused some persons, who are ignorant of the He
;

brew language,

to suppose that Jasher was the name of a prophet, or of one of the Judges of Israel an instance of which appears in a publication which came from the press about the middle of the last century, and which
;

purported
script of

to

Jasher,

have been a translation into English of the Hebrew manu found at Gazna in Persia; which translation only

was

said to have been thence brought by Alcuin. When the translator wrote to the Editor of the London Courier, in November last, he was not
that the

aware

copy of Jasher, announced

in the

Bristol Gazette as

an

TRANSLATOR S PREFACE.

xr

important discovery, had reference to that fictitious book, which, through the kindness of a friend, he had previously obtained a sight of, and was soon convinced that the whole book was the work of some sceptic in

England, in imitation of the language of Scripture, as it was sent forth from the press without the name of printer, bookseller, editor or pub lisher; and it is evident that those who were concerned in getting it up,

making Jasher the name of a Judge of Israel were ignorant of the very rudiments of the language, from which they pretended to have
in

translated

it,

as

it is

well known, even to a tyro in the

Hebrew

language,

that the definite article, Jl is never prefixed to proper

names.

The

important transactions which are narrated with so remarkable a

;

more circumstantially detailed as in by his brother Cain, a particular ac count is given of the disagreement which preceded it, and of the pretext which Cain sought for the commission of the crime. It appears, also, that when the divine judgment condemned him to wander upon the earth,
brevity in the Bible, are, in Jasher, the instance of the murder of Abel
his wife accompanied him, not mentioned but, from this book
;

to the land of
it

appears that the

Nod, for no such place is word Nod, in the Scrip

"

ture, has

been given

for the participle of the verb

^"]^

to

move

or

wander

about.

Jasher has
DB>

it

thus
"KM*

W 1^1
tc

irn

rapon
iS

p rnrr ueSo win njn pp *nn

NH py
rtnp

-KPN SDI

p*a rrm

And

at that

the place where he was

at the east of

time Cain went forth from the presence of the Lord, from and he went moving and wandering in the land
;

all belonging to him." In the passage respecting the birth of Cain and Abel, three daughters are also mentioned. According to Jasher, the art of writing appears to
;

Eden, he and

have been known and practised from the earliest periods it is stated that Cainanwas informed beforehand by God, of the intended destruction

by the flood, which he engraved upon tablets of stone, and preserved amongst his treasures. This book contains a more detailed account of the awful circumstances attending the commencement of the flood, and of the conduct of Noah to ward the terrified multitude who had assembled about the ark, when the fatal moment had arrived, and their doom was irrevocably fixed. f A particular delineation of the life and character of Enoch is given, showing, that by his wisdom he reigned over the sons of men, continually in structing them in truth, righteousness, and a knowledge of the Most High,

of mankind

XII

TRANSLATOR S PREFACE.

Jasher informs us, that in the days of Peleg, not only the families of the human race were separated and spread abroad, but that the earth itself was divided and of both these facts, it may be presumed, there are suffi
;

cient existing evidences, even at this day. This book gives, also, a more de tailed account of the genealogies of the descendants of Japheth, Shem, and

Ham, and
rod
;

Connected with
his conduct

of the various parts of the earth which were colonized by them. this period of the history is given an account of Nimin which is strikingly depicted the arbitrary and violent character of

and government.

The

was
in

the founder of the Assyrian Empire,

contested point, as to whether Nimrod is here decided. The cause

of the dispute amongst commentators proceeded from the

word

"TM^K

Gen. chapter
*

x. ver.

11, signifying either the

name

of a man, or the

name

of the land of Assyria.

Jasher has

it

thus

nyrm any DP um
And Asher,
the son of

&c

mo ODI mi
forth,

aon

DP p TIPN ran

"

Shem, went

he and his sons, and the

children of his household, &c., and they there built four cities." Jasher clearly elucidates a number of genealogical and chronological
difficulties,

which occur

in the Bible

an instance

is

here adduced of the

genealogy of Seir, the Horite, upon which the Bible The learned commentator, Aben Ezra, remarks,
"

is silent.

1DW I^T
*inn

tf?

*V#P

Seir, his

genealogy we do
*")in

not
;

know

;"

and the word

*s

supposed

to

come from

a noble

but Jasher gives us the descent of Seir,

:

(which accounts

for his

being called the Horite,) in the following words

f#D
"

nn

Tin

p vyv *]Vi
went,"

And
;

&c.

Seir, the son of Hur, the son of Hivi, the son of Canaan, hence he was called the Horite, from Hur, his father.

The
pears

character of Abraham, for piety, true dignity and hospitality, ap

;

to stand unrivalled

this book, is that of

Abraham

but the most affecting and beautiful account in The mutual offering up his son Isaac.
their willing devotion

affection of the father

and son, and

and obedience to

the

commands of their Maker, are so exquisitely described, that the heart of him who can peruse the narrative without being deeply affected, must be
callous indeed.

The conduct

of Sarah, as connected with this

unexampled

and glorious event, was altogether worthy of the wife of Abraham, and the mother of Isaac. At this time Sarah died at Kireath-arba. Her funeral is described as having been magnificent and it is expressly mentioned, that
;

it

was attended by Shem, the son of Noah, Eber his son, king Abimelech, together with Anar, Ashcol and Mamre, and other great people of the land.

TRANSLATOR S PREFACE.

XIII

but

In the Bible, Sarah is the only woman whose age is given at her death it may be interesting to the reader to know, that Jasher generally states
;

the ages of the history.

all

the

women who

are particularly mentioned in the course of

From

this

book we learn

that

Noah and Abraham were

contemporaries.

How

beautiful the contemplation of the meeting of these two Patriarchs, the one being a monument of God s mercy, and the other having the pro

mise of the favour and grace of God, not only to himself, but to his seed This fact might be proved from Scripture but from the 32d after him. verse in the llth chapter of Genesis, most of the Christian commentators
;

have erroneously dated the birth of Abraham 60 years later than it actually took place as it is generally stated that he was born A. M. 2008, whereas
;

the regular calculation in the Bible leads us to The only cause of this error has been that

60 years

earlier, viz.
s

1948.

at the age of 75, is of Terah, at the age of 205, in Gen. ch. xi. v. 32. Although this is the of events out the regular order of record to of manner Scripture, frequent

Haran,

departure from recorded close to the description of the death

Abraham

succession, (an instance of

in

Gen. xxxv. 29, when

which we find in Isaac, whose death is recorded we know from the calculations given us in Scripture,

must have taken place when Joseph was about 29 years and the description given in Jasher, of Isaac s coming from Hebron to comfort Jacob upon the loss of Joseph, is beautiful,) it is of great im
that Isaac s death,

old

portance, in world.

its

making a

difference of

60 years

in the

chronology of the

This book gives a particular account of the instruction received by Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, from Shem and Eber, through which they

became so
with

excellent in piety and

;

wisdom,

their tutors in learning

having

lived to so great an age

all that

was known

particularly, who, being acquainted before the flood, could therefore strengthen his

and Shem

of God, and the necessary dependance precepts of virtue, the true worship him alone, by recording the awful events which he had seen.

upon

been considered one of the most history of Joseph has always admirable and interesting on record. It is composed in a style of simple

The

judicious eloquence, which touches every feeling heart. it a This perfect composition. into detail concerning the affairs of Potiphar s more enters in Jasher, history, wife, Zelicah ; Joseph s magnificent procession through the cities of Egypt,

and

artless

critic

has observed, that he considers

on coming

into

power

the

pomp

with which he was attended by Pharaoh

to

chariots, officers,

and people, when he went up

meet

his father

the

XIV
affecting scene
incidents.

TRANSLATOR S PREFACE.
which then took
place, together with other remarkable

This beautiful narrative might justly be entitled, the triumph of virtue and piety and it is presumed that few can peruse it, unmoved by sentiments of the highest admiration, mixed with the deepest feelings of
;

sympathy. The history of the Israelites during their sojourning in Egypt, contains an account of many interesting particulars not noticed in the
the latter end of this period, Balaam Job, Jannes, and Jambres, appear to have acted their respective parts in some memorable transactions.
Bible.
>

Toward

This book clears up the reference

David,
to his in the

in

2 Samuel, ch.

i.,

by showing

that

commencement

of his beautiful elegy on the death of Saul

in his

and Jonathan, revived an injunction given by Jacob son Judah, contained in Jasher in these words
:

dying charge

teach, I pray thee, thy children the use of the bow, and all in struments of war," &c. This goes far to prove the authenticity of the
it beautifully clears up what was always considered obscure. commentators upon the holy Scriptures have sought for illustrations in the works of Homer, Pliny, Herodotus, and other profane writers if

"

But

book, as
If

they have anxiously caught at glimmerings

among

the absurdities of

Pa

ganism, and the obscurities of Heathen fables, the translator humbly and respectfully hopes that they will now grant a favorable reception to evi

dence of an entirely opposite character, which

Jasher.

is

presented in the

Book

of

He
as a

does not

recommend

it

to their notice as a

work

of inspiration, but

monument
;

motest ages

of history, comparatively covered with the ivy of the re as a work possessing, in its language, all the characteristic

simplicity of patriarchal times ; and as such, he conceives it peculiarly calculated to illustrate and confirm the sacred truths handed down to us in

the Scriptures.
record.

making these observations, he is far from offering it as a perfect Like all other ancient writings, (except the inspired volume,) it has in some respects suffered from the consuming hand of time and there
in
;

But

is

reason to believe that some additions have been

made

to

it.

In

fine, it

contains a history of the lives and memorable transactions of all the illus trious characters recorded in sacred history, from Adam down to the time

of the Elders,

who immediately succeeded

Joshua.

TRANSLATION OF THE HEBREW PREFACE.

THIS BOOK
IS

TH1T WHICH

IS

CALLED THE UPRIGHT BOOK.

IT has at this time been ascertained by us that when the holy city Je rusalem was destroyed by Titus, all the military heads went in to rob and plunder, and that amongst the officers* of Titus was one whose name was Sidrus, who went in to search, and found in Jerusalem a house of great when he wished extent, and took away all the spoils which he found there to go out of the house, he looked at the wall and fancied that he saw trea sures there, so he broke down the wall and the building and found a cask full of various books of the Law, the Prophets, and the Hagiographa,t also books of the kings of Israel, and of the kings of other nations, as well as many other books of Israel, together with the books of the Mishnah adopted and established many rolls were also lying there he also found there all sorts of provision and wine in abundance, and discovered an old man sitting there, who was reading in those books. When the officer saw this great sight he was greatly astonished, and said to the old man, why dost thou sit alone in this place, without any person remaining with thee ? So the old man answered, for many years past was I aware of this second destruction of Jerusalem, so I built this house and made for myself a bal cony ,J and I brought with me these books to read, and I brought also
;

sufficient provision, thinking

thereby

to||

save

And God caused

my life.

brought him to city and officer found that this old man was possessed of wisdom and understand ing and acquainted with various kinds of science, upon discovering which he raised and honored him, was constantly in his house and was taught by him all sorts of wisdom, and they built for themselves a lofty and capacious house in the suburbs of Sevilia and placed there all those books. This house is yet in Sevilia unto this day, and they wrote there all the events that would hereafter take place amongst the kings of the world unto the coming of our Messiah.
Buxton gives this word episcopus" which, besides a bishop, means also a lieu See Arach. tenant, overseer, superintendant. t Psalms, Proverbs, &c. See Arach. t miD3K or porch, a Talmudical word derived from the Greek.
"

to find favor in the eyes of the officer, who forth with respect with all his books, and they went from city from country to country until they reached Sevilia ; and the

the old

man

II

See Jeremiah 38

2, the

same

expression.

xv i

HEBREW PREFACE.
it

And

came

to pass

that

when God

carried* us
"

away with

a mighty

of Edom, from city to city and from captivity by the hands of the kings The Generations of country to country in bitter anxiety, this book, called

came into our hands, for they came from and they came afterward to our city Napuli, which city is under the sway of the king of Spain, (whose glory may be exalted.) And when we saw these books, that they were books of all wisdom, we resolved in our minds to print them like all the books that came to our Now this book is the best and most valuable of all, and of this hands. book twelve copies have reached us, and we searched in them and found them all of one copy, there was no difference, nothing added and nothing deficient, nor any alteration in letters, words or events, for they were all alike as it were of one copy. Since, therefore, we saw in this book great merit urging us to this re and it is found written that this book solve, we are determined to print it is called the Book Jasher, because all its transactions are in that order as they had taken place in the world as regards priority and succession, for thou wilt not find in this book any postponement of events that were anterior, or priority of those that were posterior, but every thing is re corded in its place and time. Thou wilt thus find that it relates the death of such a one at the particu lar time of the life of another and thus throughout. Owing to this it was
Adam"

together with other books

that house in Sevilia,

Sepher Hajashar, but it is customary to call it the Generations of the reason of which is that they call it by that with which it com JASHER" mences, but the chief name thereof is the book owing to the reasons we have assigned. Now it is found that this book is translated into Greek, entitled Lo libris de los divitiis" It is also found written in the book of the Asmoneans which has come down to us, that in the days of Ptolemy king of Egypt, he ordered his servants to go and gather all the books of laws, and all the books of Chronicles which they could find in the world, so that he might become wise through them, and by examining them become acquainted with the subjects and events of the world, and to compile from them a book in all
called

Adam,

"

"

matters of jurisdiction regarding the affairs of life, thereby to exercise pure So they went and collected for him nine hundred and sixty five justice. books and brought to him, when he commanded them to go again and seek to complete the number of a thousand books, and they did so. After this, some of the persecutors of Israel stood up before him and said, O Send to the Jews in king, why wilt thou trouble thyself in this manner?
shall bring unto thee the book of their law which was them from the mouth of the Lord by their Prophets, from which thou mayest become wise, and regulate all judgments and laws ac

Jerusalem that they

written for

so the king hearkened to their words, and sent to cording to thy desire the Jews upon this matter, who sent to him this book, for they could not give unto him the book of the Lord, for they said, we cannot give the law
;

*See same

expression, Isaiah 22. 17.

HEBREW PREFACE.

xvn
to the

Now of the Lord to a stranger. Ptolemy he read it and it pleased

when
him

this

book came

hands of

greatly, and he searched therein in his wisdom, and he examined it and found therein what he had desired, and he neglected all the other books which they had collected for him,

and he blessed him who had advised him

to this thing.

After some time the persecutors of Israel became aware of this, that the Israelites had not sent the book of the law to the king, and they came and said unto him, O king, the Israelites have treated thee with con tempt, for they did not send to thee the book of the law which we had
to thee, but they sent to thee another book which they had in their hands, therefore send to them that they may forward unto thee the book of their law, for from that book thou wilt obtain thy desire much

mentioned

more than from the book which they have sent to thee so when the king heard their words he became exceedingly wroth against the Israelites, and his anger burned within him until he sent again to them for them to for ward to him the book of the law. Fearing that they might still continue to scorn him, he acted prudently with them and sent to seventy of their elders and placed them in seventy houses, that each should write the book of the law, so that no alteration might be found in them, and the divine spirit rested upon them, and they wrote for him seventy books and At this the they were all of one version, without addition or diminution. and he honored the with all the elders, king rejoiced greatly together Jews, and he sent offerings and gifts to Jerusalem as it is written there.* At his death, the Israelites acted cunningly with his son and took from his treasures the book of the law, but left this book there and look it not
;

in order that every future king might know the wonders of the Lord, blessed be his name, and that he had chosen Israel from all nations, and that there is no God beside him. This book is therefore in Egypt unto this day, and from that time it became circulated throughout the earth, until it reached us in our captivity

away,

in the city of Napuli, which is under the rule of the king of Spain. thou wilt find in this book that some of the kings of Edom, of Chittim and the kings of Africa who were in those days, are mentioned, although it might appear that such was not the aim or intent of this book but the reason of this was to show to every person obtaining this book the contrast between the wars of Israel and the wars of the Gentiles, for the conquest of Gentile kings one over the other was by accident, which is not so in the conquest of the kings of Israel over the Gentiles, which is by a miracle from our blessed Lord as long as the Israelites trust in his exalted name. Now the uses of this book are many, all of which lead us to confidence in God, (whose name be exalted,) and to our adherence unto him and his
this

Now

day

ways.
the additional information it affords us upon the sub man and the deluge, recording also the years of the twenty generations and their misdeeds ; also at what period they were
first
is

The

use

jects of the creation of

* In the book of the

Asmoneans mentioned above.

XYIII

HEBREW PREFACE.
when they
days of
died,

born, and

by which means, our

to adhere to the

Lord,
old.

when we

hearts may be inclined see the mighty works which he per

formed

in

The second use is in the additional account respecting the birth of Abra ham and how it was that he cleaved to the Lord, and the transactions that
took place between him and Nimrod; and thus also of ^the account of the builders of the tower of Babel,* how that the Lord drove them to the four corners of the earth, and how they established the countries and lands

names unto this day, by which means we may The third use is the explanation it gives our Creator. us how the patriarchs adhered to the Lord, and of their transactions which convince us of their fear of God. The fourth use is, in what it records of the affairs of Sodom and the iniquities of its people, and in what consisted their sins, as well as their punishment, by which means we may refrain from all evil doings. The fifth use is in the account of the faith of Isaac and Jacob in the Lord, and the prayers and weeping of Sarah at the binding of Isaac for a sacrifice, which is of great use in in The sixth use is in the in clining our hearts to the service of the Lord. formation it affords us upon the subject of the wars of the sons of Jacob with the people of Shechem and the seven cities of the Amorites. This for how could ten men destroy will rouse our hearts to faith in our God seven cities, if their hearts had not been impressed with faith in the Lord ? The seventh use is, in the information it gives us of all the events that happened to Joseph in Egypt, with Potiphar and his wife and with the king of Egypt, for this will also rouse our hearts to the fear of the Lord, and to remove ourselves from all sin, so that it may be well with us in the latter end. The eighth use is in the account it furnishes us of what happened to Moses in Cush and in Midian, by which we may understand the wonders
called
after

their

draw nigh

to

of the

Lord which he performs

for the righteous,

is in its

adhere to him.

The

ninth use

and that we may thereby recording what had happened to

the Israelites in Egypt, and when the commencement of their servitude took place, and how they served the Egyptians in all manner of hard work, and to what purpose all this tended how after this God was favorable to them through their trusting in him, and there is no doubt of this that he who reads the events of Egypt from this book on the nights of the Pass over, will receive a great reward, as our Rabbins of blessed memory say,
is occupied in relating the exit from Egypt is to be praised, in which this book is included, for this is the true narration which ought to be read after the Hagadah, for such person (reading this) may be assured that he will be greatly rewarded we do so this day in our captivity in the

he that

countries of Spain, after having finished reading the Hagadah, we com mence reading in this book the whole affair of Egypt, from the Israelites

going

down

to

Egypt unto
in because

their exit, for in this

book a person ought

to

* Called ruScn

the earth

was then

divided.

HEBREW PREFACE.
read.

XIX

The eleventh* use is, that some of the comments of our Rabbles and of other commentators who have explained the law, thou wilt find illustrated in this book, such as the account of the messengers who met Jacobf when he came from Mesopotamia after they had gone to Esau,
also the account of Gabriel

the illustration

it

affords of

who taught Joseph seventy languages, also himj who smote Midian in the fields of Moab,

The twelfth use is, that every person lecturing in public in his discourse, subjects from this book, which the forward may bring commentators have not explained, by which means he may make an im The thirteenth use is, that all pression upon the hearts of his audience. merchants and travellers, who have an opportunity to study the law, may read this book and receive their reward, for therein is the reward of the soul as well as the delight of the body, in the discovery of new matter not recorded in any other book, and by these means will man understand to know the Lord and cleave unto him. Now because we have seen the merit of this book, and the great use fulness thereof, we have undertaken to print it without addition or diminu tion, and from this time we have commenced to print it in a book, that such books may be in the hands of the members of our covenant, the men of our captivity in order that it may be farther circulated throughout every generation, and every city, family and country, so that they may under stand the wonders of the Lord which he performed for our ancestors, and his bounties toward them from the days of old, and that he chose us from all nations. May they who devote their hearts to the fear of the Lord, be rendered meritorious by studying therein whilst we confide in the Lord, the God of Gods, and depend upon him and seek salvation and assistance from him, in this heavenly work, and may he prosper us in the right path, and deliver us from errors, and cleanse us from secret faults, as his an ointed said, who can understand his errors ? cleanse thou me from secret faults May God teach us the good way and direct us in a pros perous path for the sake of his mercies and kindnesses, and may he gra ciously fulfil the desires of our hearts, Amen, and so be his will.
and the
like.
"

."$

* The eleventh use. this must have been I cannot see any mention of the tenth use omitted, I think, before the words above, "how after this God was favourable to them through
;

their trusting in him." t See the latter part of ch. 31.

The
it

where

obscure passage in Genesis, 36. 35. in the Bible, gives a long history of Hadad, the son of Bedad.

is

cleared up in Jasher, ch. 62,

$ Psalms, 19. 12.

THE PRINTER S PREFACE.

THE humble worm, and no man, Joseph, son to my father, the wise and highly respected in Israel, Samuel the little one, says, my witness is in heaven and my testimony is on high, the God of Gods knows, and Israel knows also, how much fatigue I have undergone, and how much trouble I have taken until I had brought to light the hidden treasures of this book for ever since I was driven from my land, from the metropolis of Israel, the great city of wise men and scribes, the renowned city of Pasia, ever since the Lord, through my great offences, has driven me with a violent captivity, one stumbling after the other, he weakened my strength in the way, the iron entered my soul until I reached the Italian harbor, the royal city Livorno (Leghorn,) which is under the sway of our Lord the most serene Grand Duke Don Ferdinand de Media (Medici Qu ?) for neither by day nor by night could I remain silent, I was continually in thought,
;

me, and sleep was removed from mine eyes, father, the crown of my head, energetically strove with his purse and labor to transcribe this book, as was his con stant custom from his love of the study of the Law, to lavish money and wealth, principal and interest, for the purchase and the transcribing, for my own use,of books without end, in or"der that I might obtain wisdom and instruction, to comprehend the words of understanding, as all of the inhabi

my

soul

was humbled

in

when

I reflected

how

my

my city can testify and declare (O God remember him favor ably to rest in glory with the righteous who are in the garden of Eden, Amen for this loss is felt only by me,) especially in the transcribing of this book it is holy for praises to the Lord, for there was never seen nor found but one, which the intelligent and pious scribe Jacob, the son of Atiyah, transcribed from a very old manuscript, the letters of which were defaced and had it not been for the consummate ability of the above mentioned Rabbi, no other person could have made out those letters, nor have transcribed them, from their antiquity and from their having been defaced. Now my father, of blessed memory, found favor in his eyes, to obtain this book on loan, in order that he might also get one transcribed by the hands of a certain scribe, and in the year 5373,* through my great sins, I went out of the pale of my birth place, and from my father s house, owing to the terrors of famine, pestilence and slaughter. The sword detants of
;
!

Corresponding with the year 1613.

XXII

PRINTER S PREFACE.

was the terror of pestilence and famine, stroyed from without, and within on account of the battles and contentions which took place between the sons of the old king Maruccus who had died, for each lifted himself up, Israelites with open mouth, saying, I will reign, and they devoured the so that very few remained of them, even a tithe of a tithe many families and heads of the houses of their fathers were lost and destroyed and be came as naught many books of various kinds, new and old, some in manuscript and others in print, as well as those of modern times, were mostly destroyed by fire, or were torn to pieces, which, together with their owners, lie hid under the ruins to this day. Woe to the eyes that beheld this yet may the name of the Lord be blessed for the evil as well as for the good.
; ;
!

Fearing that this book might share the same used the most persevering exertions in sending

fate as the others, I daily letters to some particular

individuals in the city Argilia, in the city Titu, and in the city Pasia, to such as had been left, humbly beseeching them to search and inquire where might be the place of the glory of this book, and it was sought after

and found to be hid in the hands of one of the individuals of the congrega and thanks are due to him, tion, the wise and highly gifted Moses Chasan that upon his ascertaining my good intention to print it and to scatter it throughout all Jewish communities, he did not delay to send it, as he felt a desire for a heavenly reward for this pious act, yea, he sent it to me as a gift, may he receive a blessing from the Lord, and may his reward be
;

perfect.
in
I

Amen.
station

Now I in my humble
two
parts,

have composed a work entitled *|DV fUlfiD

one part containing some of the scriptural comments which the gracious help of the Lord, and the second part containing which I delivered to a great congregation, besides a later fifty lectures comment containing explanations of parts of the Talmud which I met

made with

with in the course of

my
I

studies,

and which

humble
bring
thee,
it

abilities

now

am

revising this

work a second time

life,

I illustrated according to in order to

my

work, for they have made void thy law" for the printing book of Jasher tends to the honor and glory of the Lord, for through it will the hearts of men be directed to cleave to the blessed Lord, and by the means of which they will understand the wonderful works of God, and his bounties toward our ancestors from the days of old, and how he chose us from all nations, as thou wilt see at length in the preface, where in thou wilt perceive enumerated the great many uses, thirteen in num ber, which induce men to confide in the Lord and to adhere to him. I have also found another use therein, which is, that many parts of the five books difficult of comprehension, and which the commentators have been unable to reconcile, are, by means of this book, properly understood, because it gives a detail of those parts, wherein the sacred volume is brief in its account, and relates events as they occurred thou wilt there fore find me lifting up my hand in the margin with the words *VJ?H ^Otf
thee, of this

O O

to the press, if

heaven spare
the

my

yet I said to
"

my
It is

heart, to

worm, and no man, does

Lord,
to

scripture proclaim

time for

"

The humble

editor

says"

by which

will

be understood what

have as-

PRINTER
serted
their
it is
;

PREFACE.

xxni

Since then it is proper for me at present to defer the publication of my above mentioned work until I shall first have brought to light the hidden treasures of this book and to reveal them to the world, I am confident that with the help of the Lord all Israel will exult and rejoice therein. I have therefore put my trust in the Lord, may he remember me favor ably, that I may be enabled in the next year by his help and decree to publish also my afore mentioned work. As for me, my prayer is to him who dwells on high, may the Lord God assist me, and send me from on high his peace, favor, and faithfulness to help me, that he may lead me beside the still waters, and conduct me to the paths of righteousness for the sake of his great name, and for the sake of his law. Amen for ever and ever.

search and thou will find many things also, which our Rabbies in works gave in short, are brought forth more fully in this book since high time now to act and have a care for the glory of God s name.

OR

THE BOOK OF JASHER

THIS
IS

THE BOOK OF THE GENERATIONS OF MAN WHOM GOD CREATED UPON THE EARTH ON THE DAY WHEN THE LORD GOD MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH.

CHAPTER
1
.

I.

the

Lord God

said,

be

fruitful

am

in our

God
2.

Adam said let us make man image, after our likeness, and and his wife, and he placed them in created man in his own image. the garden of Eden to dress it and
And God And God formed man from
;

multiply and fill the earth. 7. And the Lord God took

the to keep it and he commanded them blew his nostrils and he into and said unto them, from every tree ground, the breath of life, and man became of the garden you may eat, but from a living soul endowed with speech. the tree of the knowledge of good 3. And the Lord said it is not and evil you shall not eat, for in the

good

for

man

to

be alone

I will

day

that

you

eat thereof

you

shall

make unto him a helpmate. surely die. 4. And the Lord caused a deep 8. And when God had blessed sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept, and commanded them he went from and he took away one of his ribs, them, and Adam and his wife dwelt and he built flesh upon it and form in the garden according to the com ed it and brought it to Adam, and mand which the Lord had command Adam awoke from his sleep, and be ed them. hold a woman was standing before 9. And the serpent, which God
him.
5.

had created with them

in the earth,

And he said,

this is

a bone of my
;

came

to

them

to incite

bones and it shall be called woman, for this has been taken from man and Adam called her name Eve, for she was the mother of all living. 6. And God blessed them and called their names Adam and Eve in the day that he created them, and
Z

gress the

command

of

them to trans God which he

had commanded them.

10. And the serpent enticed and persuaded the woman to eat from the tree of knowledge, and the wo man hearkened to the voice of the serpent, and she transgressed the

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

word
of God, and took from the tree 17. And in some time after, Cain of the knowledge of good and evil and Abel his brother went one day and she ate, and she took from it into the field to do their work and
;

her husband and he they were bolh in the field, Cain and ploughing his ground, ate. tilling 11. And Adam and his wife trans and Abel feeding his flock and the gressed the command of God which flock passed that part which Cain he commanded them, and God knew had ploughed in the ground, and it it, and his anger was kindled against sorely grieved Cain on this account. 18. And Cain approached his bro them and he cursed them. 12. And the Lord God drove them ther Abel in anger, and he said unto

and gave also

to

day from the garden of Eden, him, what is there between me and the ground from which they thee that thou comest to dwell and were taken, and they went and dwelt bring thy flock to feed in my land ? 19. And Abel answered his bro at the east of the garden of Eden and Adam knew his wife Eve and she ther Cain and said unto him, what bore two sons and three daughters. is there between me and thee, that
that
to
till
;

the

she called the name of born Cain, saying, I have obtained a man from the Lord, and the name of the other she called Abel, for she said, in vanity we came into the earth and in vanity we shall be taken from it. 14. And the boys grew up and their father gave them a possession in the land and Cain was a tiller of the ground, and Abel a keeper of
13.
first
;

And

thou shalt eat the flesh of my flock and clothe thyself with their wool ?
therefore, put off sheep with which thou hast clothed thyself, and recom pense me for their fruit and flesh which thou hast eaten, and when thou shalt have done this, I will then go from thy land as thou hast said ? 21. And Cain said to his brother

20.

And now

the wool of

my

Abel, surely if I slay thee this day, who will require thy blood from me ? 15. And it was at the 22. And Abel answered Cain, expiration of a few years, that they brought an saying, surely God who has made us
sheep.

approximating offering to the "Lord, and Cain brought from the fruit of the ground, and Abel brought from the firstlings of his flock from the fat thereof, and God turned and inclined to Abel and his offering, and a fire came down from the Lord from heaven and consumed it. 16. And unto Cain and his offer ing the Lord did not turn, and he did not incline to it, for he had

in the earth,

he will avenge

my cause,

require my blood from thee shouldst thou slay me, for the Lord is the judge and arbiter, and it

and he

will

is

he

who

will requite

man

according

to his

evil,

cording to

and the wicked man ac the wickedness that he

may do upon earth. 23. And now, if thou shouldst God knoweth slay me here, surely

thy secret views, and will judge thee brought from the inferior fruit of the for the evil which thou didst declare ground before the Lord, and Cain to do unto me this day. was jealous against his brother Abel 24. And when Cain heard the on account of this, and he sought a words which Abel his brother had pretext to slay him. spoken, behold the anger of Cain

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

was kindled

for declaring this thing.

against his brother Abel and wandering in the earth* until the day of thy death.

33. And at that time Cain went 25. And Cain hastened and rose of his out from the presence of the Lord up, and took the iron part ploughing instrument, with which he from the place where he was, and he suddenly smote his brother and he went moving andt wandering in the slew him, and Cain spilt the blood land towards the east of Eden, he

of his brother Abel upon the earth, and all belonging to him. 34. And Cain knew his wife in and the blood of Abel streamed upon the earth before the flock. those days, and she conceived and 26. And after this Cain repented bare a son, and he called his name having slain his brother, and he was Enoch, saying, in that time the Lord sadly grieved, and he wept over him began to give him rest and quiet in

vexed him exceedingly. the earth. And Cain rose up and dug a 35. And at that time Cain also be hole in the field, wherein he put his gan to build a city and he built the brother s body, and he turned the city and he called the name of the dust over it. city Enoch, according to the name 28. And the Lord knew what Cain of his son for in those days the had done to his brother, and the Lord Lord had given him rest upon the appeared to Cain and said unto him, earth, and he did not move about where is Abel thy brother that was and wander as in the beginning. with thee ? 36. And Irad was born to Enoch, 29. And Cain dissembled, and and Irad begat Mechuyael and Mesaid, I do not know, am I my bro chuyael begat Methusael. ther s keeper ? And the Lord said unto him, what hast thou done ? The II.

and

it

27.

CHAPTER

voice of thy brother s blood crieth unto me from the ground where thou 1 And it was in the hundred and hast slain him. thirtieth year of the life of Adam 30. For thou hast slain thy brother upon the earth, that he again knew and hast dissembled before me, and Eve his wife, and she conceived and
.

didst imagine in thy heart that I saw bare a son in his likeness and in his thee not, nor knew all thy actions. image, and she called his name Seth,

31. But thou didst this thing and saying, because

didst slay thy brother for naught and because he spoke rightly to thee, and
*

God

has appointed

now, therefore, cursed be thou from the ground which opened its mouth to receive thy brother s blood from thy hand, and wherein thou didst
bury him.
32.
shalt
its

Although we find in the 34th and 35th ver ses that God gave him rest, it might only have been a temporary rest and as we are neither told in scripture nor in this book anything more relating to Cain, we cannot infer anything con
;

trary to this declaration.

is no mention made of the land of the word here used is iu the partici to wander ; the last ple present of the verb letter of those verbs whose two final letters are

There
;

And

it

shall

till it, it

shall

be when thou no more give thee

Nod

TW

similar, is sometimes and it might have strength as in the beginning, for been nij with one dropped, daleth, like the word used in thorns and thistles shall the ground without the which is

produce, and thou shalt be moving

scripture ~w ly omitted.

vau,

frequent

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

another seed in the place of Abel, the days of Adam was this declara tion concerning the earth, of the Cain has slain him. 2. And Seth lived one hundred curse of God, which he cursed the and five years, and he begat a son ; earth, on account of the sin which and Seth called the name of his son Adam sinned before the Lord. 9. And it was when men conti Enosh, saying, because in that time the sons of men began to multiply, nued to rebel and transgress against

me
for

and hearts God, and to corrupt their ways, that and by transgressing rebelling against the earth also became corrupt.

and

to afflict their souls

God.
3.

that

10. And Enosh lived ninety years And it was in the days of Enosh and he begat Cainan 1 1 And Cainan grew up and he the sons of men continued to
;
.

rebel and transgress against God, to was forty years old, and he became increase the anger of the Lord against wise and had knowledge and skill in

the sons of men. 4. And the sons of men went and they served other Gods, and they forgot the Lord who had created them in the earth and in those days the sons of men made images of brass
:

all

wisdom, and he reigned over

all

the sons of men, and he led the sons of men to wisdom and knowledge ;
for

Cainan was a very wise man and had understanding in all wisdom, and with his wisdom he ruled over and iron, wood and stone, and they spirits and daemons 12. And Cainan knew by his wis bowed down and served them. 5. And every man made his God dom that God would destroy the sons and they bowed down to them, and of men for having sinned upon earth, the sons of men forsook the Lord all and that the Lord would in the lat the days of Enosh and his children ter days bring upon them the waters and the anger of the Lord was kin of the flood. Cainan died on account of their works and 13. And in those days abominations which they did in the wrote upon tablets of stone, what earth. was to take place in time to come, 6. And the Lord caused the wa and he put them in his treasures. ters of the river Gihon to overwhelm 14. And Cainan reigned over the them, and he destroyed and consu whole earth, and he turned some of med them, and he destroyed the third the sons of men to the service of and notwithstand God. part of the earth 15. And when Cainan was sev ing this, the sons of men did not turn from their evil ways, and their hands enty years old, he begat three sons were yet extended to do evil in the and two daughters.
;

sight of the Lord.

7.

16.

And

these are the

;

names of

days there was the children of Cainan the name of neither sowing nor reaping in the the first born Mahlallel, the second and there was no food for the Enan, and the third Mered, and their earth sons of men and the famine was very sisters were Adah and Zillah these are the five children of Cainan that great in those days. 8. And the seed which they sowed were born to him. in those days in the ground became 17. AndLamech, the son of Mefor from thusael, became related to Cainan by thorns, thistles and briers
in those
;
;

And

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

in years, and his eyes were marriage, and he took his two daugh vanced ters for his wives, and Adah con dim that he could not see, and Tubal ceived and bare a son to Lamech, Cain, his son, was leading him, and it was one and she called his name Jabal. day that Lamech went in 18. And she again conceived and to the field and Tubal Cain his son bare a son, and called his name Ja was with him, and whilst they were and Zillah, her sister, was bar walking in the field, Cain the son of bal
;

ren in those days and had no off

Adam advanced

towards them

for

Lamech was very old and could not spring. 19. For in those days the sons of see much, and Tubal Cain his son

men began
and

to trespass

against God,

commandments which he had commanded to Adam, to

to transgress the

be

and multiply in the earth. of the sons of men far off, and he slew him, for he ap caused their wives to drink a draught peared to them to be an animal. 28. And the arrows entered Cain s that would render them barren, in order that they might retain their body although he was distant from figures and whereby their beautiful them, and he fell to the ground and
fruitful

was very young. 27. And Tubal Cain told his fa ther to draw his bow, and with the arrows he smote Cain, who was yet

20.

And some

appearance might not fade.

21.

died.

29. And the Lord requited Cain s caused some of their wives to drink, evil according to his wickedness, Zillah drank with them. which he had done to his brother

And when

the sons of

men

22.

And the

child-bearing

women

appeared abominable in the sight of their husbands, as widows, whilst their husbands lived, for to the bar ren ones only they were attached. 23. And in the end of days and
years,

Abel, according to the word of the Lord which he had spoken. 30. And it came to pass when
bal

when Zillah became Lord *opened her womb.

old,

Cain had died, that Lamech and Tu went to see the animal which they had slain, and they saw, and be the hold Cain their grandfather was fal len dead upon the earth.

away

24. And she conceived and bare a 31. And Lamech was very much son and she called his name Tubal grieved at. having done this, and in Cain, saying, after I had withered clapping his hands together he struck have I obtained him from the his son and caused his death. 32. And the wives of Lamech 25. And she conceived again and heard what Lamech had done, and bare a daughter, and she called her they sought to kill him. name Naamah, for she said, after I 33. And the wives of Lamech ha

Almighty God.

had withered away have I obtained ted him from that day, because he slew Cain and Tubal Cain, and the pleasure and delight. 26. And Lamech was old and ad- wives of Lamech separated from * It cannot be him, and would not hearken to him that they Zil
supposed

gave

lah the drink to cause barrenness

when she be in those days. came old, for as it is expressed in verse twenty, 34. And Lamech it was given to those to retain their figures and
whereby
fade.
their beautiful

appearance might not

came to his wives, and he pressed them to listen to him about this matter.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

35. And lie said to his wives thy house and from the place where Adah and Zillah, hear my voice O thou dost hide thyself, and appear to wives of Lamech, attend to my the sons of men, in order that thou words, for now you have imagined mayst teach them the way in which and said that I slew a man with my they should go, and the work which

wounds, and a child with my stripes they must accomplish to enter in the for their having done no violence, ways of God. but surely know that I am old and 5. And Enoch rose up according greyheaded, and that my eyes are to the word of the Lord, and went heavy through age, and I did this forth from his house, from his place and from the chamber in which he thing unknowingly. 36. And the wives of Lamech was concealed ; and he went to the listened to him in this matter, and sons of men and taught them the they returned to him with the advice ways of the Lord, and at that time of their father Adam, but they bore assembled the sons of men and ac no children to him from that time, quainted them with the instruction

knowing

that God s anger was in of the Lord. 6. And he ordered it to be pro creasing in those days against the sons of men, to destroy them with claimed in all places where the sons the waters of the flood for their evil of men dwelt, saying, where is the

man who wishes to know the ways doings. 37. And Mahlallel the son of Cai- of the Lord and good works ? let
nan lived sixty five years and he be him come to Enoch. and Jered lived sixty-two 7. And all the sons of men then gat Jered he and assembled to him, for all who desired Enoch. begat years this thing went to Enoch, and Enoch
;

reigned over the sons of men accor ding to the word of the Lord, and 1. AND Enoch lived sixty-five they came and bowed to him and years and he begat Methuselah they heard his word. and Enoch walked with God after 8. And the spirit of God was upon having begot Methuselah, and he Enoch, and he taught all his men the served the Lord, and despised the wisdom of God and his ways, and evil ways of men. the sons of men served the Lord all

CHAPTER

III.

2. And the soul of Enoch was the days of Enoch, and they came wrapped up in the instruction of the to hear his wisdom. 9. And all the kings of the sons of Lord, in knowledge and in under standing and he wisely retired from men, both first and last, together the sons of men, and secreted him with their princes and judges, came self from them for many to Enoch when they heard of his days. 3. And it was at the expiration of wisdom, and they bowed down to many years, whilst he was serving him, and they also required of Enoch the Lord, and praying before him in to reign over them, to which he con
;

his house, that an angel of the Lord called to him from Heaven, and he
said, 4.

sented.

here

am

I.

And he

said, rise,

10. And they assembled in all,, one hundred and thirty kings and princes, go forth from and they made Enoch king over

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

them, and they were power and command.
all

under his

11. And Enoch taught them wis dom, knowledge, and the ways of the Lord and he made peace amongst
;

them, and peace was throughout the earth during the life of Enoch. 12. And Enoch reigned over the sons of men two hundred and fortythree years, and he did justice and righteousness with all his people, and he led them in the ways of the Lord.
these are the generations of Enoch; Methuselah, Elisha, and Elimelech, three sons and their sis
13.
;

And

were Melca and Nahmah, and Methuselah lived eighty-seven years arid he begat Lamech. they could not, as all the sons of men 14. And it was in the fifty-sixth were greatly afraid of Enoch, and year of the life of Lamech when they feared to approach him on Adam died nine hundred and thirty account of the Godlike awe that years old was he at his death, and was seated upon his countenance ; his two sons, with Enoch and Me therefore no man could look at him, thuselah his son, buried him with fearing he might be punished and
ters
;

three days that chamber, he prayed to, and praised the Lord his God, and the day on which he went and appeared to his subjects he taught them the ways of the Lord, and all they asked him about the Lord he told them. 20. Arid he did in this manner for many years, and he afterward con cealed himself for six days, and ap peared to his people one day in seven and after (hat once in a month, and then once in a year, until all the kings, princes and sons of men sought for him, and desired again to see the face of Enoch, and to hear his word but
19.
tie

And during the

in his

was

great pomp, as at the burial of kings, die. in the cave which God had told him. 21. And all the kings and princes 15. And in that place all the sons resolved to assemble the sons of men, of men made a great mourning and and to come to Enoch, thinking that

weeping on account of
has
therefore

it they might all speak to him at the custom time when he should come forth among the sons of men to this day. amongst them, and they did so. 16. And "Adam died because he 22. And the day came when ate of the tree of knowledge he and Enoch went forth and they all assem his children after him, as the Lord bled and came to him, and Enoch God had spoken. spoke to them the words of the Lord he taught them wisdom and 17. And it was in the year of and Adam s death which was the two knowledge, and they bowed down hundred and forty-third year of the before him and they said, may the reign of Enoch, in that time Enoch king live, may the king live resolved to separate himself from the 23. And in some time after, when sons of men and to secrete himseH the kings and princes and the sons as at first in order to serve the Lord. of men were speaking to Enoch, and
;

Adam

become

but did himself from them, but kept away from the sons of men three days and then went to them for one dav.
18.

And Enoch

did so,

not

entirely

secrete

Enoch was teaching them the ways of God, behold an angel of the Lord then called unto Enoch from heaven, and wished to bring him up to heaven to make him reign there over the sons

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

of God, as he had reigned over the and all the sons of men that were with Enoch saw him. sons of men upon earth. 30. And Enoch then again ord23. When at that time Enoch heard this he went and assembled all jred a voice to be proclaimed, saythe inhabitants of the earth, and ng, where is the man who delighttaught them wisdom and knowledge 3th to know the ways of the Lord

and gave them divine instructions, lis God, let him come this day to and he said to them, I have been Enoch before he is taken from us. 31. And all the sons of men as required to ascend into heaven, I therefore do not know the day of my sembled and came to Enoch that day and all the kings of the earth going. 25. And now therefore I will with their princes and counsellors and teach you wisdom and knowledge remained with him that day and will give you instruction before I Enoch then taught the sons of men leave you, how to act upon earth wisdom and knowledge, and gave whereby you may live and he did them divine instruction and he bade them serve the Lord and walk in his so. 26. And he taught them wisdom ways all the days of their lives, and and knowledge, and gave them in he continued to make peace amongst struction, and he reproved them, and them. he placed before them statutes and 32. And it was after this that he he do and to rose earth, upon judgments up and rode upon the horse made peace amongst them, and he and he went forth and all the sons of taught them everlasting life, and men went after him, about eight and they dwelt with them some time teaching hundred thousand men
;
; ; ;

them
27.

all

these things.
at

went with him one day

33.

journey.

And

that time the sons of

men were
was
lifted

speaking

with Enoch, and Enoch to them, and they

up

their eyes

and the likeness

great horse descending from heaven, and the horse paced in the*
of a
air;

day he said to them, return home to your tents, why will you go ? perhaps you may die and some of them went from him, and those that remained went and with him six day s journey
the second
; ;

And

them every day, re 28. And they told Enoch what turn to your tents, lest you may die they had seen, and Enoch said to but they were not willing to return, them, on my account does this horse and they went with him. descend upon earth the time is come 34. And on the sixth day some ot when I must go from you and I shall the men remained and clung to him, no more be seen by you. and they said to him, we will go with 29. And the horse descended at thee to the thou goest place where that time and stood before Enoch, as the Lord liveth, death only shall

Enoch

said to

express the region of the atmosphere word -viN air, met with in modern Hebrew works, is of rabbinical ex traction and may be derived from niN light, by which it might have been intended to show that the air is the medium through which tho rays

To

nn

is

often used, as the

separate us. 35. And they urged so much to go with him, that he ceased speak

of

light

become

visible to us.

and they went after ing to them him and would not return 36. And when the kings returned
;

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

in each other, and they rebelled against they caused a census to be taken, order to know the number of re God and they transgressed, and they maining men that went with Enoch corrupted their ways, and would not and it was upon the seventh day that hearken to the voice of Methuselah, Enoch ascended into heaven in a but rebelled against him. 5. And the Lord was whirlwind, with horses and chariots exceedingly wroth against them, and the Lorcl of fire. 37. And on the eighth day all the continued to destroy the seed in kings that had been with Enoch sent those days, so that there was neither to bring back the number of men sowing nor reaping in the earth. when they sowed the 6. For that were with Enoch, in that place from which he ascended into heaven. ground in order that they might ob 38. And all those kings went to tain food for their support, behold, the place and they found the earth thorns and thistles were produced there filled with snow, and upon the which they did not sow. 7. And still the sons of men did snow were large stones of snow, and one said to the other, come, let not turn from their evil ways, and us break through this snow and see, their hands were still extended to do perhaps the men that remained with evil in the sight of God, and they Enoch are dead, and are now under provoked the Lord with their evil the stones of snow, and they search ways, and the Lord was very wroth, ed but could not find him, for he had and repented that he had made ascended into heaven. man. 8. And he thought to destroy and annihilate them *and he did so. IV.
;

CHAPTER
all

9.
1.

In those days

And

lived
2.

upon

the days that the earth, were

five years.

Enoch

the son of Methuselah

when Lamech was one hun

hundred and sixty

ed

And when Enoch

three dred and sixty years old, Seth the son of Adam died. had ascend 10. And all the days that Seth

into heaven, all the kings of the lived, were nine hundred earth rose and took Methuselah his years, and he died.

and twelve

son and anointed him, and they 11. And Lamech was one hun caused him to reign over them in dred and eighty years old when he the place of his father. took Ashmua, the daughter of Elishaa 3. And Methuselah acted upright the son of Enoch his uncle, and she ly in the sight of God, as his father conceived. Enoch had taught him, and he like 12. And at that time the sons of wise during the whole of his life men sowed the ground, and a little taught the sons of men wisdom, food was produced, yet the sons of knowledge and the fear of God, and men did not turn from their evil he did not turn from the good way ways, and they trespassed and re either to the right or to the left. belled against God. 4. But in the latter days of Me of Lamech 13. And the wife thuselah, the sons of men turned conceived and bare him a son at from the Lord, they corrupted the *Referring to what was shortly to take place earth, they robbed and plundered the flood.
;

10
that time, at

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

the revolution of the
19.

And

the

Lord

said, I will blot

out man that I created from the face year. 14. And Methuselah called his of the earth, yea from man to the name Noah, saying, the earth was birds of the air, together with cattle in his days at rest and free from cor and beasts that are in the field, for I
ruption, ed his
this

and Lamech his father call name *Menachem, saying,

repent that
20.

And

all

made them. men who walked

in

one shall comfort us in our works the ways of the Lord, died in those and miserable toil in the earth, days, before the Lord brought the evil upon man which he had de which God had cursed. 15. And the child grew up and clared, for this was from the Lord, was weaned, and he went in the that they should not see the evil
his father Methuselah, per which the Lord spoke of concerning the sons of men. and upright with God. 21. And Noah found grace in the 16. And all the sons of men depar ted from the ways of the Lord in those sight of the Lord, and the Lord chose days as they multiplied upon the face him and his children to raise up seed of earth with sons and daughters, from them upon the face of the and they taught one another their whole earth. evil practices, and they continued

ways of
fect

"the

sinning against the Lord. 17. And every man made unto himself a god, and they robbed and

CHAPTER
1
.

V.

And

it

was

in the eighty fourth

plundered every

man

his neighbor year of the life of

Noah,
;

that

Enoch

as well as his relative,

and they cor

the son of Seth died

five

he was nine

rupted the earth, and the earth was hundied and death. filled with violence.
18.

years old at his

went

2. And in the one hundred and mid rulers daughters of men and seventy ninth year of the life of took their wives by force from their Noah, Cainan the son of Enosh

And

their judges

to the

husbands according to their choice, and the sons of men in those days took from the cattle of the earth, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and taught the mixture of animals of one species with the
other, in order therewith to provoke

died,

and all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years, and he died.
3.

And

in the

two hundred and

the

Lord

and

God saw

the whole
all flesh

earth and

it

was

corrupt, for

had corrupted its ways upon all men and all animals.
*

earth,

year of the life of Noah r Mahlallel the son of Cainan died, and the days of Mahlallel were eight hundred and ninety five years, and he died. 4. And Jered the son of Mahlallel
thirty fourth

died in those days,

in the

three

hun

have signifies a comforter. no account in scripture of his being called Me nachem, although the reason why he might have
"

dred and thirty sixth year of the life of Noah and all the days of Jered were nine hundred and sixty two had that name is given as it is here this one years, and he died. will comfort (Gen.) which does not so well 5. And all who followed the Lord accord with the name Noah, which means to
Menachem

We

us,"

rest.

died in those days, before they

saw

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

the evil which
earth.

11

13. And Noah was a just man, he was perfect in his generation, and upon he Lord chose him to raise up seed 6. And after the lapse of many From his seed upon the face of the years, in the four hundred and eigh arth. tieth year of the life of Noah, when the 14. And the Lord said unto Noah, all those men, who followed Lord had died away from amongst take unto thee a wife, and beget chil the sons of men, and only *Methuse- dren, for I have seen thee righteous lah was then left, God said unto 3efore me in this generation. Noah and Methuselah, saying, 15. And thou shalt raise up seed, in the 7. Speak ye, and proclaim to the and thy children with thee, and Noah went sons of men, saying, thus saith the midst of the earth Lord, return from your evil ways and took a wife, and he chose* and forsake your works, and the Naamah the daughter of Enoch, and Lord will repent of the evil that he she was five hundred and eighty

God

declared to do

declared to do to you, so that it shall years old. not come to pass. 16. And Noah was four hundred 8. For thus saith the Lord, behold and ninety eight years old, when he I give you a period of one hundred took Naamah for a wife. and twenty years if you will turn 17. And Naamah conceived and to me and forsake your evil ways, bare a son, and he called his name then will I also turn away from the Japheth, saying, God has enlarged evil which I told you, and it shall me in the earth and she conceived
; ;

not exist, saith the Lord.

and Methuseleh spoke all the words of the Lord to the sons of men, day after day, con stantly speaking to them. 10. But the sons of men would not hearken to them, nor incline their ears to their words, and they were stiffnecked. 11. And the Lord granted them a period of one hundred and twenty
9.

And Noah

name Shem, saying, God has made me a remnant, to raise up seed

his
in the

again and bare

a son, and he called

midst of the earth.

And Noah was five hundred and two years old when Naamah bare Shem, and the boys grew up and went in the ways of the Lord, in all that Methuselah and Noah their
18.

father taught them. 19. And Lamech

the
;

father of

years,

they will return, Noah died in those days yet verily then will God repent of the evil, so he did not go with all his heart in as not to destroy the earth. * From this it 12. And Noah the son of Lamech appears that the offspring of the great, pious and illustrious Enoch was re refrained from taking a wife in those served to be the partner of the just and upright days, to beget children, for he said, Noah, thereby connecting the best of the fami
saying,
if

Cain and Seth together. It was certainly age to contract matrimony but it must be remembered that Noah was then getting on ? children to five hundred years, and as he deferred mar looked out riage to this exceeding great age, he * Methuselah I suppose that Enoch s only was left of the good ones for one of his own age. who did not die, besides Noah, who is mention daughter intended living secluded from men, ed in the beginning of the verse, in the 450th like her father, until Noah, the best of men then living, applied to her. year of the life of Noah.

surely
earth,

now God

will

wherefore then shall

destroy the I beget

ly of

a great

>

12

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

the ways of his father, and he died in all flesh be destroyed, from under the hundred and ninety-fifth year of the heavens, all that is upon earth shall perish. the life of Noah.
all the days of Lamech 30. And thou and thy household seven hundred and seventy shall go and gather two couple of all living things, male and female, years and he died. 21. And all the sons of men who and shall bring them to the ark, to knew the Lord, died in that year be raise up seed from them upon earth. 31. And gather unto thee all food fore the Lord brought evil upon

20.

And

were

them
die, that

for the

Lord willed them

behold the

to that is eaten

by

all

the animals, that

so

as

not to

evil there

may

be food for thee and for

God would bring upon their them. 32. And thou shalt choose for thy brothers and relatives, as he had so sons three maidens, from the daugh declared to do. 22. In that time, the Lord said ters of men, and they shall be wives to Noah and Methuselah, stand forth to thy sons. 33. And Noah rose up, and he and proclaim to the sons of men all
made the ark, in the place where God turn had commanded him, and Noah did from their evil ways, and I will then as God had ordered him. 34. In his five hundred and ninety repent of the evil and will not bring it. 23. And Noah and Methuselah fifth year Noah commenced to make stood forth, and said in the ears of the ark, and he made the ark in five
the words that I spoke to

you

in those

days, peradventure

they

may

sons of men, all that God had years, as the Lord had commanded. 35. Then Noah took the three spoken concerning them. 24. But the sons of men would daughters of Eliakim, son of Methu not hearken, neither would they in selah, for wives for his sons, as the cline their ears to all their declara Lord had commanded Noah.
the
tions.

36.

And

it

was

at that

25.

And
said
is

it

was

after this that the thuselah the son of

Enoch

time Me died ; nine

Lord
flesh

to

come

Noah, the end of all hundred and sixty years old before me, on account at his death.

was

he,

of their evil deeds, and behold I will destroy the earth. 26. And do thou take unto thee

CHAPTER VI.
1
.

Gopher wood, and go

to a certain

At

that time, after the death of

place and make a large ark, and Methuselah, the Lord said to Noah, place it in that spot. go thou with thy household into the
27.

And

thus shalt thou

its

make

it

ark

behold I will gather to thee

all

three hundred cubits

length, fifty the animals of the earth, the beasts cubits broad and thirty cubits high. of the field and the fowls of the 28. And thou shalt make unto thee air, and they shall all come and sur

a door, open at its side, and to a cubit thou shalt finish above, and cover it within and without with pitch. 29. And behold I will bring the flood of waters upon the earth, and

round the ark. 2. And thou shalt go and seat thy self by the doors of the ark, and all the beasts, the animals, and the fowls, shall assemble and place themselves

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

before
shall

13
till

thee,

and such of them as and the rain had not descended

before thee, seven days after. 11. And on that day, the Lord shalt thou take and deliver into the hands of thy sons, who shall bring caused the whole earth to shake, them to the ark, and all that will and the sun darkened, and the foun stand before thee thou shalt leave. dations of the world raged, and the the 3. And Lord brought this whole earth was moved violently,

come and crouch

about on the next day, and animals, and the lightning flashed, and the came in great mul thunder roared, and all the fountains titudes and surrounded the ark. in the earth were broken up, such as 4. And Noah went and seated him was not known to the inhabitants be self by the door of the ark, and of all fore ; and God did this mighty act, flesh that crouched before him, he in order to terrify the sons of men, brought into the ark, and all that stood that there might be no more evil upon before him he left upon earth. earth. 5. And a lioness came, with her 1 2. And still the sons of men would two whelps, male and female, and not return from their evil ways, and the three crouched before Noah, and they increased the anger of the Lord the two whelps rose up against at that time, and did not even direct the lioness and smote her, and made their hearts to all this. her flee from her place, and she went 13. And at the end of seven days, away, and they returned to their pla in the six hundredth year of the life ces, and crouched upon the earth of Noah, the waters of the flood before Noah. were upon the earth. 6. And the lioness ran and 14. And all the fountains of the away, stood in the place of the lions. deep were broken up, and the win 7. And Noah saw this, and* won dows of heaven were opened, and dered greatly, and he rose and took the rain was upon the earth forty the two whelps, and brought them days and forty nights. into the ark. 15. And Noah and his household, 8. And Noah brought into the ark and all the living creatures that were from all living creatures that were with him, came into the ark on ac upon earth, so that there was none count of the waters of the flood, and left but which Noah brought into the Lord shut him in. the ark. 16. And all the sons of men that 9. Two and two came to Noah were left upon the earth, became ex into the ark, but from the clean ani hausted through evil on account of mals, and clean fowls, he brought the rain, for the waters were coming seven couples, as God had com more violently upon the earth, and manded him. the animals and beasts were still sur
beasts and fowls
10. And all the animals, and beasts, rounding the ark. and fowls, were still there, and they 17. And the sons of men assem surrounded the ark at everyplace, bled together, about* seven hundred
* At the * It must be remembered, that according to height to which even the animals of the earth had corrupted themselves, that the this book, a third part of the earth had already young whelps could so unnaturally rise up been destroyed by the overflowing of the river See chapter 2, verse 6. against their parent in such a time of disaster. Gihon.

14

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

thousand men and women, and they and they again scattered themselves came unto Noah to the ark. upon the face of the earth. 26. And the rain was still de 18. And they called to Noah, say us that we may come scending upon the earth, and it de ing, open for and wherefore scended forty days and forty nights, to thee in the ark and the waters prevailed greatly upon shall we die ? 19. And Noah, with a loud voice, the earth and all flesh that was upon, answered them from the ark, saying, the earth or in the waters died, whe have you not all rebelled against the ther men, animals, beasts, creeping Lord, and said that he does not exist ? things or birds of the air, and there and therefore the Lord brought upon only remained Noah and those that you this evil, to destroy and cut you were with him in the ark. 27. And the waters prevailed and off from the face of the earth.
;

20. Is not this the thing that I they greatly increased upon the earth, spoke to you of one hundred and and they lifted up the ark and it was twenty years back, and you would raised from the earth. 28. And the ark floated upon the not hearken to the voice of the Lord, and now do you desire to live upon face of the waters, and it was tossed earth ? upon the waters so that all the living 21. And they said to Noah, we creatures within were turned about

only like pottage in the cauldron. 29. And great anxiety seized all and open the living creatures that were in the not die. 22. And Noah answered them, ark, and the ark was like to be broken, 30. And all the living creatures saying, behold now that you see the trouble of your souls, you wish to that were in the ark were terrified,
are ready to return to the
for us
;

Lord

that

we may

live

return to th e Lord why did you not and the lions roared, and the oxen return during these hundred and lowed, and the wolves howled, and twenty years, which the Lord gran every living creature in the ark ted you as the determined period ? spoke and lamented in its own lan 23. But now you come and tell guage, so that their voices reached
;

this on account of the troubles of your souls, now also the Lord will not listen to you, neither will he give ear to you on this day, so that you will not now succeed in

me

a great distance, and Noah and his sons cried and wept in their troubles ;
to

they were greatly afraid that they had reached the gates of death. 31. And Noah prayed unto the your wishes. Lord, and he cried unto him on ac 24. And the sons of men ap count of this, and he said, Lord proached in order to break into the help us, for we have no strength to ark, to come in on account of the bear this evil that has encompassed rain, for they could not bear the rain us, for the waves of the waters have surrounded us, mischievous torrents upon them. 25. And the Lord sent all the have terrified us, the snares of death beasts and animals that stood round have come before us answer us, O And the beasts overpow Lord, answer us, light up thy coun the ark. ered them and drove them from that tenance toward us and be gracious place, and every man went his way to us, redeem us and deliver us.
;

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

32. And the Lord hearkened to the voice of Noah, and the Lord re membered him. 33. And a wind passed over the earth, and the waters were still and the ark rested. 34. And the fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven were
stopped, and
the rain from heaven

15

sons on their going out from the ark. 42. And he said to them, be fruit
ful

and fill all the earth ; become strong and increase abundantly in the earth and multiply therein.

CHAPTER
1.

VII.

AND
Shem
;

these are the

names of

was

restrained.

the sons of

Noah

Japheth,

Ham

and children were born those days, and the ark rested upon to them after the flood, for they had taken wives before the flood. the mountains of Ararat.
35.
2. These are the sons of then opened the Japheth of the ark, and Noah still Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tucalled out to the Lord at that time bal, Meshech and Tiras, seven sons. 3. And the sons of Gomer were and he said, Lord, who didst form the earth and the heavens and all that Askinaz, Rephath and Tegarmah.

And

the waters decreased in and

36.

And Noah

windows

are therein, bring forth our souls from this confinement, and from the prison wherein thou hast placed us, for I

4. And the sons of Elichanaf and Lubal. 5.

Magog were
of Madai Chazoni and

And

the

children

am much wearied with

when

sighing.

were Achon, Zeelo,

And the sons of Javan were thou shalt have completed a Elisha, Tarshish, Chittim and Dudofull year thou shalt then nim. go forth. 38. And at the revolution of the 7. And the sons of Tubal were year, when a full year was comple Ariphi, Kesed and Taari. ted to Noah s dwelling in the ark, 8. And the sons of Meshech the waters were dried from off the were Dedon, Zaron and Shebashni. 9. And the sons of Tiras were earth, and Noah put off the covering of the ark. Benib, Gera, Lupirion and Gilak ; 39. At that time, on the twenty- these are the sons of Japheth ac seventh day of the second month, cording to their families, and their the earth was dry, but Noah and his numbers in those days were about sons, and those that were with him, four hundred and sixty men. did not go out from the ark until the 10. And these are the sons of Lord told them. Ham Cush, Mitzraim, Phut and
;

37. And the Lord hearkened to Lot. the voice of Noah, and said to him, 6.

40.

And

the day

came

that the

Lord told them to go out, and they all went out from the ark. 41. And they went and returned
every one to his

way and to his place, and Noah and his sons dwelt in the land that God had told them, and 12. And the sons of Phut were they served the Lord all their days, and the Lord blessed Noah and his Grebul Hadan, Benah and Adan.
,

Canaan, four sons ; and the sons of Cush were Seba, Havilah, Sabta, Raama and Satecha, and the sons of Raama were Sheba and Dedan. 1). And the sons of Mitzraim were Lud, Anom and Pathros, Chasloth and Chaphtor.

16

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

13. And the sons of Canaan Terah, and Terah was thirty-eight were Zidon, Heth, Amori, Gergashi, fears old, and he begat Haran and Hivi, Arkee, Seni, Arodi, Zimodi Vahor.

and

Cham ot hi.
These
are the sons of

14.

Ham, he

according to their families, and their

numbers in those days were about seven hundred and thirty men.
15.

And

these

are

the

sons of

Shem; Elam, Ashur, Arpachshad,

Lud and Aram, five sons and the sons of Elam were Shushan, Ma;

And Cush the son of Ham, son of Noah, took a wife in those in his old age, and she bare iays, a son, and they called his name \imrod, saying, at that time the ons of men again began to rebel and transgress against God, and the ;hild grew up, and his father loved lim exceedingly, for he was the son
23.

chul and Harmon. f his old age. 16. And the sons of Ashar were 24. And the garments of skin Mirus and Mokil, and the sons of which God made for Adam and his Arpachshad were Shelach, Anar wife, when they went out of the and Ashcol. garden, were given to Cush. 17. And the sons of Lud were 25. For after the death of Adam Pethor and Bizayon, and the sons and his wife, the garments were giv of Aram were Uz, Chul, Gather en to Enoch, the son of Jered, and and Mash. when Enoch was taken up to God, 18. These are the sons of Ham, ic gave them to Methuselah, his son. and 26. And at the death of Methuseaccording to their families their numbers in those were Noah took them and brought ah, days about three hundred men. ihem to the ark, and they were with 19. These are the generations of lim until he went out of the ark.
;

Shem

Shem begat Arpachshad and

Shelach,

27.

And

Arpachshad

begat Shelach begat Eber and to Eber father, were born two children, the name of them from his brothers. one was Peleg, for in his days the 28. And when Ham begat his sons of men were divided, and in first born Cush, he gave him the the latter days, the earth was divi garments in secret, and they were ded. with Cush many days. 20. And the name of the second 29. And Cush also concealed them was Yoktan, meaning that in his from his sons and brothers, and when day the lives of the sons of men Cush had begotten Nimrod, he were diminished and lessened. gave him those garments through 21. These are the sons of Yok his love for him, and Nimrod grew tan Almodad, Shelaf, Chazarmovup, and when he was twenty years eth, Yerach, Hadurom, Ozel, Diklah old he put on those garments. 30. And Nimrod became strong Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Hav ilah and Jobab all these are the when he put on the garments, and sons of Yoktan. God gave him might and strength, 22. And Peleg his brother bega and he was a mighty hunter in the Yen, and Yen begat Serug, and Se earth, yea, he was a mighty hunter rug begat Nahor, and Nahor bega in the field, and he hunted the ani;

and

stole those

going out, Ham garments from Noah his and he took them and hid
in their

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

mals and he

17

built altars, and he of fought against their enemies, and them the animals before they destroyed them, and subdued them, and Nimrod placed standing Nimrod strengthened officers over them in their respective 31. And himself, and he rose up from amongst places. 38. And he took some of their his brethren, and he fought the bat tles of his brethren against all their children as security, and they were enemies round about. all servants to Nimrod and to his 33. And the Lord delivered all brethren, and Nimrod and all the the enemies of his brethren in his people that were with him turned hands, and God prospered him from homeward. time to time in his battles, and he 39. And when Nimrod had joy

fered upon the Lord.

reigned upon earth. fully returned from battle, after having 33. Therefore it became current conquered his enemies, all his breth in those days, when a man ushered ren, together with those who knew forth those that he had trained up him before, assembled to make him for battle, he would say to them, like king over them, and they placed the God did to Nimrod, who was a regal crown upon his head. 40. And he set over his subjects mighty hunter in the earth, and who

succeeded in the battles that prevail and people, princes, judges and ed against his brethren, that he de rulers, as is the custom amongst livered them from the hands of their kings. 41. And he placed Terah the son enemies, so may God strengthen us and deliver us this day. of Nahor the prince of his host, and 34. And when Nimrod was forty he dignified him and elevated him years old, at that time there was a above all his princes. war between his brethren and the 42. And whilst he was reigning
children of

Japheth,

so that they according to his heart s desire, after

were
35.

in the

power of their enemies. having conquered all his enemies And Nimrod went forth at around, he advised with his counsel

and he assembled all the lors to build a city for his palace, sons of Cush and their families, and they did so. about four hundred and sixty men, 43. And they found a large valley and he hired also from some of his opposite to the east, and they built friends and acquaintances about him a large and extensive city, and eighty men, and he gave them their Nimrod called the name of the city hire, and he went with them to bat that he built Shinar, for the Lord tle, and when he was on the road, had vehemently shaken his enemies Nimrod strengthened the hearts of and destroyed them. the people that went with him. 44. And Nimrod dwelt in Shinar, 36. And he said to them, do not and he reigned securely, and he fear, neither be alarmed, for all our fought with his enemies and he sub enemies will be delivered into our dued them, and he prospered in all
that time,

hands, and you

as

may do
the

with them his

battles,

and his kingdom became

you
37.

please.

very great.

And

all

were about

five

men that went 45. And all nations and tongues hundred, and they heard of his fame, and they gathered
2

18

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

themselves* to him, and they bowed and stone, and he bowed down to down to the earth, and they brought them, and he rebelled against the him offerings, and he became their Lord, and taught all his subjects and
lord and king, and they all dwelt with him in the city of Shinar, and Nimrod reigned in the earth over all the sons of Noah, and they were all under his power and counsel. 46. And all the earth was of one tongue and words of union, but Nim rod did not go in the ways of the Lord, and he was more wicked than
all

ways and Mardon

wicked than

the people of the earth his wicked his son was more ;
his father.

48. And every one that heard of the acts of Mardon the son of Nimrod would say, concerning him, from the

wicked
therefore

goeth
it

forth

wickedness

became

whole earth, were before him, from ed goeth forth wickedness, and it the days of the flood until those days. was current in the words of men 47. And he made Gods of wood from that time to this.
the men that
* According to Jasher, (and, I believe, Dr. and sixty men. Sufficient examples will be found Clarke gives the same opinion of some Chris in Jasher as well as in scripture, where VD must be tian commentators,) an inference can be drawn understood in this sense. I therefore understand

a proverb in the saying, from the wick

was a partial separation of mankind long before the affair at Babel, as the confusion of languages did not take place till about 340 years after the flood, being the end of Peleg s life, or the 48th year of the life of Abraham and having shown that the date of Abraham s birth should be A. M. 1948 instead of 2008, it will follow that the confusion of Babel took I have no doubt that a se place A. M. 1996. paration took place before then, until they were reunited under the dominion of Nimrod.
that there
;

in this verse, not that all mankind came to live in Shinar, but that all those that did come, resided
in Shinar.

And

if,

owing to

their former separa

tion into petty nations, they must have adopted various dialects sufficient to distinguish them, as

Jasher tells us that heard his fame," so

ted,

"

all

when they were

nations and tongues reuni

Ow

ing to this separation, and their numerous in crease, their having no regular form of govern ment, and particularly their petty wars among

and become under one government, not from choice, but from compulsion, then they be came again of one lip and words of union for thus would I translate D tnN onai% commonly translated, and one speech, which is the li
;

meaning that after their ces war and petty broils, they again each other, their first language would branch spoke in one lip and words of union, in opposi out into many variations, but still near enough tion to separate dialects and words of strife. to the original to be understood by each other, This inference of a former separation will ex
teral translation,

sation from

and

tongues

altered to be called different and as a number of families might, by co-operating together, be called a petty nation, so would some alteration in their speech, or Ja tongue, be sufficient to distinguish them. sher tells us, that when Nimrod was 40 years old, there was war between his brethren and
sufficiently
;

plain that part of the speech of the builders of we will build a tower, &c., &c., lest Babel,
"

we be

scattered

upon the

face of the

earth,"

alluding to their former dissensions, by which means they had originally separated, and be come scattered, but wishing to unite in idolatry,

and raise an amazing tower, they hoped it would the children of Japheth ; (see verse 34 ;) and be the means of uniting the whole race of man that they were under the power of their ene It seems kind under their impious standard. mies ; that with a few people, (of the children that the families of Cush, Mitzraim, Phut and

Cush only,) he made war, and subdued them Canaan were the chief instigators to this im and that they all came to dwell with him in pious act, and that out of all the families then I have frequently had to remark that but the impious of Shinar. existing, not of Ham only, the word all must not in the Hebrew be taken all the families that assembled to the task, were in that latitude, as it would in the modern lan 600,000 men and they chose a valley at two guages. When a united number is intended to days distance from Shinar, say twenty miles. be expressed, the word all is used as in verse I have no doubt the numbers of the human race 35, when "Nimrod assembled all the sons o were very considerable at that time, as it was Cush, and their families, about four hundred am 340 years after the flood, and there was plenty of men to three or of time for the sixty men," by this is meant that all those assem propagation bled of the families of Cush were four hundrec four millions of inhabitants.
of
; ;

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

19

3. And all the wise men of the 49. And Terah the son of Nahor, in those king and his conjurors were aston prince of Nimrod s host, was ished at the sight, and the sages un days very great in the sight of the this matter, and they knew king and his subjects, and the king derstood

and princes loved him, and they ele its import. 4. And they said to each other, this vated him very high. 50. And Terah* took a wife, and only betokens the child that has been her name was Amthelo the daughter born to Terah this night, who will of Cornebo ; and the wife of Terah grow up and be fruitful, and multi conceived and bare him a son in ply, and possess all the earth, he and his children for ever, and he those days. 51. Terah was seventy years old and his seed will slay great kings,

when he begat him, and Terah called and inherit their lands. 5. And the wise men and conju the name of his son that was born to himt Abram, because the king had rors went home that night, and in the
raised
fied

him in those days, and digni morning all these wise men and con him above all his princes that jurors rose up early, and assembled
in
6.

an appointed house. And they spoke and said to each other, behold the sight that we saw VIII. last night is hidden from the king, it 1 And it was in the night that has not been made known to him. should this thing get 7. And Abram was born, that all the ser vants of Terah, and all the wise men known to the king in the latter days, of Nimrod, and his conjurors came he will say to us, why have you con and ate and drank in the house of cealed this matter from me, and then Terah, and they rejoiced with him on we shall all suffer death therefore, now let us go and tell the king the that night. 2. And when all the wise men sight which we saw, and the inter and conjurors went out from the pretation thereof, and we shall then house of Terah, they lifted up their remain clear. 8. And they did so, and they all eyes toward heaven that night to

were with him.

CHAPTER

behold

look at the stars, and they saw, and went to the king and bowed down to one very large star came him to the ground, and they said, from the east and ran in the heav may the king live, may the king live. 9. heard that a son was born ens, and he swallowed up the four from the four sides of the to Terah the son of Nahor, the prince stars of thy host, and we yesternight came heavens.

We

By

this

it

bare Abram, different from her and Nahor. See verse 22.

seems he had another wife who who baxe Haran

to his house,

and we ate and drank and rejoiced with him that night.
1

10.

And when

thy servants went

out from the house of Terah, to go 1 013K From this it seems that Abram was to our respectire homes to abide a called so, not because he was mighty father, but because Terah was a mighty father in the there for the night, we lifted up our court of Nimrod, and therefore God changed eyes to heaven, and we saw a great his name to Abraham, appropriating to him in star coming from the east, and the

much more extensive sense, the meaning which Terah applied to himseIC
a

same

star ran

with great speed, and

20
swallowed up four great
.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

stars,

from the king will give his servant, and then I will answer the king upon 1 1 And thy servants were aston what he has just spoken and the ished at the sight which we saw, king said, speak. 19. And Terah said to the king, and were greatly terrified, and we made our judgment upon the sight, Ayon, son of Mored, came to me and knew by our wisdom the proper yesternight, saying, 20. Give unto me the great and interpretation thereof, that this thing applies to the child that is born to beautiful horse that the king gave thee, Terah, who will grow up and multi and I will give thee silver and gold, ply greatly, and become powerful, and straw and provender for its value ; and kill all the kings of the earth, and I said to him, wait till I see the king and inherit all their lands, he and his concerning thy words, and behold whatever the king saith, that will I do. seed forever.
the four sides of the heavens.
;

21. And now my lord and king, 1 2. And now our lord and king, behold we have truly acquainted thee behold I have made this thing known with what we have seen concerning to thee, and the advice which my this child. king will give unto his servant, that 13. If it seemeth good to the king will I follow. 22. And the king heard the words to give his father value for this child, we will slay him before he shall of Terah, and his anger was kindled grow up and increase in the land, and he considered him in the light of and his evil increase against us, that a fool. we and our children perish through 23. And the king answered Terah, and he said to him, art thou so silly, his evil. 14 And the king heard their words ignorant, or deficient in understand
.

and they seemed good in his sight, and he sent and called for Terah, and Terah came before the king.
15. And the king said to Terah, have been told that a son was yes ternight born to thee, and after this manner was observed in the heavens
I
at his birth.

16. And now therefore give me the child, that we may slay him be fore his evil springs up against us, and I will give thee for his value, there is none to be had on the whole earth? thy house full of silver and gold. 17. And Terah answered the king 25. And the king left off speak and said to him ; my Lord and king, ing, and Terah answered the king,

do this thing, to give thy beau horse for silver and gold or even for straw and provender ? 24. Art thou so short of silver and gold, that thou shouldest do this thing, because thou canst not obtain straw and provender to feed thy horse ? and what is silver and gold to thee, or straw and provender, that thou shouldst give away that fine horse which I gave thee, like which
ing, to
tiful

I have heard thy words, and thy ser saying, like unto this has the king vant shall do all that his king desi- spoken to his servant
;

reth.

my lord and But my lord and king, I will king, what is this which thou didst tell thee what happened to me yes say unto me, saying, give thy son see what I that advice we may slay him, and I will that may ternight,
26. I beseech thee,
18.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

21

I will send and slay all thou give thee silver and gold for his this, value what shall I do with silver hast in thy house, so that thou shalt and gold after the death of my son ? not even have a dog remaining. 33. And Terah hastened, (as the who shall inherit me ? surely then at
;

my

death, the silver and gold will re turn to king who gave it.

my

thing was urgent from the king), and he took a child from one of his ser

27. And when the king heard the vants, which his handmaid had born words of Terah, and the parable to him that day, and Terah brought which he brought concerning the the child to the king and received king, it grieved him greatly and he value for him. was vexed at this thing, and his anger 34. And the Lord was with Terah burned within him. in this matter, that Nimrod might not 28. And Terah saw that the an cause Abram s death, and the king ger of the king was kindled against took the child from Terah and with him, and he answered the king, say all his might dashed his head to the ing, all that I have is in the king s ground, for he thought it had been power whatever the king desireth Abram; and this was concealed from to do to his servant, that let him do, him from that day, and it was forgot yea, even my son, he is in the king s ten by the king, as it was the will of power, without value in exchange, he Providence not to suffer Abram s and his two brothers that are older death. than he. 35. And Terah took Abram his 29. And the king said to Terah, son secretly, together with his mo no, but I will purchase thy younger ther and nurse, and he concealed son for a price. them in a cave, and he brought them 30. And Terah answered the their provisions monthly. 36. And the Lord was with Abram king, saying, I beseech thee my lord and king to let thy servant speak a in the cave and he grew up, and
;

word before thee, and let the king Abram was in the cave ten years, hear the word of his servant, and and the king and his princes, sooth Terah said, let my king give me sayers and sages, thought that the three days time till I consider this king had killed Abram.
matter within myself, and consult with my family concerning the words of my king and he pressed the king
;

CHAPTER

IX.

1. AND Haran, the son of Terah, greatly to agree to this. 31. And the king hearkened to Abram s oldest brother, took a wife in Terah, and he did so and he gave him those days. 2. Haran was three days time, and Terah went out thirty-nine years

from the king

came home to them all

wife presence, and he old when he took her and family and spoke of Haran conceived and bare a son, and he called his name Lot. the words of the king and the people were greatly afraid. 3. And she conceived again and 32. And it was in the third day bare a daughter, and she called her that the king sent to Terah, saying, name Milca and she again conceived send me thy son for a price as I spoke and bare a daughter, and she called to thee ; and shouldst thou not do her name Sarai.
s
;
the"

to his

22

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

4. Haran was forty-two years old but they forsook the Lord who had when he begat Sarai, which was in created them. 10. And there was not a man the tenth year of the life of Abram; and in those days Abram and his found in those days in the whole earth, mother and nurse went out from the who knew the Lord (for they served cave, as the king and his subjects each man his own God) except Noah and his household, and all those who had forgotten the affair of Abram. 5. And when Abram came out were under his counsel knew the from the cave, he went to Noah and Lord in those days. 1 1 And Abram the son of Terah his son Shem, and he remained with
.

them to learn the instruction of the was waxing *great in those days in Lord and his ways, and no man knew the house of Noah, and no man where Abram was, and Abram serv knew it, and the Lord was with him.
ed

Noah and Shem his son

6.

for a long

time.

And Abram

was

in

Noah

house thirty-nine years, and Abram knew the Lord from three years old, vain and were of no 13. And Abram and he went in the ways of the Lord
until the

12. And the Lord gave Abram an understanding heart, and he knew all the works of that generation were vain, and that all their gods were
avail.

saw

the

sun

day of

his

death, as

Noah shining upon

the earth, and

Shem had taught him ; said unto himself surely the sons of the earth in those sun that shines upon the earth is God, days greatly transgressed against the and him will I serve. 14. And Abram served the sun in Lord, and they rebelled against him and they served other gods, and they that day and he prayed to him, and
and and
his son
all

Abram now this

forgot

the

Lord who had created when evening came

;

the sun set as

them

and the inhabi tants of the earth made unto them

in the earth

usual, and
self,

Abram

said within

him
?

surely this cannot be

God

selves, at that time, every

man

his

15.

And Abram

still

continued

to

stone which speak within himself, who is he who could neither speak, hear, nor deli made the heavens and the earth? ver, and the sons of men served them who created upon earth? where is he?

God gods
;

of

wood and

and they became their gods. 7. And the king and all his ser vants, and Terah with all his house

16.

And

night darkened over him,

and he

lifted

up

his

eyes toward

hold were then the first served gods of wood and stone. from the earth, and the day became 8. And Terah had twelve gods of dark.
large size, made of wood and stone, after the twelve months of the year,
1

the west, north, south and east, and of those that he saw that the sun had vanished

7.

And Abram saw

the stars and

before him, and he said, surely and he served each one monthly, and this is the God who created the every month Terah would bring his whole earth as well as man, and meat offering and drink offering to his behold these his servants are gods thus did Terah all the days. around him and Abram served the

moon

gods
9.

And

wicked

that generation were in the sight of the Lord, and

all

moon and prayed

* In divine truths, as
verse.

to
is

it all

that night.

they thus

made every man

explained in the next

his god,

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

18.

23

in the morning when it two days walk, and they journeyed and the sun shone upon there and they dwelt there. light 24. And they began to make the earth as usual, Abram saw all the things that the Lord God had bricks and burn fires to build the city and the tower that they had imagined made upon earth.

And

was

19. And Abram said unto himself, to complete. 25. And the building of the tower surely these are not gods that made the earth and all mankind, but these was unto them a transgression and

God and Abram a sin, and they began to build it, and house of Noah and whilst they were building against there knew the Lord and his ways, the Lord God of heaven, they imagin and he served the Lord all the days ed in their hearts to war against him of his life, and all that generation and to ascend into heaven. 26. And all these people and all forgot the Lord, and served other gods of wood and stone, and rebel the families divided themselves in
are the servants of
in the
;

remained

led

all their

days.

three parts
;

the first said

we will as

king Nimrod reigned se curely, and all the earth was under his control, and all the earth was of one tongue and words of union.
20. 21.

And

And
;

all

the princes of

Nimrod

men took counsel to Phut, Mitzraim, Cush and gether Canaan with their families, and they said to each other, come let us build ourselves a city and in it a strong were building. 27. And when they were building tower, and its top reaching heaven, and we will make ourselves famed, they built themselves a great city and so that we may reign upon the whole a very high and strong tower and on world, in order that the evil of our account of its height the mortar and enemies may cease from us, that we bricks did not reach the builders in may reign mightily over them, and their ascent to it, until those who went that we may not become scattered up had completed a full year, and over the earth on account of their after that, they reached to the buil wars. ders and gave them the mortar and
and
his great
; ;

cend into heaven and fight against him the second said, we will ascend to heaven and place our own gods there and serve them and the third part said, we will ascend to heaven and smite him with bows and spears and God knew all their works and all their evil thoughts, and he saw the city and the tower which they
;

22.

And

they

all

went before the bricks

thus

was

it

done

daily.

28. And behold these ascended king, and they told the king these words, and the king agreed with and others descended the whole ;

day

them

and he did so. 23. And all the families assembled consisting of about six hundred thousand men, and they went to seek an extensive piece of ground to build the city and the tower, and they sought in the whole earth and they found none like one valley at
in this affair,

and if a brick should fall from their hands and get broken, they would all weep over it, and if a man fell and died, none of them would look at him.
29.

And

the
it

thoughts, and

Lord knew their came to pass when

they were building they cast the arrows toward the heavens, and all the east of the land of Shinar, about the arrows fell upon them filled with

24

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

blood, and when they saw them and the third division of those who they said to each other, surely we said, we will ascend to heaven and have slain all those that are in heaven. fight against him, the Lord scattered

30.

For

this

was from

the

Lord them throughout

and
in

in order to

cause them to

err,

36.

And

the earth. those who were

left

order to destroy them from off the amongst them, when they knew and face of the ground. understood the evil which was com 31. And they built the tower and the ing upon them, they forsook the
city,

and they did this thing daily

until building,

many days and years were elapsed. 32. And God said to the seventy angels who stood foremost before him, to those who were near to him,

tered

and they also became scat upon the face of the whole earth.

37.

And

they ceased building the

city and the tower ; therefore he called that place Babel, for there

saying, come let us descend and con the fuse their tongues, that one man shall the

Lord confounded the language whole earth behold it was

;

of
at

not understand the language of his neighbor, and they did so unto them. 33. And from that day following, they forgot each man his neighbor s tongue, and they could not under stand to speak in one tongue, and when the builder took from the hands

the east of the land of Shinar. 38. And as to the tower which the

sons of
its

men

built, the earth

opened
third

mouth and swallowed up one

part thereof, and a fire also descend

third,

ed from heaven and burned another and the other third is left to this of his neighbor lime or stone which day, and it is of that part which was he did not order, the builder would aloft, and its circumference is *three cast it away and throw it upon his days walk. 39. And many of the sons of men neighbor, that he would die. 34. And they did so many days, died in that tower, a people without and they killed many of them in number. this manner. 35. And the Lord smote the three X. divisions that were there, and he

CHAPTER

punished them according to their works and designs those who said, we will ascend to heaven and serve our Gods, became *like apes and elephants and those who said, we will smite the heaven with arrows, the Lord killed them, one man through the hand of his neighbor
;
; ;

1. AND Peleg the son of Eber died in those days, in the fortyeighth year of the life of Abram son of Terah, and all the days of Terah were two hundred and thirty nine

years.
* This cannot be the tower that Herodotus saw, though it might be erected on the same spot reckoning a day s walk 10 miles, as is sup posed by the best Christian commentators, its This will not circumference will be 30 miles. appear so very astonishing when it is consider men were employ ed that six hundred thousand ed in erecting it, and, as Jasher tells, they were this in infamous work ; many years engaged and it will not exceed credibility, when it is re membered that the wall of China is 1500 miles
;

note I have upon this, as it might be translated, "and they became apes and ele this being the example of the work in phants," the hands of Mr. Adam of Calcutta, sent to

*A long

me by
were

the royal Asiatic society, to see if it The words are mine. and his heart died within him, and he became" (not a like unto a stone," as it is rightly atone) but
like
"

"

translated in the English Bible.

in

length.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

10. And the children of Tugarma 2. And when the Lord had scat tered the sons of men on account of are ten families, and these are their their sin at the tower, behold they names ; Buzar, Parzunac, Balgar,

and Elicanum, Ragbib, Tarki, Bid, Zespread forth into many divisions, all the sons of men were dispersed buc, Ongal and Tilmaz ; all these into the four corners of the earth. spread and rested in the North and 3. And all the families became built themselves cities.
each according to
land, or
4.
its city. its

language,

its

1 1

after their

And they called their cities own names, those are they

sons of men built who abide by the rivers Hithlah and according to their fami Italac unto this day. 12. But the families of Angoli, lies, in all the places where they went, and throughout the earth where Balgar and Parzunac, they dwell by the great river Dubnee ; and the the Lord had scattered them. 5. And some of them built cities in names of their cities are also ac

And

the

many

cities

were after- cording to their own names. places from which they 13. And the children of Javan are the Javanim who dwell in the land of Makdonia, and the children of Madai are the Orelum that dwell in particular occurrences. 6. And the sons of Japheth the the land of Curson, and the children son of Noah went and built them of Tubal are those that dwell in the

ward extirpated, and they called these cities after their own names, or the names of their children, or after their

were

selves cities in the places where they land of Tuskanah by the river Pascattered, and they called all shiah. 14. And the children of Meshech their cities after their names, and the

sons of Japheth were divided upon are the Shibashni and the children the face of the earth into many di of Tiras are Rushash, Cushni, and visions and languages. Ongolis ; all these went and built 7. And these are the sons of Ja themselves cities ; those are the cities

pheth according to their families, that are situate by the sea Jabus by Gomer, Magog, Medai, Javan, Tu- the river Cura, which empties itself these are in the river Tragan. bal, Meshech and Tiras 15. And the children of Eli shah the children of Japheth according to are the Almanim, and they also went their generations. and built themselves cities; those 8. And the children of Gomer, ac cording to their cities, were the Fran- are the cities situate between the cum who dwelt in the land of Franza mountains of Job and Shibathmo by the river Fran za by the river Senah. and of them were the people of 9. And the children of Rephath Lumbardi who dwell opposite the are the Bartonim, who dwell in the mountains of Job and Shibathmo, land of Bartonia by the river Ledah and they conquered the land of Italia which empties its waters in the great and remained there unto this day. *sea Gihon, that is, oceanus. 16. And the children of Chittim are the Romim who dwell in the * This is the same as the river Gihon men valley of Canopia by the river Ti; ;

tioned in ch. 5, which overflowed and destroyed In the Hebrew sea, and part rf the earth. mi river are frequently put for each other.
o<

breu.
17.

And

the children of

Dudonim

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

who dwell in the cities of 26. And these men built them Gihon in the land of Bordna. selves four cities in the land of the 18. These are the families of the plain, and they called the names of children of Japheth according to their cities after their own names.
are those
the sea
their cities and languages, when they 27. And they and their children were scattered after the tower, and and all belonging to them dwelt in they called their cities after their those cities, and they were fruitful names and occurrences and these and multiplied greatly and dwelt are the names of all their cities ac peaceably. 28. And Seir the son of Hur, cording to their families, which they son of Hivi, son of Canaan, went built in those days after the tower. 19. And the children of Ham and found a valley opposite to Mount were Cush, Mitzraim, Phut and Ca Paran, and he built a city there, and naan according to their generation he and his seven sons and his house hold dwelt there, and he called the and cities. 20. All these went and built them city which he built Seir, according
;

selves cities as they found Jit places to his name ; that for thejn, and they called their cities Seir unto this day.
after the

is

the

land

of

names

of their fathers Cush,

29.

These

are the families of the

Mitzraim, Phut and Canaan.

21.

children of

Ham,

according to their

Mitz languages and cities, when they raim are the Ludim, Anamim, Leha- were scattered to their countries bim, Naphtuchim, Pathrusim, Cas- after the tower. 30. And some of the children of luchim and Caphturim, seven families.
the

And

children

of

22. All these dwell

Sihor, that
is

by the

river

brook of Egypt, and they built themselves cities and called them after their own names. 23. And the children of Pathros and Casloch intermarried together, and from them went forth the Pelishtim, the Azathim, and the Gerarim, the Githim and the Ekronim, in all
the
five families
;

son of Noah, father of all the of Eber, also went and built themselves cities in the places
children

Shem

wherein they were scattered, and they called their cities after their names.
31. And the sons of Shem were Elam, Ashur, Arpachshad, Lud and Aram, and they built themselves cities and called the names of all their cities after their names. 32. And Ashur son of Shem and his children and household went

these also built them

selves cities, and they called their cities after the names of their fathers

unto this day.

And the children of Canaan forth at that time, a very large body 24. also built themselves cities, and they of them, and they went to a distant called their cities after their names, land that they found, and they met eleven cities and others without with a very extensive valley in the
number.
25.

land that they went to, and they the fami built themselves four cities, and they went to the land of the called them after their own namesly of plain ; these are the names of the and occurrences. four men, Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah 33. And these are the names of

And

four

men from

Ham

and Zeboyim.

the cities

which the children of Asfe-

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

ur

27

3. And he called the first Babel, built, Ninevah, Resen, Calach and Rehobother; and the children saying, because the Lord there con founded the language of the whole of Ashur dwell there unto this day. and the name of the second 34. And the children of Aram also earth went and built themselves a city, and he called *Erech, because from there Uz God dispersed them. they called the name of the city 4. And the third he called tEched, afte r their eldest brother, and they
;

land of saying, there was a great battle at and the fourth he called that place second year after Calnah, because his princes and the tower a man from the house of mighty men were consumed there, Ashur, whose name was Bela, went and they vexed the Lord, they rebel from the land of Ninevah to sojourn led and transgressed against him.

dwelt therein

that

is

the

Uz

to this day. 35. And in the

5. And when Nimrod had built with his household wherever he could find a place; and they came these cities in the land of Shinar, he until opposite the cities of the plain placed in them the remainder of and his mighty against Sodom, and they dwelt there. his people, his princes

36.

And

the

man

rose

up and men
;

that

were

left in his

kingdom.

built there

6. And Nimrod dwelt in Babel, a small city, and called that and he there renewed his reign over its name Bela after his name the rest of his is the land of Zoar unto this day. subjects, and he 37. And these are the families of reigned securely, and the subjects the children of Shem according to and princes of Nimrod called his their language and cities, after they name Amraphel, saying that at the were scattered upon the earth after tower his princes and men fell

the tower. 38.

through his means. 7. And notwithstanding this, Nim of of the families the chil did not return to the Lord, and rod family dren of Noah built themselves many he continued in wickedness and cities after this. teaching wickedness to the sons of 39. And they established govern men and Mardon his son was ments in all their cities, in order to worse than his father, and continued be regulated by their orders so did to add to the abominations of his

And

every kingdom, city and

all

the

families of the children of father.

8.

Noah

forever.

And he caused the

it

sons of

men

from the wicked goeth forth wickedness. XT. 9. At that time there was war be 1 AND Nimrod son of Cush was tween the families of the children still in the land of Shinar, and he of Ham, as they were dwelling in reigned over it and dwelt there, and the cities which they had built. he built cities in the land of Shinar. 10. And Chedorlaomer, king of 2. And these are the names of Elam, went away from the families of the four cities which he built, and * TIN like on2n isnKM, as Kimchi explains he called their names after the oc
to sin, therefore
is said,

CHAPTER

currences that happened to them the building of the tower.

in

it,

that they
t

drew them

out.

n3N

is

a term for battle, from

WN

sparks of

fire.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

the children of Ham, and he fought rah answered his son Abram and with them and he subdued them, and said, behold those who created us he went to the five cities of the are all with us in the house. 20. And Abram said to his father, plain and he fought against them and he subdued them, and they were my lord shew them to me I pray under his control. thee and Terah brought Abram into 1 1 And they served him twelve the chamber of the inner court, and years, and they gave him a yearly tax. Abram saw, and behold the whole 12. At that time died Nahor, son room was full of gods of wood and of Serug, in the forty ninth year of stone, twelve great images and oth ers less than they without number. the life of Abram son of Terah.
;
.

life

21. And Terah said to his son, the fiftieth year of the son of Terah, Abram behold these are they which made came forth from the house of Noah, all thou seest upon earth, and which created me and thee, and all man and went to his father s house.
13.

of

And in Abram

14.

And Abram knew

the Lord, kind.

22. And Terah bowed down to and he went in his ways and instruc tions, and the Lord his God was his gods, and he then went away from them, and Abram his son went with him. 15. And Terah. his father was in away with him. those days still captain of the host 23. And when Abram had gone of king Nimrod, and he still follow from them he went to his mother and ed strange gods. sat before her, and he said to his
16.

And

Abram

came

to

his mother, behold,

my father has shown

father s house

and saw twelve gods me those who made heaven and in there their temples, and the earth, and all the sons of men. standing and 24. Now therefore hasten anger of Abram was kindled when he saw these images in his father s house. fetch a kid from the flock, and make
liveth these
said, as the Lord of it savoury meat, that I may bring images shall not remain it to my father s gods as an offering so shall the for them to eat in my father s house perhaps I may Lord who created me do unto me if thereby become acceptable to them. in three days time I do not break 25. And his mother did so, and them all. she fetched a kid, and made savoury it to 18. And Abram went from them, meat thereof, and brought and his anger burned within him. Abram, and Abram took the savoury And Abram hastened and went meat from his mother and brought it from the chamber to his father s before his father s gods, and he outer court, and he found his father drew nigh to them that they might and Terah his father did not eat sitting in the court, and all his ser vants with him, and Abram came know of it. and sat before him. 26. And Abram saw on the day 19. And Abram asked his father, when he was sitting amongst them me where is God that they had no voice, no hearing, saying, Father, tell who created heaven and earth, and no motion, and not one of them could all the sons of men upon earth, and stretch forth his; hand to eat. who created thee and me. And Te 27. And Abram mocked them,

17.

And Abram

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

and
said,

surely the savoury

meat generation, whose hearts are

all in

that I prepared has not pleased them, clined to vanity, who serve these or perhaps it was too little for them, idols of wood and stone which can

reason they would not neither eat, smell, hear nor speak, to-morrow I will pre who have mouths without speech, therefore ; pare fresh savoury meat, better and eyes without sight, ears without more plentiful than this, in order hearing, hands without feeling, and that. I may see the result. legs which cannot move ; like them

and

for that

eat

28.
that

And Abram

it

was on

the next day are those that

trust in

made them and

that

directed his mother con

them.

33. And when Abram saw all cerning the savoury meat, and his mother rose and fetched three fine these things his anger was kindled kids from the flock, and she made of against his father, and he hastened them some excellent savoury meat, and took a hatchet in his hand, and such as her son was fond of, and she came unto the chamber of the gods, gave it to her son Abram and Te- and he broke all his father s gods. rah his father did not know of it. 34. And when he had done break 29. And Abram took the savoury ing the images, he placed the hatchet meat from his mother, and brought in the hand of the great god which it before his father s gods into the was there before them, and he went chamber; and he came nigh unto out; and Terah his father came them that they might eat, and he home, for he had heard at the door placed it before them, and Abram the sound of the striking of the hatch sat before them all day,* thinking per et so Terah came into the house to know what this was about. haps they might eat. 30. And Abram viewed them, and 35. And Terah, having heard the behold they had neither voice nor noise of the hatchet in the room of hearing, nor did one of them stretch images, ran to the room to the ima forth his hand to the meat to eat. ges, and he met Abram going out. 31. And in the evening of that 36. And Terah entered the room day in that house Abram was clothed and found all the idols fallen down with the spirit of God. and broken, and the hatchet in the 32. And he called out and said, hand of the largest, which was not wo unto my father and this wicked broken, and the savoury meat which
; ;

* This is continued in the same beautiful strain of irony a* the whole ; his first visit to the idols with the first dish, his troubling his mother to

Abram

his

son had made was

still

before them. 37. And when

Terah saw

this his

make

fresh delicacies, fearing the

first

was not

good enough, and then his sitting there all day watching them if they would eat, were all to afford him materials for making a noble and forcible appeal to his father, to show him that he

anger was greatly kindled, and he hastened and went from the room to

Abram.
30.

And he found Abram

his son

exerted his best efforts to please his gods ; that still sitting in the house ; and he said he attended twice upon them to try their ap to him, what is this work thou hast petites with the most relishing dishes, and that he did not do this in haste, but that he had done to gods ? watched them the whole day to see of what his 39. answered Terah were This strain of irony is not gods capable. much inferior to that where Elisha calls on the his father and he said, not so meat worshippers of Baal. lord, for I

my

And Abram

my

brought savoury

30
before them,
to

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

and when
I

serve wood and stone, and do after they this manner ? 45. And forget the Lord God who might eat, they all at once stretched forth their hands to eat before the made heaven and earth, and who cre great one had put forth his hand to ated you in the earth, and thereby eat. 3ring a great evil upon your souls in 40. And the large one saw their this matter by serving stone and works that they did before him, and wood?

came nigh
that

them with the meat

46. Did not our fathers in days of anger was violently kindled against them, and he went and took old sin in this manner, and the Lord the hatchet that was in the house and God of the universe brought the
his

came to them and broke them all, waters of the flood upon them and and behold the hatchet is yet in his destroyed the whole earth ? hand as thou seest. 47. And how can you continue to 4 1 And Terah s anger was kin do this and serve gods of wood and
.

dled

against

his
;

son Abram,

when
is

he spoke

this

and Terah said

stone, who cannot hear, or speak, or to deliver you from oppression, thereby

Abram

this tale

his son in his anger, that thou hast told

what
?

Thou

lies to me. 48. Now therefore my father re 42. Is there in these gods spirit, frain from this, and bring not evil upon soul or power to do all thou hast told thy soul and the souls of thy house me ? Are they not wood and stone, hold. and have I not myself made them, 49. And Abram hastened and and canst thou speak such lies, say rang from before his father, and

bringing down the anger of the of the universe upon you ?

God

speakest

ing that the large god that was with took the hatchet from his father s lar them smote them ? It is thou that gest idol, with which Abram broke
didst place the hatchet
in his hands, it and ran away. and then sayest he smote them all. 50. And Terah, seeing all tha* 43. And Abram answered his fa Abram had done, hastened to go from ther and said to him, and how canst his house, and he went to the king thou then serve these idols in whom and he came before Nimrod and stood there is no power to do any thing ? before him, and he bowed down to Can those idols in which thou trust- the king and the king said, what est deliver thee ? can they hear thy dost thou want ? 51 And he said, I beseech thee my prayers when thou callest upon them? can they deliver thee from the lord, to hear me now fifty years back hands of thy enemies, or will they a child was born to me, and thus has fight thy battles for thee against thy he done to my gods and thus has he enemies, that thou shouldst serve spoken and now therefore, my lord wood and stone which can neither and king, send for him that he may come before thee, and judge him ac speak nor hear ? 44. And now surely it is not good for that we may be cording to the law, thee nor for the sons of men that are delivered from his evil. connected with thee, to do these 52. And the king sent three men are you so silly, so foolish or so of his servants, and they went and things
;
. ;

short of understanding that

you

will

brought

Abram

before

the

king.

THE BOOK OF JASHER. And Nimrod and

31

all his princes and evil deed which *thou doest, and servants were that day sitting before serve the God of the universe, as him, and Terah sat also before them. thy soul is in his hands, and then it 53. And the king said to Abram, will be well with thee.

60. And if thy wicked heart will is this that thou hast done to thy father and to his gods ? And not hearken to my words to cause Abram answered the king in the thee to forsake thy evil ways and to words that he spoke to his father, and serve the eternal God, then wilt thou he said, the large god that was with die in shame in the latter days, thou, them in the house did to them what thy people and all who are connect ed with thee, hearing thy words or thou hast heard.

what

54. And the king said to Abram, walking in thy evil ways. had they power to speak and eat and 61. And when Abram had ceased do as thou hast said ? And Abram speaking before the king and princes, answered the king, saying, and if Abram lifted up his eyes to the there be no power in them why dost heavens, and he said, the Lord seeth thou serve them and cause the sons all the wicked and he will judge of men to err through thy follies ? them. 55. Dost thou imagine that they can deliver thee or do any thing small XII.

CHAPTER

or great,

that

them
the

And

of the whole universe, who words of Abram he ordered him to and Abram was created thee and in whose power it be put into prison

thou shouldst serve why wilt thou not serve

And when

the king heard the

God

ten days in prison. 56. 2. And at the end of those days foolish, simple, and igno rant king, woe unto thee forever. the king ordered that all the kings, 57. I thought thou wouldst teach princes and governors of different thy servants the upright way, but provinces and the sages should come thou hast not done this, but hast fil before him, and they sat before him,
is to kill

and

to

keep

alive

led the whole earth with thy sins and and Abram was still in the house of the sins of thy people who have fol confinement. lowed thy ways. 3. And the king said to the prin

58. Dost thou not know, or hast ces and sages, have you heard what thou not heard, that this evil which Abram the son of Terah has done thou doest, our ancestors sinned there to his father ? Thus has he done to in in days of old, and the eternal God him, and I ordered him to be brought brought the waters of the flood upon before me, and thus has he spoken ;

them and destroyed them all, and his heart did not misgive him, nei also destroyed the whole earth on ther did he stir in my presence, and
their account
?

And

wilt thou and behold

now he

is

confined in the

thy people rise up now and do like prison. unto this work, in order to bring 4. And therefore decide what judgdown the anger of the Lord God of
the universe, and to bring evil thee and the whole earth ?

upon
this

59.

Now

* I have here continued the singular pronoun order to keep up the chain of the narrative, the the Hebrew has transition to the though

in

therefore put

away

plural, as

including

Nimrod

men.

32

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

is due to this man who reviled mocked thee by bringing thee ano the king ; who spoke and did all the ther child, which thou didst kill. 1 1 And when the king heard their things that you heard. 5. And they all answered the king, words he was exceedingly wroth,

ment

saying, the man who revileth the and he ordered Terah to be brought king should be hanged upon a tree before him. but having done all the things that 12. And the king said, hast thou he said, and having despised our heard what the conjurors have spo Now tell me truly, how didst gods, he must therefore be burned ken ? to death, for this is the law in this thou and if thou shalt speak truth matter. thou shalt be acquitted. 6. If it pleaseth the king to do 13. And seeing that the king s an
; ;

this, let him order his servants to ger was so much kindled, Terah kindle a fire both night and day in said to the king, my lord and king, thy brick furnace, and then we will thou hast heard the truth and what And the king the sages have spoken is right. And cast this man into it.

did so, and he commanded his ser the king said, how couldst thou do vants that they should prepare a fire this thing, to transgress my orders for three days and three nights in the and to give me a child that thou didst not beget, and to take value for him ? king s furnace, that is in Casdim
;

14. And Terah answered the king, and the king ordered them to take Abram from prison and bring him because my tender feelings were ex cited for my son, at that time, and I out to be burned. 7. And all the king s servants, took a son of my handmaid, and I princes, lords, governors and judges, brought him to the king. 15. And the king said, who advi and all the inhabitants of the land, about nine hundred thousand men, sed thee to this ? Tell me, do not stood opposite the furnace to see hide aught from me, and then thou

Abram.
8.

shalt not die.

all

And

the

women and

little

16.

And Terah was

king
king,
s
it

ones crowded upon the roofs and towers to see what was doing with Abram, and they all stood together at a distance ; and there was not a man left that did not come on that day to behold the scene.
9.

fied in the

greatly terri presence, and he

said to the
eldest son

who

and Haran was

advised me to this ; in those days that

was Haran my

Abram was
years old.
17.

born,

two and

thirty

And when Abram was come,

But Haran did not advise

his

the conjurors of the

king and the father to anything, for Terah said sages saw Abram, and they cried this to the king in order to deliver out to the king, saying, our sovereign his soul from the king, for he feared and the king said to Terah, lord, surely this is the man whom greatly we know to have been the child at Haran thy son who advised thee to whose birth the great star swallowed this shall die through fire with Abram the four stars, which we declared to for the sentence of death is upon him
; ;

for having rebelled against the king s the king now fifty years since. 10. And behold now his father has desire in doing this thing.

also transgressed thy

command, and

18.

And Haran

at that

time

felt

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

inclined tofollow the

33

the flame of the fire spread over them, and they were burned ; 19. And Haran said in his heart, and twelve men of them died. 27. And Abram walked in the behold now the king has seized Abram on account of these things midst of the fire three days and three which Abram did, and it shall come nights, and all the servants of the to pass, that if Abram prevail over king saw him walking in the fire, the king I will follow him, but if the and they came and told the king, king prevail I will go after the king. saying, behold we have seen Abram 20. And when Terah had spoken walking about in the midst of the this to the king concerning Haran his fire, and even the lower garments son, the king ordered Haran to be which are upon him are not burned, but the cord with which he was seized with Abram. 21. And they brought them both, bound is burned. 28. And when the king heard Abram and Haran his brother, to cast them into the fire ; and all the their words his heart fainted and he so he sent inhabitants of the land and the king s would not believe them servants and princes and all the other faithful princes to see this mat women and little ones were there, ter, and they went and saw it and told it to the king ; and the king standing that day over them. 22. And the king s servants took rose to go and see it, and he saw Abram and his brother, and they Abram walking to and fro in the stripped them of all their clothes midst of the fire, and he saw Haran s excepting their lower garments which body burned, and the king wonder

ways of Abram,

fire,

but he kept

it

within himself.

ed greatly. 29. And the king ordered Abram hands and feet with linen cords, and the to be taken out from the fire and his servants of the king lifted them up servants approached to take him out and cast them both into the furnace.* and they could not, for the fire was 24. And the Lord loved Abram round about and the flame ascend and he had compassion over him, ing toward them from the furnace. and the Lord came down and deliv 30. And the king s servants fled ered Abram from the fire and he was from it, and the king rebuked them, not burned. saying, make haste and bring Abram 25. But all the cords with which out of the fire that you shall not die. 31. And the servants of the king they bound him were burned, while Abram remained and walked about again approached to bring Abram in the fire. out, and the flames came upon them 26. And Haran died when they and burned their faces so that eight had cast him into the fire, and he of them died. 32. And when the king saw that was burned to ashes, for his heart was not perfect with the Lord and his servants could not approach the those men who cast him into the fire lest, they should be burned, the
23.

were upon them.

And

they bound

their

* This is noticed in the Talmud. The Rechabites have this tradition, and we also find it
recorded in the Koran that into a fiery furnace by Nimrod.

king called to Abram, O servant of the God who is in heaven, go forth Abram was thrown from amidst the fire and come hkher before

me

and Abram hearkened

34
to

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

the voice of the king, and he two head servants from the king s went forth from the fire and came house the name of one was Oni and the name of the other was and stood before the king.
;

out Eliezer. 40. And all the kings, princes Abram coming before the king, with and servants gave Abram many gifts his lower garments upon him, for of silver and gold and pearl, and the
33.
the

And when Abram came

all

king and

his

servants

saw

they were not burned, but the cord king and his princes sent him away, with which he was bound was and he went in peace. 41. And Abram went forth from burned. 34. And the king said to Abram, the king in peace, and many of the how is it that thou wast not burned king s servants followed him, and about three hundred men joined him. in the fire ? 42. And Abram returned on that 35. And Abram said to the king, the God of heaven and earth in day and went to his father s house, whom I trust and who has all in his he and the men that followed him, power, he delivered me from the and Abram served the Lord his God all the days of his life, and he walked fire into which thou didst cast me. 36. And Haran the brother of in his ways and followed his law. 43. And from that day forward Abram was burned to ashes, and they sought for his body and they Abram inclined the hearts of the found it consumed. sons of men to serve the Lord. 44. And at that time Nahor and 37. And Haran was eighty-two he died in the fire of Abram took unto themselves wives, when old years Casdim. And the king, princes and the daughters of their brother Ha inhabitants of the land, seeing that ran the wife of Nahor was Milca Abram was delivered from the fire, and the name of Abram s wife was they came and bowed down to Sarai. And Sarai wife of Abram Abram. was barren she had no offspring in 38. And Abram said to them, do those days. not bow down to me but bow down 45. And at the expiration of two to the God of the world who made years from Abram s going out of the you, and serve him and go in his fire, that is in the fifty second year ways for it is he who delivered me of his life, behold king Nimrod sat from out of this fire, and it is he who in Babel upon the throne, and the created the souls and spirits of all king fell asleep and dreamed that he men, and formed man in his mother s was standing with his troops and womb, and brought him forth into hosts in a valley opposite the king s the world, and it is he who will de furnace. liver those who trust in him from 46. And he lifted up his eyes and
;
;

saw a man in the likeness of Abram seemed very coming forth from the furnace, and of the king that he came and stood before the wonderful and princes, that Abram was saved king with his drawn sword, and then from tiie fire and that Haran was sprang to the king with his sword, burned; and the king gave Abram when the king fled from the man, many presents and he gave him his for he was afraid and while he
all

pain.

39.

And

this thing in the eyes

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

35

55. And that which thou sawest was running, the man threw an egg upon the king s head, and the egg of the river which turned to an egg as at first, and the young bird pluck became a great river. 47. And the king dreamed that all ing out thine eye, this means nothing his troops sank in that river and else but the seed of Abram which

with will slay the king in latter days. 56. This is my king s dream, and and the he escaped. this is its interpretation, 48. And the king looked at these dream is true, and the interpretation men and they were clothed in prince which thy servant has given thee is
died,

and the king took

flight

three

men who were

before

him and

57. Now therefore my king, surely of kings. thou knowest that it is now fifty-two 49. And while they were running, years since thy sages saw this at the river again turned to an egg be the birth of Abram, and if my king fore the king, and there came forth will suffer Abram to live in the earth

dresses as the garments of kings, and had the appearance and majesty
ly

right.

from the egg a young bird which it will be to the injury of my lord and before the king, and flew at king, for all the days that Abram his head and plucked out the king s liveth neither thou nor thy kingdom for this was will be established, eye. and 50. And the king was grieved at known formerly at his birth the sight, and he awoke out of his why will not my king slay him, that sleep and his spirit was agitated, his evil may be kept from thee in and he felt a great terror. latter days ? 51. And in the morning the king 58. And Nimrod hearkened to the rose from his couch in fear, and he voice of Anuki, and he sent some of ordered all the wise men and magi his servants in secret to go and seize cians to come before him, when the Abram, and bring him before the king related his dream to them. king to suffer death. 52. And a wise servant of the 59. And Eliezer, Abram s servant king, whose name was Anuki, an whom the king had given him, was swered the king, saying, this is noth at that time in the presence of the ing else but the evil of Abram and king, and he heard what Anuki had his seed which will spring up against advised the king, and what the king my lord and king in the latter days. had said to cause Abram s death.

came

53. And behold the day will come when Abram and his seed and the

Eliezer said to Abram, up and save thy soul, children of his household will war that thou mayest not die through the with my king, and they will smite all hands of the king, for thus did he the king s hosts and his troops. see in a dream concerning thee, and 54. And as to what thou liast said thus did Anuki interpret it, and thus concerning three men which thou also did Anuki advise the king con didst see like unto thyself, and cerning thee. which did escape, this means that 61. And Abram hearkened to the with three thou of Eliezer, and Abram has voice wilt only escape
60.
hasten,
rise

And

kings

who

will

from the kings of the earth tened and ran for safety to the house be with thee in battle. of Noah and his son, Shem, and he

36

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

concealed himself there and found a voice, and let us arise and go to the and the king s ser land of Canaan, out of the reach of place of safety vants came to Abram s house to seek injury from Nimrod ; and serve thou him, but they could not find him, the Lord who created thee in the and they searched throughout the earth and it will be well with thee ; country and he was not to be found, and cast away all the vain things and they went and searched in every which thou pursuest. 69. And Abram ceased to speak, direction and he was not to be met when Noah and his son Shem an with.
;

62.
to

could not find

the king,

And when the king s servants swered Terah, saying, true is the Abram they returned word which Abram hath said unto
but the

anger thee. 70. And Terah hearkened to the they against did not find him, and the king drove voice of his son Abram, and Terah from his mind this matter concern did all that Abram said, for this was from the Lord, that the king should ing Abram. 63. And Abram was concealed in not cause Abram s death. Noah s house for one month until
king
s

Abram was

stilled, as

the king had forgotten this matter, but Abram was still afraid of the

CHAPTER
.

XIII.

1 And Terah took his son Abram and Terah came to see Abram house of Noah, and his grandson Lot, the son of and Terah was very great in the Haran, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, the wife of his son Abram, and all eyes of the king. 64. And Abram said to his father, the souls of his household and went dost thou not know that the king with them from Ur Casdim to go to And when they thinketh to slay me, and to annihi the land of Canaan. late my name from the earth by the came as far as the land of Haran advice of his wicked counsellors ? they remained there, for it was ex 65. Now whom hast thou here ceeding good land for pasture, and and what hast thou in this land ? of sufficient extent for those who ac Arise, let us go together to the land companied them.

king

his son secretly in the

of Canaan, that we maybe delivered 2. And the people of the land of from his hand, lest thou perish also Haran saw that Abram was good and upright with God and men, and through him in the latter days. 66. Dost thou not know or hast that the Lord his God was with him, thou not heard, that it is not through and some of the people of the land love that Nimrod giveth thee all this of Haran came and joined Abram, honour, but it is only for his benefit and he taught them the instruction that he bestoweth all this good upon of the Lord and his ways; and these thee? men remained with Abram in his 67. And if he do unto thee greater house and they adhered to him. 3. And Abram remained in the good than this, surely these are only vanities of the world, for wealth and land three years, and at the expira riches cannot avail in the day of wrath tion of three years the Lord appeared and anger. to Abram and said to him; I am the 68. Now therefore hearken to my Lord who brought thee forth from

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

Ur Casdim, and
the hands of
4.
all

37

thine enemies.

delivered thee from of Canaan, he, his wife, and all be longing to him, and all those that ac

therefore if thou wil companied him, together with those voice and keep my that joined him from the people of the statutes and my land; but Nabor, Abram s brother, commandments, will I then cause laws, thy enemies and Terah his father, and Lot the

And now
to

hearken

my

my

to fall before

thee,

and

I will multi

ply thy seed like the stars of heaven, and I will send my blessing upon al] the works of thy hands, and thou shalt lack nothing. 5. Arise now, take thy wife and all belonging to thee and go to the land of Canaan and remain there, and I will there be unto thee for a

son of Haran and all belonging them dwelt in Haran.

.

to

1 1 In the fifth year of Abram s dwelling in the land of Canaan the people of Sodom and Gomorrah and

all

the cities of the plain revolted

from the power of Chedor] aomer, king

of

Elam

for all

the kings of the

cities of the

plain
tax,

had served Che-

given but in those days belonging to him, and he went to the in the thirteenth year, they rebelled land of Canaan as the Lord had told against him.

God, and

will

bless

thee.

And dorlaomer for twelve years, and

all

Abram

rose and took his wife and

him a yearly

12. And in the tenth year of him and Abram was fifty years old Abram s dwelling in the land of Ca when he went from Haran. 6. And Abram came to the land naan there was war between Nimrod
;

of Canaan and dwelt in the midst of king of Shinarand Chedorlaomerking the city, and he there pitched his tent of Elam, and Nimrod came to fight amongst the children of Canaan, in with Chedorlaomer and to subdue him.
habitants of the land.
13.

For Chedorlaomer was

at that

time one of the princes of the hosts of Nimrod, and when all the people Canaan, and said to him, this is the at the tower were dispersed and land which I gave unto thee and to those that remained were also scat thy seed after thee forever, and I will tered upon the face of the earth, Che make thy seed like the stars of hea dorlaomer went to the land of Elam ven, and I will give unto thy seed for and reigned over it and rebelled an inheritance all the lands which against his Lord. thou seest. 14. And in those days when Nim 8. And Abram built an altar in the rod saw that the citie s of the plain place where God had spoken to him, tiad rebelled, he came with pride and and Abram there called upon the anger to war with Chedorlaomer, and name of the Lord. Nimrod assembled all his princes 9. At that time, at the end of three and subjects, about seven hundred years of Abram s dwelling in the thousand men, and went against Che land of Canaan, in that year Noah dorlaomer, and Chedorlaomer went
7.

And the Lord appeared to Ab ram when he came to the land of

died, which was the fifty-eighth year out to meet of the life of Abram ; and all the men, and

him with five thousand they prepared for battle in

days that Noah lived were nine hun the valley of Babel which is between dred and fifty years and he died. Elam and Shinar. 10. And Abram dwelt in the land 15. And all those kings fought

38

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

21. And many of the people of there, and Nimrod and his people were smitten before the people of Haran, about seventy two men, fol Chedorlaomer, and there fell from lowed Abram and Abram taught them Nimrod s men about six hundred the instruction of the Lord and histhousand, and Mardon the king s son ways, and he taught them to know
fell

amongst them.

the Lord.
fled

22. In those days the Lord ap ed in shame and disgrace to his land, peared to Abrarn in Haran, and he and he was under subjection to Che said to him, behold, I spoke unto dorlaomer for a long time, and Che thee these twenty years back saying, 23. Go forth from thy land, from dorlaomer returned to his land and sent princes of his host to the kings thy birth-place and from thy father s that diuelt around him, to Arioch house, to the land which I have king of Elasar, and to Tidal king of shown thee to give it to thee and to Goyim, and made a covenant with thy children, for there in that land them, and they were all obedient to will I bless thee, and make thee a his commands. great nation,, and make thy name 17. And it was in the fifteenth great, and in thee shall the families year of Abram s dwelling in the land of the earth be blessed,
16.

And Nimrod

and return

of Canaan, which is the seventieth 24. therefore arise, go forth of life of Abram, and the from this place, thou, the year thy wife,, and Lord appeared to Abram in that all belonging to thee y also every one

Now

year and he said to him, I am the born in thy house and all the soulsLord who brought thee out from Ur thou hast made in Haran, and bring Casdim to give thee this land for an them out with thee from here, and rise to return to the land of Canaan, inheritance. 25. And Abram arose and took his18. Now therefore walk before me and be perfect and keep my com wife Sarai and all belonging to- him, mands, for to thee and to thy seed I and all that were born to him in hdswill give this land for an inheritance, house and the souls which they had from the river Mitzraim unto the made in Haran, and they came out to great river Euphrates. go to the land of Canaan. 19. And thou shalt come to thy 26. And Abram went and return fathers in peace and in good age, and ed to the land of Canaan, according And Lot the fourth generation shall return to the word of the Lord. here in this land and shall inherit it the son of his brother Haran went and Abram built an altar, with him, and Abram was seventy forever and he called upon the name of the five years old when he went forth Lord who appeared to him, and he from Haran to return to the land of brought up sacrifices upon the altar Canaan. to the Lord. 27. And he came to the land of 20. At that time Abram returned Canaan according to the word of the and went to Haran to see his father Lord to Abram, and he pitched his and mother, and his father s house tent and he dwelt in the plain of hold, and Abram and his wife and all Mamre, and with him was Lot his belonging to him returned to Haran, brother s son, and all belonging to and Abram dwelt in Haran five years. him.
;
i |

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

28*
to

And the Lord again appeared and he Abram and said, to thy seed will terness
altar to the

abided there
of soul

all

night in bit

I give this land

an

and he there built Lord who appeared

;

and pinched with hunger, and sleep was removed from

his eyes.
7.

to him,

which

is

still

to this

day

in

And Rikayon
until the

the plains of

Mamre.

in himself

what he should do

considered with in the

town

CHAPTER
1.

XIV.

ance,

king made his appear and how he might maintain

himself there. 8. And he rose in the morning In those days there was in the land of Shinar a wise man who had and walked about, and met in his way understanding in all wisdom, and of those who sold vegetables and va a beautiful appearance, but he was rious sorts of seed with which they
his name was supplied the inhabitants. poor and indigent 9. And Rikayon wished to do the Rikayon and he was hard set to sup same in order to get a maintenance port himself. 2. And he resolved to go to Egypt, in the city, but he was unacquainted to Oswiris the son of Anom king of with the custom of the people, and Egypt, to show the king his wisdom he was like a blind man among them. for perhaps he might find grace in 10. And he went and obtained his sight, to raise him up and give vegetables to sell them for his sup him maintenance and Rikayon did port, and the rabble assembled about so. him and ridiculed him, and took his 3. And when Rikayon came to vegetables from him and left him Egypt he asked the inhabitants of nothing. 1 1 And he rose up from there in Egypt concerning the king, and the inhabitants of Egypt told him the bitterness of soul, and went sighing custom of the king of Egypt, for it to the bake house in which he had was then the custom of the king of remained all the night before, and Egypt that he went from his royal he slept there the second night. 12. And on that night again he palace and was seen abroad only one day in the year, and after that the reasoned within himself how he could king would return to his palace to save himself from starvation, and he remain there. devised a scheme how to act. 4. And on the day when the king 13. And he rose up in the morn went forth he passed judgment in the ing and acted ingeniously, and went land, and every one having a suit and hired thirty strong men of the came before the king that day to ob rabble, carrying their war instru tain his request. ments in their hands, and he led 5. And when Rikayon heard of them to the top of the Egyptian se the custom in Egypt and that he pulchre, and he placed them there. could not come into the presence of 14. And he commanded them, the king, he grieved greatly and was saying, thus saith the king, strength en yourselves and be valiant men, very sorrowful. 6. And in the evening Rikayon and let no man be buried here until went out and found a house in ruins, two hundred pieces of silver be formerly a bake house in Egypt, given, and then he may be buried ;
; ; ;
.

40
and those

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

in
?

men did according to the wicked thing order of Rikayon to the people of my command me. Egypt the whole of that year.
15.

my land without Surely you will tell

his

And

in

kayon and

eight months time Ri his men gathered great

23.

And

they told

works of Rikayon and

him all the men, and

riches of silver and gold, and Rikay the king s anger was aroused, and on took a great quantity of horses be ordered Rikayon and his men to

and other animals, and he hired more be brought before him. 24. And Rikayon took about a men, and he gave them horses and thousand children, sons and daugh they remained with him. 16. And when the year came ters, and clothed them in silk and round, at the time the king went mbroidery, and he set them upon forth into the town, all the inhabi horses and sent them to the king by tants of Egypt assembled together means of his men, and he also took to speak to him concerning the work a great quantity of silver and gold of Rikayon and his men. and precious stones, and a strong 17. And the king went forth on and beautiful horse, as a present for the appointed day, and all the Egyp the king, with which he came before tians came before him and cried un the king and bowed down to the to him, saying, earth before him and the king, his 18. May the king live forever. servants and all the inhabitants of What is this thing thou doest in the Egypt wondered at the work of Ri town to thy servants, not to suffer a kayon, and they saw his riches and dead body to be buried until so much the present that he had brought to the silver and gold be given ? Was king. there ever the like unto this done in 25. And it greatly pleased the the whole earth, from the days of king and he wondered at it and former kings yea even from the days when Rikayon sat before him the
;

of

Adam, unto
?

this

dead should not be buried only

set price

it to be the custom servants and all the inhabitants of of kings to take a yearly tax from Egyptthe living, but thou dost not only do 26. And when the king heard the this, but from the dead also thou ex- words of Rikayon and his wisdom, actest a tax day by day. Rikayon found grace in his sight,

19

We know

day, that the king asked him concerning all his for a works, and Rikayon spoke all his words wisely before the king, his

20. Now, king, we can no more and he met with grace and kindness bear this, for the whole city is ruin from all the servants of the king and ed on this account, and dost thou not from all the inhabitants of Egypt, on know it ? account of his wisdom and excellent 21. And when the king heard all speeches, and from that time they that they had spoken he was very loved him exceedingly. 16. And the king answered and wroth, and his anger burned within him at this affair, For he had known said to Rikayon, thy name shall na more be called Rikayon but Pha nothing of it. 22. And the king said, who and raoh* shall be* thy name, since thou * Pharaoh from where is he that dares to do this jnc, to get paid, to exact.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

didst exact a tax from the dead
;

41

he called
28.

his

name Pharaoh,

And

the

loved Rikayon they consulted

tants of

Egypt
all

under the king.

29.

3. And Abram and Sarai were walking at the border of the brook king and his subjects Mitzraim, and Abram beheld his wife for his wisdom, and Sarai that she was very beautiful. 4. And Abram said to his wife with all the inhabi to make him prefect Sarai, since God has created thee with such a beautiful countenance,

and

And

the

inhabitants

of I

am

afraid of the

Egyptians

lest

Egypt and its wise men did so, and they should slay me and take thee it was made a law in away, for the fear of God is not in Egypt. 30. And they made Rikayon Pha these places.
5 Surely then thou shalt do this, say thou an my sister to all that may ask thee, in order that it may be well with me, and that we may live and wiris the king would judge the people not be put to death. 6. And Abram commanded the of the land one day in the year, when he went out to make his appear same to all those that came with him to Egypt on account of the famine ance. 31. And Rikayon Pharaoh cun also his nephew Lot he commanded, ningly usurped the government of saying, if the Egyptians ask thee Egypt, and he exacted a tax from all concerning Sarai say she is the sister
raoh, prefect under Oswiris king of

Egypt, and Rikayon Pharaoh gov erned over Egypt, daily administer ing justice to the whole city, but Os

the inhabitants of Egypt. of Abram. 32. And all the inhabitants of 7. And yet with all these orders Egypt greatly loved Rikayon Pha Abram did not put confidence in them, raoh, and they made a decree to call but he took Sarai and placed her in every king that should reign over a chest and concealed it amongst

them and
raoh.

their seed in

Egypt, Pha

their vessels, for

Abram was

greatly

concerned about Sarai on account of 33. Therefore all the the wickedness of the Egyptians. that kings 8. And Abram and all reigned in Egypt from that time for belonging ward were called Pharaoh unto this to him rose up from the brook Mitz raim and came to Egypt and they day. had scarcely entered the gates of the
;

when the guards stood up to them, saying, give tythe to the king 1. And in that year there was a from what you have, and then you heavy famine throughout the land of may come into the town and Abram Canaan, and the inhabitants of the and those that were with him did so. land could not remain on account of 9. And Abram with the people the famine for it was very grievous. that were with him came to Egypt, 2. And Abram and all belonging and when they came they brought to him rose and went down to Egypt the chest in which Sarai was con on account of the famine, and when cealed, and the Egyptians saw the they were at the brook Mitzraim chest. 10. And the king s servants ap they remained there some time to rest from the fatigue of the road. what hast proached Abram,
city
;

CHAPTER XV.

saying,

42

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

thou here in this chest which we promise to do well with him if he have not seen ? Now open thou the would perform thy commands now chest and give tythe to the king of behold we have done that which thou didst command us, and we left our all that it contains. 1 1 And Abram said, this chest I land and our families, and we went will not open, but all you demand to a strange land and to a people upon it I will give. And Pharaoh s whom we have not known before. 18. And we came to this land to officers answered Abrarn, saying, it is a chest of precious stones, give us avoid the famine, and this evil acci
;
.

the tenth thereof.

1

dent has befallen

me

now

therefore

2.

Abram

I will give,

Lord God deliver us and save us but you must not open from the hand of this oppressor, and
said, all that

you desire

the chest.
13.

do well with

me

for the

sake of thy

And

Lord hearkened to and opened it with force, and they the voice of Sarai, and the Lord sent saw, and behold a beautiful woman an angel to deliver Sarai from the was in the chest. power of Pharaoh. 20. And the king came and sat 14. And when the officers of the king beheld Sarai they were struck before Sarai, and behold an angel of with admiration at her beauty, and the Lord was standing over them, all the princes and servants of Pha and he appeared to Sarai and said to raoh assembled to see Sarai, for she her, do not fear for the Lord has was very beautiful. And the king s heard thy prayer. 21. And the king approached Sa officers ran and told Pharaoh all that they had seen, and they praised Sarai rai and said to her, what is that man to the king and Pharaoh ordered to thee who brought thee hither ? and her to be brought, and the woman she said, he is my brother. 22. And the king said, it is incum came before the king. 15. And Pharaoh beheld Sarai and bent upon us to make him great, to she pleased him exceedingly, and he elevate him and to do unto him all was struck with her beauty, and the the good which thou shalt command king rejoiced greatly on her account, us and at that time the king sent I and made presents to those who Abram silver and gold and precious

Abram,

the king s officers pressed mercy. 19. And the and they reached the chest

brought him the tidings concerning stones

her.
cattle,

abundance, together with servants and maid ser 16. And the woman was then vants and the king ordered Abram brought to Pharaoh s house, and to be brought, and he sat in the court Abram grieved on account of his of the king s house, and the king wife, and he prayed to the Lord to de greatly exalted Abram on that night. liver her from the hands of Pha 23. And the king approached toraoh. speak to Sarai, and he reached out 17. And Sarai also prayed at that his hand to touch her, when the an time and said, O Lord God thou didst gel smote him heavily, and he was tell my Lord Abram to go from his terrified and he refrained from reach land and from his father s house to ing to her. the land of Canaan, and thou didst 24. And when the king caine near
in

men

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

to Sarai, the angel smote him to the raoh took and acted thus to him the and maid

43
cattle,

more

men

servants

ground,

servants, and silver

and
re

whole
rified
.

night,

and the king was

ter

gold, to give to

Abram, and he

25. And the angel on that night smote heavily all the servants of the on king, and his whole household, account of Sarai, and there was a

turned unto him Sarai his wife. 31. And the king took a maiden whom he begat by his concubines, and he gave her to Sarai for a hand maid.

32. And the king said to his daugh great lamentation that night amongst the people of Pharaoh s house. ter, it is better for thee my daughter 26. And Pharaoh, seeing the evil to be a handmaid in this man s house that befel him, said, surely on account than to be a mistress in my house, of this woman has this thing happen after we have beheld the evil that ed to me, and he removed himself at befel us on account of this woman.

some distance from her and spoke pleasing words* to her.

And Abram arose, and he and belonging to him went away from and Pharaoh ordered some 27. And the king said to Sarai, Egypt tell me I pray thee concerning the of his men to accompany him and all man with whom thou earnest here ; that went with him. 34. And Abram returned to the and Sarai said this man is my hus of Canaan, to the place where he land was that I thee and said to band, my brother for I was afraid, lest thou he had made the altar, where he at shouldst put him to death through first had pitched his tent. 35. And Lot the son of Haran, wickedness. 28. And the king kept away from Abram s brother, had a heavy stock Sarai, and the plagues of the angel of cattle, flocks and herds and tents,
33.
all
;

of the

Lord ceased from him and his for the Lord was bountiful to them household and Pharaoh knew that on account of Abram. 36. And when Abram was dwel he was smitten on account of Sarai, and the king was greatly astonished ling in the land the herdsmen of Lot at this. quarrelled with the herdsmen of
;

29.

And

in the

morning the king Abram,

for their property

was too

called for

what

Why

said to him, great for them to remain together in is this thou hast done to me ? the land, and the land could not bear didst thou say, she is sister, them on account of their cattle.

Abram and

my

owing

to

which
and

took her unto

me

37.

And when Abram

herdsmen

for a wife,

heavy plague has went to feed their flock they would therefore come upon me and my not go into the fields of the people r of the land, but the cattle of Lot s household. 30. Now therefore here is thy wife, herdsmen did otherwise, for they take her and go from our land lest were suffered to feed in the fields of we all die on her account. And Pha- the people of the land.
this
* Hebrew, spoke good words to her heart, meaning that he endeavored to gain her heart or confidence, by good words and modest con duct, to tell him what Abram was really akin
to her,

38.

And

the people of the land

the angel smiting

whereby he might discover the cause him and his people.

ol

saw this occurrence daily, and they came to Abram and quarrelled with him on account of Lot s herdsmen. 39. And Abram said to Lot, what

44
is this

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

thou art doing to me, to

make
1.

despicable to the inhabitants of the land, that thou orderest thy herds men to feed thy cattle in the fields of other people ? Dost thou not know that I am a stranger in this land amongst the children of Canaan, and why wilt thou do this unto me ? 40. And Abram quarrelled daily with Lot on account of this, but Lot

me

CHAPTER
At
that

XVI.
Chedorlaomer
1

time

king of Elam sent to all the neigh boring kings, to Nimrod king of Shinar who was then under Ms power, and to Tidal king of Goyim r and to Arioch king of Elasar, with whom he made a covenant, say ing, come up to me and assist me, would not listen to Abram, and he that we may smite all the towns of continued to do the same and the in Sodom and its inhabitants, for they habitants of the land came and told have rebelled against me these thir

Abram.
41.

teen years.

2. And these four kings went up long wilt thou be to me for a with all their camps, about eight stumbling block with the inhabitants hundred thousand men, and they of the land ? Now I beseech thee went as they were, and smote every let there be no more quarrelling be man they found in their road. tween us, for we are kinsmen. 3. And the five kings of Sodom 42. But I pray thee separate from and Gomorrah, Shinab king of Adme, go and choose a place where mah, Shemeber king of Zeboyim, thou mayst dwell with thy cattle and Bera king of Sodom, Bersha king all belonging to thee, but keep thy of Gomorrah, and Bela king of Zoself at a distance from me, thou and ar, went out to meet them, and they all thy household. joined together in the valley of 43. And be not afraid in going Siddim. from me, for if any one do an injury 4. And these nine kings made to thee, let me know and I will war in the valley of Siddim ; and avenge thy cause from him, only re the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah move from me. were smitten before the kings of 44. And when Abram had spoken Elam. all these words to Lot, then Lot arose 5. And the valley of Siddim was and lifted up his eyes toward the full of lime-pits and the kings of Elam pursued the kings of Sodom, plain of Jordan. 45. And he saw that the whole of and the kings of Sodom with their this place was well watered, and camps fled and fell into the limegood for man as well as affording pits, and all that remained went to

And Abram

said unto

Lot.

how

pasture for the cattle. 46. And Lot went from

the mountain for safety, and the five

to kings of that place, and he there pitched his pursued tent and he dwelt in Sodom, and and

Abram

Elam came
them
all

after

to the gates of

they

they took

that

them and Sodom, there was in

were separated from each

47.

other.

Sodom.

dwelt in the plain And they plundered all the 6. Hebron, and cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and he pitched his tent there, and Abram they also took Lot, Abram s brother s remained in that place many years. son, and his property, and they
of

And Abram

Mamre, which

is in

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

seized
all

45
to take

the goods of the cities of

captive,

and

unto himself

all

Sodom, and they went away; and the property. 14. And Abram answered the Unic, Abram s servant, who was in the battle, saw this, and told Abram kings of Sodom, saying, as the Lord all that the kings had done to the liveth who created heaven and earth, cities of Sodom, and that Lot was and who redeemed my soul from all taken captive by them. affliction, and who delivered me this 7. And Abram heard this, and he day from my enemies, and gave them rose up with about three hundred into my hand, 1 will not take any and eighteen men that were with thing belonging to you, that you may
him, and he that night pursued these not boast to-morrow, saying, Abram kings and smote them, and they all became rich from our property that fell before Abram and his men, and he saved. 15. For the Lord my God in there was none remaining but the four kings who fled, and they went whom I trust said unto me, thou shalt lack nothing, for I will bless each his own road. 8. And Abram recovered all the thee in all the works of thy hands. 16. And now therefore behold, property of Sodom, and he also re covered Lot and his property, his here is all belonging to you, take it as the Lord liveth t will wives and little ones and all belong and go ing to him, so that Lot lacked no not take from you from a living soul down to a shoe tie or thread, ex thing. 9. And when he returned from cepting the eocpense of the food of smiting these kings, he and his men those who went out with me to battle, passed the valley of Siddim where as also the portions of the men who
;

the kings had made war together. 10. And Beraking of Sodom, and

went with me, Anar, Ashcol and Mamre, they and their men, as well the rest of his men that were with as those also who had remained to him, went out from the lime-pits in watch the baggage, they shall take to which they had fallen, to meet their portion of the spoil. Abram and his men. 17. And the kings of Sodom gave 1 1 And Adonizedek king of Jeru Abram according to all that he had salem, the same was Shem, went out said, and they pressed him to take of with his men to meet Abram and his whatever he chose, but he would not.
.

people, with bread

and wine, and

in the valley

18.

they remained together of Melech.

12.

of

And he sent away the kings Sodom and the remainder of their

ram, from

And Adonizedek blessed Ab and Abram gave him a tenth

all

men, and he gave them orders about Lot, and they went to their respec
tive places.

he had brought from 19. And Lot, his brother s son, he the spoil of his enemies, for Adoni also sent away with his property, zedek was a priest before God. and he* went with them, and Lot 13. And all the kings of Sodom returned to his home, to Sodom, and and Gomorrah who were there, with Abram and his people returned to
that
their

servants, approached Abram their home to the plains of and begged of him to return them which is in Hebron. * Lot went with the their servants whom he had made kings.

Mamre

46

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

And when Hagar saw that had conceived she rejoiced greatly, and her mistress was despis
29.

20. At that time the Lord again appeared to Abram in Hebron, and he said to him, do not fear, thy re ward is very great before me, for I will not leave thee, until I shall have multiplied thee, and blessed thee and made thy seed like the stars in heaven, which cannot be measured nor numbered. 21. And I will give unto thy seed all these lands that thou seest with
for

she

ed in her eyes, and she said within herself, this can only be that I am better before God than Sarai my
mistress, for all the days that mistress has been with lord, she did not conceive, but me the Lord

my
to

my

has caused in so short a time conceive by him.

thine eyes, to them will I give them 30. And when Sarai saw that Ha an inheritance forever, only be gar had conceived by Abram, Sarai strong and do not fear, walk before was jealous of her handmaid, and

Sarai said within herself, this is sure seventy eighth ly nothing else but that she must be year of the life of Abram, in that better than I am. 31. And Sarai said unto Abram, year died Reu the son of Peleg, and all the days of Reu were two hundred my wrong be upon thee, for at the and thirty nine years, and he died. time when thou didst pray before the 23. And Sarai the daughter of Lord for children why didst thou not Haran, Abram s wife, was still bar pray on my account, that the Lord ren in those days, she did not bear should give me seed from thee ? to Abram either son or daughter. 32. And when I speak to Hagar 24. And when she saw that she in thy presence, she despiseth my bare no children she took her hand words, because, she has conceived, maid Hagar, whom Pharaoh had and thou wilt say nothing to her given her, and she gave her to Ab may the Lord judge between me and thee for what thou hast done to me, ram her husband for a wife. 25. For Hagar learned all the 33. And Abram said to Sarai, be ways of Sarai as Sarai taught her, hold thy handmaid is in thy hand, do she was not in any way deficient in unto her as it may seem good in thy and Sarai afflicted her, and following her good ways. eyes 26. And Sarai said to Abram, be Hagar fled from her to the wilder hold here is my handmaid Hagar, ness. 34. And an angel of the Lord go to her that she may bring forth upon my knees, that I may also ob found her in the place where she had tain children through her. fled, by a well, and he said to her,
22.

me

and be perfect.

And

in

the

And at the end of ten years do not fear, for I will multiply thy Abram s dwelling in the land of seed, for thou shalt bear a son and Canaan, which is the eighty fifth thou shalt call his name Ishmael year of Abram s life, Sarai gave now then return to Sarai thy mistress and submit thyself under her hands. Hagar unto him. 28. And Abram hearkened to the 35. And Hagar called the place
27.
of
;

voice of his wife Sarai, and he took of that well Beer-lahai-roi, it is be his handmaid Hagar and Abram tween Kadesh and the wilderness of came to her and she conceived. Bered.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

36.

47

time re ters of Tubal and took wives from house, and at them, and the sons of men, kings and the end of days Hagar bare a son princes, who greatly delighted in the to Abram, and Abram called his name aeauty of women, took wives in those Ishmael and Abram was eighty-six days from the daughters of Tubal. 7. And at the end of three years years old when he begat him. after the children of Tubal had sworn to the children of Chittim not to give

And Hagar

at that
s

turned to her master

them their daughters for wives, about nine twenty men of the children of Chit the tim went to take some of the daugh ty-first year of the life of Abram, children of Chittim made war with ters of Tubal, but they found none. 8. For the children of Tubal kept the children of Tubal, for when the Lord had scattered the sons of men their oaths not to intermarry with upon the face of the earth, the chil them, and they would not break their
1
.

CHAPTER

XVII.

And

in those days, in the

dren of Chittim went and embodied themselves in the plain of Canopia, and they built themselves cities there and dwelt by the river Tibreu. 2. And the children of Tubal dwelt in Tuscanah, and their boundaries reached the river Tibreu, and the

oaths.
9.

And

in the

days of harvest the

into their

children of

Tubal went

fields to get in

their harvest,

when

the

young men of Chittim assembled and went to the city of Sabinah, and
each

man

took a young

woman from

children of Tubal built a city in Tus the daughters of Tubal, and they canah, and they called the name Sa- came to their cities. 10. And the children of Tubal binah, after the name of Sabinah son

of Tubal their father, and they dwelt heard of

there unto this day.

it and they went to make war with them, and they could not

3. And it was at that time the prevail over them, for the mountain children of Chittim made war with was exceedingly high from them, and the children of Tubal, and the chil when they saw they could not pre dren of Tubal were smitten before vail over them they returned to their the children of Chittim, and the chil land. dren of Chittim caused three hundred And at the revolution of the year

and severity men

dren of Tubal.

Tubal went and hired about ten thousand men from those 4. And at that time the children cities that were near them, and they of Tubal swore to the children of went to war with the children of
to fall

from the

chil

the children of

Chittim, saying, you shall not inter

us, and no man shall his give daughter to any of the sons

Chittim.
12.

marry amongst

And
to

the

children

of Tubal

went

war with

the children of

of Chittim.
5.

Chittim, to destroy their land and to the daughters of Tubal distress them, and in this engagewere in those days fair, for no women ment the children of Tubal prevailed were then found in the whole earth over the children of Chittim, and the so fair as the daughters of Tubal. children of Chittim, seeing that they the 6. And all who delighted in the were greatly distressed, lifted up beauty of women went to the daugh children which they had had by the

For

all

48

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

daughters of Tubal, upon the wall he circumcised them as the Lord had built, to be before commanded him. the eyes of the children of Tubal. 2. And there was not one left 13. And the children of Chittim whom he did not circumcise, and said to them, have you come to make Abraham and his son Ishmael were war with your own sons and daugh circumcised in the flesh of their fore skin thirteen years old was Ishmael ters, and have we not been consi dered your flesh and bones from that when he was circumcised in the flesh time till now ? of his foreskin. 14. Arid when the children of Tu 3. And in the third day Abraham bal heard this they ceased to make went out of his tent and sat at the war with the children of Chittim, and door to enjoy the heat of the sun,

which had been

they went away. during the pain of his flesh. 15. And they returned to their 4. And the Lord appeared to him cities, and the children of Chittim at in the plain of Mamre, and sent three that time assembled and built two of his ministering angels to* visit cities by the sea, and they called him, and he was sitting at the door one Purtu and the other Ariza. of the tent, and he lifted up his eyes 16. And Abram the son of Terah and saw, and lo, three men were was then ninety-nine years old. coming from a distance, and he rose 17. At that time the Lord appear up and ran to meet them, and he ed to him and he said to him, I will bowed down to them and brought make my covenant between me and them into his house.
5. And he said to them, if now I which have found favor in your sight, turn I make between me and thee, that in and eat a morsel of bread and he every male child be circumcised, thou pressed them, and they turned in and and thy seed after thee. he gave them water and they washed 18. At eight days old shall it be their feet, and he placed them under

thee,

and

I will greatly
is

multiply thy

seed, and this

the covenant

circumcised, and this covenant shall a tree at the door of the tent. be in your flesh for an everlasting 6. And Abraham ran and took a covenant. calf, tender and good, and he hasten 19. And now therefore thy name ed to kill it, and gave it to his ser shall no more be called Abram but vant Eliezer to dress. 7. And Abraham came to Sarah Abraham, and thy wife shall no more be called Sarai but Sarah. into the tent, and he said to her,
20. For I will bless you both, and make ready quickly three measures I will multiply your seed after you of fine meal, knead it and make that you shall become a great nation, cakes to cover the pot containing the and kings shall come forth from meat, and she did so.

you.

CHAPTER
1
.

XVIII.

8. And Abraham hastened and brought before them butter and milk, beef and mutton, and gave it

that

took those bought with his money, and

And Abraham rose and did all God had ordered him, and he the men of his household and

before them to eat before the flesh of the calf was sufficiently done, and they did eat. Hebrew vipaS
to seek or inquire after him.

THE BOOK OF
9.

JA.SHER.

49

And when

they had done eat

these cities would assemble, men,

I will ing, one of them said to him, return to thee according to the time

women and

children,

young and

old,

and go to the
until

of

life,

and Sarah thy wife shall have by force,

man and take his goods giving a little to each man

there was an end to all the goods of the owner which he had parted and went their ways, to the brought into the land. 17. And if the owner of the goods places to which they were sent. 11. In those days all the people quarreled with them, saying, what of Sodom and Gomorrah, and of the is this work which you have done to whole five cities, were exceedingly me, then they would approach to wicked and sinful against the Lord, him one by one, and each would and they provoked the Lord with show him the little which he took their abominations, and they strength and taunt him, saying, I only took ened in acting abominably and scorn that little which thou didst give me ; Lord, and their and when he heard this from them fully before the wickedness and crimes were in those all, he would arise and go from them in sorrow and bitterness of soul, days great before the Lord. 12. And they had in their land a when they would all arise and go very extensive valley, about half a after him," and drive him out of the day s walk, and in it there were city with great noise and tumult. fountains of water and a great deal 18. And there was a man from

a son.
10.

And

the

men

afterward de

of herbage surrounding the water. the country of Elam who was 13. And all the people of Sodom leisurely going on the road, seated and Gomorrah went there four times upon his ass, which carried a fine in the year, with their wives and mantle of divers colors, and the children and all belonging to them, mantle was bound with a cord upon

and they rejoiced there with timbrels the ass. and dances. 19. And the man was on his jour 14. And in the time of rejoicing ney passing through the street of they would all rise and lay hold of Sodom when the sun set in the even their neighbors wives, and some, ing, and he remained there in order
the virgin daughters of their neigh to abide during the night, but no bors, and they enjoyed them, and one would let him into his house ; each man saw his wife and daugh and at that time there was in Sodom
ter in the hands of his neighbor a wicked and mischievous man, one and did not say a word. skilful to do evil, and his name was 15. And they did so from morn Hedad. 20. And he lifted up his eyes and ing to night, and they afterward re turned home each man to his house saw the traveller in the street of the and each woman to her tent; so city, and he came to him and said, they always did four times in the whence comest thou and whither

year. 16. Also

dost thou go? a stranger came 21 And the man said to him, I into their cities and brought goods am travelling from Hebron to Elam which he had purchased with a view where I belong, and as I passed the to dispose of there, the people of sun set and no one would suffer me

when

50

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

to enter his house, though I had band, behold this man has remained bread and water and also straw and with us for two days eating and provender for my ass, and am short drinking and he has given us nothing, of nothing. and now shall he go away from us 22. And Hedad answered and without giving any thing ? and Hesaid to him, all that thou shalt want dad said to her, be silent. shall be supplied by me, but in the 28. And the man saddled his ass street thou shalt not abide all night. to go, and he asked Hedad to give 23. And Hedad brought him to him the cord and mantle to tie it up his house, and he took off the mantle on the ass. from the ass with the cord, and 29. And Hedad said to him, what brought them to his house, and he sayest thou ? and he said to him, gave the ass straw and provender that thou my lord shalt give me the whilst the traveller ate and drank in cord and the mantle made with divers Hedad s house, and he abided there colors which thou didst conceal with that night. thee in thy house to take care of it.

24.

And

in the

the interpreta cord which when tion of the Hedad said to dream, him, thy journey, wait, comfort thy heart with a mor thou didst see, means that thy life sel of bread and then go, and the will be lengthened out like a cord, man did so and he remained with and having seen the mantle colored
his

veller rose

morning the up early to continue

tra

30.

And Hedad answered

this
is

the

man, saying,

him, and they both ate and drank with all sorts of colors, means that together during the day, when the thou shalt have a vineyard in which man rose up to go. thou wilt plant trees of all fruits. 31. And the traveller answered, 25. And Hedad said to him, be hold now the day is declining, thou saying, not so my lord, for I was hadst better remain all night that thy awake when I gave thee the cord heart may be comforted; and he and also a mantle woven with differ pressed him so that he tarried there ent colors, which thou didst take off all night, and on the second day he the ass to put them by for me ; and

when He- Hedad answered and said, surely I dad pressed him, saying, comfort have told thee the interpretation of thy heart with a morsel of bread and thy dream and it is a good dream, then go; and he remained and ate and this is the interpretation there with him also the second day, and of.
rose up early to go away,
his journey.

Now the sons of men give four pieces of silver, which is 26. And Hedad said to him, be charge for interpreting dreams, and hold now the day is declining, remain of thee only I require three pieces of with me to comfort thy heart and in silver.
then the

man

rose

up

to continue

32.

me

my

the morning rise

up

early and go thy

way.

27. And the man would not re main, but rose and saddled his ass,

and whilst he was saddling

the wife of

his ass

Hedad

said to her hus

34. And the man laid his cause before Serak the judge, when Hedad

And the man was provoked words of Hedad, and he cried he brought Hedad to bitterly, and Serak judge of Sodom.
33.
at the

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

replied, saying,

51

it is not so, but thus of Sodom heard them, and they ga the matter stands; and the judge said thered about them and they exclaim to the traveller, this man Hedad tell- ed against the stranger, and they eth thee truth, for he is famed in the drove him rashly from the city.

42. And the man continued his journey upon his ass with bitterness 35. And the man cried at the word of soul, lamenting and weeping. of the judge, and he said, not so my 43. And whilst he was going along Lord, for it was in the day that I he wept at what had happened to him gave him the cord and mantle which in the corrupt city of Sodom.
cities for the

accurate interpretation

of dreams.

was upon
by
in his

the ass, in order to put

them

and they both dis puted before the judge, the one say ing thus the matter was, and the other
house
;

CHAPTER

XIX.

1. And the cities of Sodom had four judges to four cities, and these declaring otherwise. 36. And Hedad said to the man, were their names, Serak in the city give me four pieces of silver that I of Sodom, Sharkad in Gomorrah,

for my interpretations of Zabnac in Admah, and Menon in dreams I will not make any allow Zeboyim. 2. And Eliezer Abraham s servant ance and give me the expense of the four meals that thou didst eat in my applied to them different names, and house. he converted Serak to *Shakra, 37. And the man said to Hedad, Sharkad to Shakrura, Zabnac to KeI will pay thee for what I ate zobim, and Menon to Matzlodin. truly

charge
;

in thy house, only give

me

the cord

3.

And by

desire of their four

and mantle which thou didst conceal judges the people of Sodom ano! in thy house. Gomorrah had beds erected in the 38. And He.dad replied before the streets of the cities, and if a man judge and said to the man, did I not came to these places they laid hold tell thee the interpretation of thy of him and brought him to one of dream ? the cord means that thy days their beds, and by force made him shall be prolonged like a cord, and to lie in them. the mantle, that thou wilt have a 4. And as he lay down, three men vineyard in which thou wilt plant all would stand at his head and three at kinds of fruit trees. his feet, and measure him by the 39. This is the proper interpreta length of the bed, and if the man was tion of thy dream, now give me the less than the bed these six men would four pieces of silver that I require as stretch him at each end, and when a compensation, for I will make thee he cried out to them they would not no allowance. answer him. 40. And the man cried at the 5. And if he was longer than the words of Hedad and they both quar bed then they would draw together reled before the judge, and the judge the two sides of the bed at each end, gave orders to his servants, who drove * BV3T3 Nipt? are different names for them rashly from the house.
N-inp2>

they went away quarrel names from the ing judge, when the people dation
41
.

falsehood.
to

Eliezer

made

these puns upon their

And"

show

that falsehood formed the fount*

of their decisions.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

reached the gates thou act thus to the poor man who came to thy land ? 6. And if he continued to cry out 15. And the man of Sodom an to them, they would answer him, swered Eliezer, saying, is this man saying, thus shall it be done to a man thy brother, or have the people of that cometh into our land. Sodom made thee a judge this day, 7. And when men heard all these that thou speakest about this man ? 16. And Eliezer strove with the things that the people of the cities of Sodom did, they refrained from com man of Sodom on account of the poor man, and when Eliezer approached ing there. 8. And when a poor man came to to recover the poor man s clothes their land they would give him silver from the man of Sodom, he hastened and gold, and cause a proclamation and with a stone smote Eliezer in the
until the

man had

of death.

in the whole city not to give him a morsel of bread to eat, and if the stranger should remain there some days, and die from hunger, not hav ing been able to obtain a morsel of bread, then at his death all the peo ple of the city would come and take their silver and gold which they had given to him.

forehead.
17.

And the

ly

from Eliezer

the

man

blood flowed copious s forehead, and when saw the blood he caught

hold of Eliezer, saying, give me my hire for having rid thee of this bad blood that was in thy forehead, for

such

is

the custom and the law in

our land.

9. And those that could recognize 1 8. And Eliezer said to him, thou the silver or gold which they had hast wounded me and requirest me given him took it back, and at his to pay thee thy hire and Eliezer death they also stripped him of his would not hearken to the words of
;

garments, and they would fight about the man of Sodom. 19. And the man laid hold of Elie them, and he that prevailed over his zer and brought him to Shakra the neighbor took them.
19. They would after that carry judge of Sodom for judgment. him and bury him under some of the 20. And the man spoke to the

shrubs in the deserts so they did all the days to any one that came to them and died in their land. 11. And in the course of time Sarah sent Eliezer to Sodom, to see Lot and inquire after his welfare. 12. And Eliezer went to Sodom, and he met a man of Sodom fighting with a stranger, and the man of So
;

judge, saying, I beseech thee my lord, thus has this man done, for I smote him with a stone that the blood flowed

from his forehead, and he

ling to give

is

unwil

me my

hire.

21.
this

And the judge said to Eliezer, man speaketh truth to thee, give
his hire, for this
;

dom

stripped the poor man of clothes and went away.

all

his

13. And this poor man cried to Eliezer and supplicated his favor on account of what the man of Sodom had done to him. 14. And he said to him, why dost give thou unto this

is the custom in and Eliezer heard the words of the judge and he lifted up a stone and smote the judge, and the stone struck on his forehead and the blood flowed copiously from the fore head of the judge, and Eliezer said, if this then is the custom in your land

him

our land

man what I should

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

have given him,
for this

53

has been and gave

it

him

to eat

so she did

it. thy decision, thou didst decree 22. And Eliezer left the man of

many

days.

Sodom
away.
23.

29. And all the people of Sodom with the judge, and he went and Gomorrah wondered how this man could bear starvation for so the kings of

And when

Elam many
30.
this

days.

had made war with the kings of So dom, the kings of Elam captured all the property of Sodom, and they took Lot captive, with his property, and when it was told to Abraham he went and made war with the kings of Elam, and he recovered from their hands all the property of Lot as well as the property of Sodom. 24. At that time the wife of Lot bare him a daughter, and he called her name Paltith, saying, because God had delivered him and his whole household from the kings of Elam and Paltith daughter of Lot grew up, and one of the men of Sodom took
;

And they said to each other, can only be that he eats and drinks, for no man can bear starva
tion for so

many days
;

or live as this

man

has, without even his counten

ance changing and three men con cealed themselves in a place where
the poor

man was

who

it

was

stationed, to know that brought him bread

to eat.

her for a wife. 25. And a poor man came into the ate it. 32. city to seek a maintenance, and he

31. And Paltith daughter of Lot went forth that day to fetch water, and she put bread into her pitcher of water, and she went to draw water by the poor man s place, and she took out the bread from the pitcher and gave it to the poor man and he

And

the three

men saw what

Paltith did to the poor man, and they all the people of Sodom caused a said to her, it is thou then who hast proclamation of their custom not to supported him, and therefore has he

remained

in the city

some days, and

man a morsel of bread to not starved, nor changed in appear he dropped dead upon the ance, nor died like the rest. 33. And the three men went out earth, and they did so. 26. And Paltith the daughter of of the place in which they were con Lot saw this man lying in the streets cealed, and they seized Paltith and starved with hunger, and no one the bread which was in the poor
give this
eat, until

would give him any thing to keep man s hand. 34. And they took him alive, and he was just upon the

Paltith

and

brought her before their judges, and point of death. 27. And her soul was filled with they said to them, thus did she do, pity on account of the man, and she and it is she who supplied the poor fed him secretly with bread for many man with bread, therefore did he now therefore days, and the soul of this man was not die all this time
;

revived.

due For when she went forth to fetch to this woman for having transgress water she would put the bread in ed our law. 35. And the people of Sodom and the water pitcher, and when she came to the place where the poor man was, Gomorrah assembled and kindled a she took the bread from the pitcher fire in the street of the city, and they
declare to us
the punishment

54
took the

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

woman and cast her into the one took notice of her or pitied her, and she was burned to ashes. and her cries ascended to heaven. 36. And in the city of Admah 44. And the Lord was provoked there was a woman to whom they at this and at all the works of the did the like. cities of Sodom, for they had abun 37. For a traveller came into the dance of food and had tranquility city of Admah to abide there all amongst them, and still would not night, with the intention of going sustain the poor and the needy, and home in the morning, and he sat op in those days their evil doings and posite the door of the house of the sins became great before the Lord. 45. And the Lord sent for two of young woman s father, to remain there, as the sun had set when he had the angels that had come to Abra reached that place; and the young ham s house, to destroy Sodom and
fire

woman saw him

of the house.
38.

sitting

by the door

its cities.

46.

And

the angels rose

up from

her for a drink the door of Abraham s tent, after of water and she said to him, who they had eaten and drunk, and they art thou ? and he said to her I was reached Sodom in the evening, and this day going on the road, and Lot was then sitting in the gate of reached here when the sun set, so I Sodom, and when he saw them he will abide here all night, and in the rose to meet them and he bowed morning I will arise early and con down to the ground. tinue my journey. 47. And he pressed them greatly 39. And the young woman went and brought them into his house, and into the house and fetched the man he gave them victuals which they bread and water to eat and drink. ate, and they abided all night in his 40. And this affair became known house.
to the people of

And he asked

Admah, and they as sembled and brought, the young wo

48.
arise,

And

the

angels said to Lot,

man

before the judges, that they should judge her for this act. 41. And the judge said the judg ment of death must pass upon this woman because she transgressed our law, and this therefore is the deci

this place, thou and all belonging to thee, lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of this
city, for

go forth from

the

Lord

will destroy this

place. 49.

children, and all belonging to assembled and brought out the young him, and they brought him forth and woman, and anointed her with rioney set him without the cities. from head to foot, as the judge had 50. And they said to Lot, escape decreed, and they placed her before for thy life, and he fled and all be a swarm of bees which were then longing to him. in their hives, and the bees flew up 51. Then the Lord rained upon on her and stung her that her whole Sodom and upon Gomorrah and up on all these cities brimstone and fire body was swelled. 43. And the young woman cried from the Lord out of heaven. 52. And he overthrew these cities-, out on account of the bees, but no

sion concerning her. 42. And the people of those cities his

And the angels laid hold upon the hand of Lot and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hands of

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

all

55

60. And after this Lot and his two all the inhabitants and that which grew daughters went away from there, and dwelt on the other side of the upon the ground and Ado the wife he of Lot looked back to see the de Jordan with his two daughters and struction of the cities, for her com their sons, and the sons of Lot grew her up, and they went and took thempassion was moved on account of from the land of remained in Sodom, selve.3 wives who daughters for they did not go with her. Canaan, and they begat children and 53. And when she looked back they were fruitful and multiplied. she became a pillar of salt, and it is

the plain and

cities,

of the

yet in that place unto this day. 54. And the oxen which stood in that place daily licked up the salt to

CHAPTER
.

XX.

1 And at that time Abraham jour the extremities of their feet, and in neyed from the plain of Mamre, and forth he went to the land of the Philistines, the morning it would spring it was in the afresh, and they again licked it up and he dwelt in Gerar unto this day. twenty-fifth year of Abraham s being 55. And Lot and two of his in the land Canaan, and the hundreth year of the life of Abraham, daughters that remained with him fled and escaped to the cave of that he came to Gerar in the land of Adullam, and they remained there the Philistines. 2. And when they entered the land for some time.
;
o"f

56.
in the

And Abraham
morning
to see

rose up early he what had been art

;

said to Sarah his wife, say thou sister, to any one that shall

my

and he ask thee, in order that we may es looked and beheld the smoke of the cape the evil of the inhabitants of the cities going up like the smoke of a land.

done

to the cities of

Sodom

furnace.
57.
ters

3.

And

as

Abraham was dwelling

And Lot and

his

two daugh

in the land of the Philistines, the ser

remained in the cave, and they vants of Abimelech, king of the Phi their father drink wine, and listines, saw that Sarah was exceed^ they lay with him, for they said ingly beautiful, and they asked Abra there was no man upon earth that ham concerning her, and he said, she could raise up seed from them, for is my sister. 4. And the servants of Abimelech they thought that the whole earth went to Abimelech, saying, a man was destroyed. 58. And they both lay with their from the land of Canaan is come to father, and they conceived and bare dwell in the land, and he has a sister sons, and the first born called the that is exceeding fair. 5. And Abimelech heard the words name of her son Moab, saying, from he him is of his servants who I conceive father did praised Sarah to my the father of the Moabites unto this him, and Abimelech sent his officers, and they brought Sarah to the king. day. 6. And Sarah came to the house 59. And the younger also called he is the father of of Abimelech, and the king saw that her son Benami the children of Ammon unto this Sarah was beautiful, and she pleased

made

day.

him exceedingly.

56
7.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

And he approached her and what is that man to thee
wilt surely die, thou and ing to thee.
all

belong

said to her,

15. And on that night there was with whom thou didst come to our land ? and Sarah answered and said a great outcry in the land of the Phi he is my brother, and we came from listines, and the inhabitants of the the land of Canaan to dwell wherever land saw the figure of a man stand we could find a place. ing with a drawn sword in his hand, 8. And Abimelech said to Sarah, and he smote the inhabitants of the behold my land is before thee, place land with the sword, yea he continued thy brother in any part of this land to smite them. 16. And the angel of the Lord that pleases thee, and it will be our him above elevate smote the whole land of the Philis exalt and to duty all the people of the land since he is tines on that night, and there was a great confusion on that night and on thy brother.

And Abimelech sent for Abra ham, and Abraham came to Abime
9.

the following morning. 17. And every womb

was

closed,

and the hand of 10. And Abimelech said to Abra the Lord was upon them on account ham, behold I have given orders that of Sarah, wife of Abraham, whom thou shalt be honored as thou de- Abimelech had taken. 18. And in the morning Abime sirest on account of thy sister Sarah. And Abraham went forth from lech rose with terror and confusion 1 1 the king, and the king s present fol and with a great dread, and he sent and had his servants called in, and lowed him. 12. As at evening time, before he related his dream to them, and
lech.

and

all

their issues,

men

lie

down

to rest, the

sitting

upon

his

throne, and a deep

king was the people were greatly afraid. 19. And one man standing amongst

sleep fell upon him, and he lay upon the servants of the king answered the king, saying, the throne and slept till morning. sovereign king, 13. And he dreamed that an angel restore this woman to her husband, of the Lord came to him with a for he is her husband, for the like drawn sword in his hand, and the happened to the king of Egypt when

angel

stood over Abimelech, and wished to slay him with the sword, and the king was terrified in his dream, and said to the angel, in what have I sinned against thee that thou comest to slay me with thy sword ? 14. And the angel answered and said to Abimelech, behold thou diest on account of the woman which thou

this

20.

man came to Egypt. And he said concerning

his

sister, for such is his wife, she is manner of doing when he cometh to

my

dwell

in the

land in which he

is

Pharaoh sent and took and the Lord brought upon him grievous plagues
this

stranger. 21. And

woman

for a wife,

didst yesternight bring to thy house, until he returned the for she is a married woman /the wife husband.

woman

to

her

now

to thy house 22. therefore, sovereign therefore return that man his king, know what happened yester wife, for she is his wife ; and shouldst night to the whole land, for there was thou not return her, know that thou a very great consternation and great

of

Abraham who came

Now

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

57

we know and the Lord heard the prayer of pain and lamentation, and that this was on account of the wo Abraham, and he healed Abimelech and all his subjects. man which thou didst take.
23.

Now
to
it

therefore,

restore
it

this

woman

her husband, lest

should
.

CHAPTER

XXI.

befall us as

did to Pharaoh king of

1 And it was at that time at the his subjects, and that we of a year and four months of end has die Abimelech and not may tened and called and had Sarah called Abraham s dwelling in the land of in Gerar, that God for, and she came before him, and the Philistines he had Abraham called for, and he visited Sarah, and the Lord remem bered her, and she conceived and came before him.

Egypt and

24.

And Abimelech

said to them, bare a son to

2.

Abraham.
called the

what

is this

ing in
sister,

work you have been do saying you are brother and

I

And Abraham

name

of the son which

was

born, to him,

and

took this

woman

for a

which Sarah bare

3.

to him, Isaac.

wife?
said, because I thought I should suffer death on account of my wife and Abimelech took flocks and herds, and men ser vants and maid servants, and a thou sand pieces of silver, and he gave them to Abraham, and he returned Sarah to him.

25.

And Abraham
;

circumcised his son Isaac at eight days old, as God

And Abraham

had

commanded Abraham
;

to

do

unto his seed after him and Abra ham was one hundred, and Sarah ninety years old, when Isaac was born to them.

4. And the child grew up and he was weaned, and Abraham made a 26. And Abimelech said to Abra great feast upon the day that Isaac ham, behold the whole land is before was weaned. 5. And Shem and Eber and all thee, dwell in it wherever thou shalt

choose.
27.

And Abraham and Sarah

his

the great people of the land, and Abi melech king of the Philistines, and

wife

went forth from the king s his servants, and Phicol the captain presence with honor and respect, of his host, came to eat and drink and they dwelt in the land, even in and rejoice at the feast which Abra ham made upon the day of his son Gerar. 28. And all the inhabitants of the Isaac s being weaned. 6. Also Terah, the father of Abra land of the Philistines and the king s servants were still in pain, through ham, and Nahor his brother, came the plague which the angel had in from Haran, they and all belonging flicted upon them the whole night on to them, for they greatly rejoiced on account of Sarah. hearing that a son had been born to 29. And Abimelech sent for Abra Sarah.
7. And ham, saying, pray now for thy ser they came to Abraham, vants to the Lord thy God, that he and they ate and drank at the feast may put away this mortality from which Abraham made upon the day of Isaac s being weaned. amongst us. 30. And Abraham prayed on ac 8. And Terah and Nahor rejoiced count of Abimelech and his subjects, with Abraham, and they remained

58
with him
9.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

many days
in the first

in the land of

the Philistines.

At

that time

Serug the son of name was Meribah.

they dwelt there, and Hagar took a wife for her son from Egypt, and her

1 8. And the wife of Ishmael con year of the birth of Isaac son of Abraham. ceived and bare four sons and twc 10. And all the days of Serug were daughters, and Ishmael and his mo two hundred and thirty-nine years, ther and his wife and children after

Reu died,

and he
1 1
.

died.

ward went and returned

the son of

to the wil

And Ishmael

Abra
;

derness.
19.

ham was grown up in those days he was fourteen years old when Sa

And

they

made themselves
which they

tents in the wilderness, in

rah bare Isaac to Abraham. 12. And God was with Ishmael the son of Abraham, and he grew up and he learned the use of the bow and became an archer. 13. And when Isaac was five years old he was sitting with Ishmael at the door of the tent. 14. And Ishmael came to Isaac and seated himself opposite to him, and he took the bow and drew it and put the arrow in it, and intended to
slay Isaac.
15.

dwelt, and they continued to travel and then to rest monthly and yearly.
20. And God gave Ishmael flocks and herds and tents on account of Abraham his father, and the man in creased in cattle. 21. And Ishmael dwelt in deserts and in tents, travelling and resting for a long time, and he did not see the face of his father. 22.

And

in

some time

after,

Abra

ham

said to Sarah his wife, I will

And Sarah saw

the act

Ishmael desired to do to Isaac, and it grieved her exceedingly on account of her son, and she sent for Abraham and said to him, cast out this bondwoman and her son, for her son shall not be heir with my son, for thus did he seek to do unto

go and see my son Ishmael, for I which have a desire to see him, for I have her son not seen him for a long time.
rode upon one wilderness to seek his son Ishmael, for he heard that he was dwelling in a tent in the wilderness with all belonging to him.
23.

And Abraham
to

of his camels

the

24. And Abraham went to the wilderness, and he reached the tent 16. And Abraham hearkened to of Ishmael about noon, and he asked the voice of Sarah, and he rose up after Ishmael, and he found the wife early in the morning, and he took of Ishmael sitting in the tent with her

him

this day.

which he gave

twelve loaves and a bottle of water children, and Ishmael her husband to Hagar, and sent and his mother were not with them. 25. And Abraham asked the wife her away with her son, and Hagar went with her son to the wilderness, of Ishmael, saying, where has Ish and they dwelt in the wilderness of mael gone ? and she said, he has Paran with the inhabitants of the wil gone to the field to hunt, and Abra derness, and Ishmael was an archer, ham was still mounted upon the and he dwelt in the wilderness a long camel, for he would not get off to the ground as he had sworn to his time. 17. And he and his mother after wife Sarah that he would not get off ward went to the land of Egypt, and from the camel.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

26.

59

34. very old man from the land a of the Philistines came to seek thee, little water that I may drink, for I and thus was his appearance and am fatigued from the journey. figure ; I did not ask him who he 27. And Ishmael s wife answered was, and seeing thou wast not at

And Abraham

said

to

Ish-

niael s wife,

my

daughter give

me

to Abraham, we have home he said to me, when they hus water nor bread, and she band cometh home tell him, thus continued sitting in the tent and did saith the old man, put away the nail not notice Abraham, neither did she of the tent which thou hast placed here and place another nail in its ask him who he was. 28. But she was beating her chil stead. dren in the tent, and she was curs 35. And Ishmael heard the words ing them, and she also cursed her of his wife, and he knew that it was husband Ishmael and reproached his father, and that his wife did not him, and Abraham heard the words honor him. of Ishmael s wife to her children, 36. And Ishmael understood his and he was very angry and dis father s words that he had spoken to his wife, and Ishmael hearkened to pleased. 29. And Abraham called to the the voice of his father, and Ishmael woman to come out to him from the cast off that woman and she went tent, and the woman came and stood away. 37. And Ishmael afterward went opposite to Abraham, for Abraham was still mounted upon the camel. to the land of Canaan, and he took 30. And Abraham said to Ish another wife and he brought her to mael s wife, when thy husband Ish his tent to the place where he then mael returneth home say these words dwelt. to him. 38. And at the end of three years 31. A very old man from the land Abraham said, I will go again and of the Philistines came hither to see Ishmael my son, for I have not seek thee, and thus was his appear seen him for a long time. ance and figure 39. And he rode upon his camel I did not ask him who he was, and seeing thou wast and went to the wilderness, and he not here he spoke unto me and said, reached the tent of Ishmael about when Ishmael they husband return noon. eth tell him thus did this man 40. And he asked after Ishmael, say, when thou comest home put away and his wife came out of the tent this nail of the tent which thou hast and she said, he is not here my lord, placed here, and place another nail for he has gone to hunt in the fields, in its stead. and to feed the camels, and the

and

said

neither

32.

And Abraham
to

finished his in

woman

said to

Abraham, turn

in

my

structions

the

woman, and he

lord into the tent

turned and went off on the camel bread, for homeward. on account of the journey.

and eat a morsel of soul must be wearied thy

33. And after that Ishmael come 41. And Abraham said to her, I from the chase, he and his mother, will not stop for I am in haste to and returned to the tent, and his continue my journey, but give me a wife spoke these words to him. little water to drink, for I have

60
;

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

thirst and the woman hastened and ran into the tent and she brought out water and bread to Abraham, which she placed before him and she urged him to eat, and he ate and drank and his heart was comforted and he blessed his son Ishmael.

CHAPTER
.

XXII.

1 And Ishmael then rose up and took his wife and his children and

his cattle and all belonging to him, and he journeyed from there and he

went
2.

to his father in the land of the

meal and he blessed the Lord, and he said to Ishmael s wife, when Ishmael cometh home say these words to him ; 43. A very old man from the land of the Philistines came hither and asked after thee, and thou wast not here, and I brought him out bread and water and he ate and drank and
finished his
his heart

42.

And he

Philistines.

And Abraham

related to Ish

mael
first

his son the transaction with the

ing to

wife that Ishmael took, accord what she did.

3. And Ishmael and his children dwelt with Abraham many days in that land, and Abraham dwelt in the
j
!

was comforted.
;

land of the Philistines a long time. 4. And the days increased and
years, and after
his servants

44.

me

And he spoke these words to reached twenty six when Ishmael thy husband that Abraham with

and

cometh home, say unto him, the nail all belonging to him went from the of the tent which thou hast is very land of the Philistines and removed good, do not put it away from the to a great distance, and they came tent. near to Hebron, and they remained 45. And Abraham finished com there, and the servants of Abraham

manding the woman, and he rode

to his istines

off

home
;

to the land of the Phil

dug wells of water, and Abraham and all belonging to him dwelt by

to his tent his

Ishmael came the water, and the servants o Abiwife went forth to melech king of the Philistines heard meet him with joy and a cheerful the report that Abraham s servants heart. had dag wells of water in the bor 46. And she said to him, an old ders of the land. man came here from the land of the 5. And they came and quarreled Philistines and thus was his appear with the servants of Abraham, and ance, and he asked after thee and they robbed them of the great well thou wast not here, so I brought out which they had dug. bread and water, and he ate and 6. And Abimelech king of the drank and his heart was comforted. Philistines heard of this affair, and 47. And he spoke these words to he with Phicol the captain of his me when Ishmael thy husband host and twenty of his men came to cometh home say to him, the nail of Abraham, and Abimelech spoke to the tent which thou hast is very Abraham concerning his servants, good, do not put it away from the and Abraham rebuked Abimelech tent. concerning the well of which his 48. And Ishmael knew that it was servants had robbed him. his father, and that his wife had 7. And Abimelech said to Abra honored him, and the Lord blessed ham, as the Lord liveth who created Ishmael. the whole earth I did not hear of the
;

and when

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

act which my servants did unto thy in the earth his life.* servants until this day.
8.
;

61
this did

Abraham

all

15. And Abraham s brother Natook the seven hor and his father and all belonging ewe lambs which Abraham had to them dwelt in Haran, for they did given to him, for he had also given not come with Abraham to the land him cattle and herds in abundance, of Canaan. 16. And children were born to and Abimelech swore to Abraham concerning the well, therefore he Nahor which Milca the daughter of called that well Beersheba, for there Haran, and sister to Sarah, Abra ham s wife, bare to him. they both swore concerning it. 17. And these are the names of 10. And they both made a co venant in Beersheba, and Abime those that were born to him, Uz, lech rose up with Phicol the cap Buz, Kemuel, Kesed, Chazo, Pilfor

14. And Abraham and his children ewe Abimelech, and all belonging to him dwelt in from Beersheba, and he pitched his tent saying, take these I pray thee my hands that it may be a testimony as far as Hebron.

And Abraham

took seven
to

lambs and gave them

me

that I

dug

this well.

9.

And Abimelech

tain of his

and
the
all

host and all his men, dash, Tidlaf, and Bethuel, being returned to the land of eight sons, these are the children of they Philistines, and Abraham and Milca which she bare to Nahor
!

belonging to him dwelt in Beer Abraham s brother. 18. And Nahor had a concubine sheba and he was in that land a long and her name was Reumah, and she time.
.

planted a large also bare to Nahor, Zebach, GaBeersheba, and he made to chash, Tachash and Maacha, being it four gates facing the four sides of four sons. the earth, and he planted a vineyard 19. And the children that were in it, so that if a traveller came to born to Nahor were twelve sons be Abraham he entered any gate which sides his daughters, and they also had was in his road, and remained there children born to them in Haran. and ate and drank and satisfied him 20. And the children of Uz the self and then departed. first born of Nahor were Abi, Che12 For the house of Abraham was ref, Gadin, Melus, and Deborah always open to the sons of men that their sister. 21. And the sons of Buz were passed and repassed, who came daily to eat and drink in the house Berachel, Naamath, Sheva and Maof Abraham. donu. 13. And any man who had hunger 22. And the sons of Kemuel were
11.

And Abraham

grove in

Abraham s house, Abra Aram and Rechob. 23. And the sons of Kesed were give him bread that he might eat and drink and be satisfied, Anamlech, Meshai, Benon and Yifi ; and any one that came naked to his and the sons of Chazo were Pildash, house he would clothe with garments Mechi and Opher. as he might choose, and give him 24. And the sons of Pildash were
and came
to

ham would

silver

him

the

and gold and make known to Arud, Chamum, Mered and Moloch. * Lord who had created him Hebrew, all the days.

62
25.

THE BOOK OF JASHER. And And

the sons of Yidlaf

were

lived thirty years

and he begat Aram,

Mushan, Cushan and Mutzi.

26. the children of Bethuel

Achlis and Merik.

36. And Aram son of Zoba son of Terah, had three wives and he begat twelve sons and three daugh ters and the Lord gave to Aram the son of Zoba, riches and
;

were Sechar, Laban and their sister Rebecca. 27. These are the families of the children of Nahor, that were born to them in Haran and Aram the son of Kemuel and Rechob his brother went away from Haran, and they
;

posses

sions, flocks

and abundance of cattle, and and herds, and the man in

creased greatly.
37.

found a valley in the land by the river Euphrates. 28. And they built a city there, and they called the name of the city after the name of Pethor the son of

And Aram

the son of

Zoba

Aram,
29.
also

that is

Aram Naherayim* un
children of

and his brother and all his house hold journeyed from Haran, and they went to dwell where they should find a place, for their property was too great to remain in Haran for
;

to this day.

And
to

the

Kesed

dwell where they could find a place, and they went and they found a valley opposite to the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there.

went

they there built them a city, and they called the name of the city Kesed after the name of their father, that is the land Kasdimf unto this day, and the Kasdim dwelt in that land and they were fruitful and multiplied exceed30.
selves

And

they could not stop in Haran to gether with their brethren the child ren of Nahor. 38. And Aram the son of Zoba went with his brethren, and they found a valley at a distance toward the eastern country and they dwelt
there.

39.
there,

And they
and
they

also

built a city

called

the

name

thereof Aram, after the

eldest brother;
to this day.

name

of their

that

is

Aram Zoba

40. And Isaac the son of Abra Nahor ham was growing up in those days, and Abraham went and took another and Abraham his father taught him wife in his old age, and her name the way of the Lord to know the was Pelilah, and she conceived and Lord, and the Lord was with him. 41. And when Isaac was thirty bare him a son and he called his
31.

And Terah

father of

name Zoba. 32. And Terah

years after
33.
that
is

seven years
lived twenty five
tent.

old,

Ishmael his brother

in the

was going about with him

he begat Zoba.

died in that year, 42. And Ishmael boasted of him self of to Isaac, saying, I was thirteen the year Lord spoke to birth of Isaac son of Abraham. years old when the 34. And the days of Terah were my father to circumcise us, and I did two hundred and five years, and he according to the word of the Lord

And Terah

in the thirty fifth

was buried
35.
*

in

Haran.
the son of

And Zoba

Mesopotamia.

which he spoke to my father, and I Terah gave my soul unto the Lord, and I did not transgress his word which
he commanded

t Chaldea.

my

father.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

43.

63

And Isaac answered Ishrnael, name continually to all the children me of the earth. saying, why dost thou boast to 51. And now that his son Isaac is about this, about a little bit of thy
which thou didst take from thy born to him, he has forsaken thee, concerning which the Lord he has made a great feast for all the inhabitants of the land, and the Lord commanded thee ? 44. As the Lord liveth, the God he has forgotten. 52. For amidst all that he has done of my father Abraham, if the Lord should say unto my father, take now he brought thee no offering neither thy son Isaac and bring him up an burnt offering nor peace offering, nei nor goat of all that he ottering before me, I would not re ther ox, lamb frain but I would joyfully accede to killed on the day that his son was it. weaned. 45. And the Lord heard the word 53. Even from the time of his that Isaac spoke to Ishmael, and it son s birth till now, being thirty-seven seemed good in the sight of the Lord, years, he built no altar before thee, and he thought to try Abraham in this nor brought up any offering to thee, matter. for he saw that thou didst give what 46. And the day arrived when the he requested before thee, and he sons of God came and placed them therefore forsook thee. selves before the Lord, and Satan also 54. And the Lord said to Satan,
flesh

body,

came with
the Lord.

the sons of

God

before hast thou thus considered my servant Abraham ? for there is none like him

47. And the Lord said unto Satan, upon earth, a perfect and an upright whence comest thou ? and Satan an man before me, one that feareth God swered the Lord and said, from go and avoideth evil as I live, were I ing to and fro in the earth, and from to say unto him, bring up Isaac thy son before me, he would not withhold walking up and down in it. 48. And the Lord said to Satan, him from me, much more if I told what is thy word to me concerning him to bring up a burnt offering be
;

the children of the earth? and fore me from his flocks or herds. Satan answered the Lord and said, 55. And Satan answered the Lord I have seen all the children of the and said, speak then now unto Abra earth who serve thee and remember ham as thou hast said, and thou wilt thee when they require anything from see whether he will not this day trans thee. gress and cast aside thy words. 49. And when thou givest them
all

the thing which they require from thee, they sit at their ease, and for sake thee and they remember thee

CHAPTER
.

XXIII.

no more. 50. Hast thou seen Abraham the son of Terah, who at first had no children, and he served thee and erected altars to thee wherever he came, and he brought up offerings upon them, and he proclaimed thy

1 At that time the word of the Lord came to Abraham, and he said unto him, Abraham, and he said here I am. 2. And he said to him, take now

thy son, thine only son

lovest,

whom thou even Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there for a

64

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

thy son, and place thine eyes over him, for I have no other son nor daughter but him. O forsake him not. If he be 1 1 hungry give him bread, and if he be thirsty give him water to drink ; do not let him go on foot, neither let
.

burnt offering upon one of the moun tains which shall be shown to thee, for there wilt thou see a cloud and the glory of the Lord. 3. And Abraham said within him self, how shall I separate my son Isaac from Sarah his mother, in order to bring him up for a burnt offering before the Lord ?
4.
tent,

him

sit in

the sun.

12. Neither let

And Abraham came

into

the in the road, neither force

him go by himself him from

wife, her.
5.

and he sat before Sarah his whatever he may desire, but do unto and he spoke these words to him as he may say to thee. 13. And Sarah wept bitterly the My son Isaac is grown up and whole night on account of Isaac, and
for

he has not
will

some time studied

the she gave

I

him

instructions

till

morn

service of his God,

now to-morrow

And in the morning Sarah se go and bring him to Shem, and his son, and there he will learn lected a very fine and beautiful gar the ways of the Lord, for they will ment from those garments which she teach him to know the Lord as well had in the house, that Abimelech had as to know that when he prayeth given to her. 15. And she dressed Isaac her son continually before the Lord, he will answer him, therefore there he will therewith, and she put a turban upon know the way of serving the Lord his head, and she enclosed a precious his God. stone in the top of the turban, and 6. And Sarah said, thou hast spo she gave them provision for the road, ken well, go my lord and do unto him and they went forth, and Isaac went as thou hast said, but remove him with his father Abraham, and some not at a great distance from me, nei of their servants accompanied them ther let him remain there too long, to see them off the road. for my soul is bound within his soul. out with 16. And Sarah went 7. And Abraham said unto Sarah, them, and she accompanied them my daughter, let us pray to the Lord upon the road to see them off, and our God that he may do good with they said to her, return to the tent. us. 17. And when Sarah heard the 8. And Sarah took her son Isaac words of her son Isaac she wept and he abided all that night with her, bitterly, and Abraham her husband and she kissed and embraced him, wept with her, and their son wept and gave him instructions till morn with them a great weeping; also those
Eber
she said to him, O my son how can my soul separate itself "from And she still kissed him and thee ? embraced him, and she gave Abra ham instructions concerning him.
ing. 9.

ing. 14.

And

who went with them wept greatly. 18. And Sarah caught hold of her
son Isaac, and she held him in her arms, and she embraced him and continued to weep with him, and

Sarah
this

0.

And Sarah

O my lord, I

Abraham, pray thee take heed of

said to

day

said, who knoweth if after I shall ever see thee again ?

19.

And

they

still

wept

together,

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

65

Abraham, Sarah and Isaac and all that thou goest to do this thing this those that accompanied them on the day to thine only son ? 26. For God gave thee a son in road wept with them, and Sarah afterward turned away from her son, thy latter days, in thy old age, and weeping bitterly, and all her men wilt thou go and slaughter him this servants and maid servants returned day because he committed no vio with her to the tent. lence, and wilt thou cause the soul Abraham went with of thine only son to perish from the 20. And Isaac his son to bring him up as an earth ? 27. Dost thou not know and un offering before the Lord, as he had derstand that this thing cannot be commanded him. 21. And Abraham took two of from the Lord ? for the Lord cannot
the son of

young men with him, Ishmael do unto man such evil upon earth to Hagar and Eliezer his say to him, go slaughter thy child. 28. And Abraham heard this and servant, and they went together with them, and whilst they were walking knew that it was the word of Satan in the road the young men spoke who endeavored to draw him aside from the way of the Lord, but these words to themselves. 22. And Ishmael said to Eliezer, Abraham would not hearken to the
his

now my

father Abraham is going with Isaac to bring him up for a burnt offering to the Lord, as he commanded him. 23. Now when he returneth he will give unto me all that he pos
sesses, to inherit after him, for I his first born.

voice of Satan, and Abraham rebu ked him so that he went away. 29. And Satan returned and came to Isaac and he appeared unto Isaac
;

in the figure of a

young man, comely

am

and well favoured. 30. And he approached Isaac and

said unto him, dost thou not know Eliezer answered Ish and understand that thy old silly., mael and said, surely Abraham did father bringeth thee to the slaughter cast thee away with thy mother, this day for nought ? 31. Now therefore, my son, do and swear that thou shouldst not in herit any thing of all he possesses, not listen nor attend to him, for he and to whom will he give all that he is a silly old man, and let not thy has, with all his treasures, but unto precious soul and beautiful figure be me his servant, who has been faith lost from the earth. 32. And Isaac heard this, and ful in his house, who has served him night and day, and has done said unto Abraham, hast thou heard, all that he desired me ? to me will my father, that which this man has he bequeath at his death all that he spoken ? even thus has he spoken.

24.

And

33. And Abraham answered his possesses. 25. And whilst Abraham was pro son Isaac and said to him, take heed ceeding with his son Isaac along the of him and do not listen to his words, road, Satan came and appeared to nor attend to him, for he is Satan Abraham in the figure of a very aged endeavoring to draw us aside this

man, humble and of contrite spirit, day from the commands of God. 34. And Abraham still rebuked and he approached Abraham and said to him, art thou silly or brutish, Satan, and Satan went from them,
5

66

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

and seeing he could not prevail over 43. And Abraham said to Isaac, them he hid himself from them, and ny son dost thou see in that mounhe went and passed before them in ain, which we perceive at a distance, and he transformed him the road hat which I see upon it ? self to a large brook of water in the 44. And Isaac answered and said road, and Abraham and Isaac and unto his father, I see and lo a pillar his two young men reached that fire and a cloud, and the glory of place, and they saw a brook large and he Lord is seen upon the cloud. 45. And Abraham knew that his powerful as the mighty waters. 35. And they entered the brook son Isaac was accepted before the and passed through it, and the Lord for a burnt offering. waters at first reached their legs. 46. And Abraham said unto Eli36. And they went deeper in the ezer and unto Ishmael his son, do brook and the waters reached up to you also see that which we see up on the mountain which is at a distheir necks, and they were all terri fied on account of the water and ance? whilst they were going over the 47. And they answered and said, brook Abraham recognized that we see nothing more than like the And place, and he knew that there was other mountains of the earth. no water there before. Abraham knew that they were not 37. And Abraham said to his son accepted before the Lord to go with Isaac, I know this place in which them, and Abraham said to them, there was no brook nor water, now abide ye here with the ass whilst I therefore it is this Satan who does and Isaac my son will go to yonder all this to us, to draw us aside this mount and worship there before the Lord and then return to you. day from the commands of God. 38. And Abraham rebuked him 48. And Eliezer and Ishmael re and said unto him, the Lord rebuke mained in that place, as Abraham thee, O Satan, begone from us for bad commanded. we go by the commands of God. 49. And Abraham took wood for 39. And Satan was terrified at the burnt offering and placed it upon voice of Abraham, and he went his son Isaac, and he took the fire away from them, and the place and the knife, and they both went to
;
>f

again became dry land as

first.

it

was

at that place.

50. And when they were going with along Isaac said to his father, be Isaac toward the place that God hac hold, I see here the fire and wood, told him. and where then is the lamb that is 41. And on the third day Abra to be the burnt offering before the 40.

And Abraham

went

ham
told

lifted

up

his eyes

and saw the Lord?

place at a distance which

51. And Abraham answered his son Isaac, saying, the Lord has 42. And a pillar of fire appearec made choice of thee my son, to be to him that reached from the earth a perfect burnt offering instead of to heaven, and a cloud of glory up the lamb. on the mountain, and the glory of 52. And Isaac said unto his fath the Lord was seen in the cloud. er, I will do all that the Lord spoke

God

hac

him

of.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

to thee with joy heart.

67
offering;

and cheerfulness of profane

Abraham
62.

the burnt did so.

and
his

53. And Abraham again said unto Isaac his son, is there in thy heart any thought or counsel concerning this, which is not proper? tell me my son, I pray thee, my son con ceal it not from me. 54. And Isaac answered his fath er Abraham and said unto him, O

And

Isaac

still

said

to

father, have slain

me and burnt me for an with thee that which take offering, shall remain of my ashes to bring to
Sarah

my

father,

when thou

shalt

my
;

mother, and say to her,

this is

Isaac

the sweet smelling savor of but do not tell her this if she

my
thy

father, as the Lord liveth and as should sit near a well or upon any soul liveth there is nothing in high place, lest she should cast her

my
thee.

heart to cause

me

to

either to the right or to the left from the word that he has spoken to

deviate soul after me and die. the 63. And Abraham heard words of Isaac, and he lifted up his voice and wept when Isaac spake
;

55. Neither limb nor muscle has these words and Abraham s tears or stirred at this, nor is there gushed down upon Isaac his son, in my heart any thought or evil and Isaac wept bitterly, and he said counsel concerning this. to his father, hasten thou, my 56. But I am of joyful and cheer father, and do with me the will of

moved

ful heart in this matter, and I say, the Lord our blessed is the Lord who has this manded thee.

God

as

he has com

64. And the hearts of Abraham day chosen me to be a burnt offering before him. and Isaac rejoiced at this thing which 57. And Abraham greatly rejoiced the Lord had commanded them ; but at the words of Isaac, and they went the eye wept bitterly whilst the heart

on and came together to that place that the Lord had spoken of. 58. And Abraham approached to build the altar in that place, and Abraham was weeping, and Isaac took stones and mortar until they had finished building the altar.
59.

rejoiced.

And

his son on him the altar and Isaac, placed upon the wood, and Isaac stretched forth his neck upon the altar before his father, and Abraham stretched forth his hand to take the knife to Abraham took the wood slay his son as a burnt offering be

65.

And Abraham bound

and placed it in order upon the altar fore the Lord. which he had built. 66. At that time the angels of 60. And he took his son Isaac and mercy came before the Lord and

bound him

in order to place him spake upon the wood which was upon the ing* 67. altar, to slay him for a burnt offering

to

him concerning

Isaac, say

before the Lord.

And Isaac said to his father, bind securely and then place me upon the altar lest I should turn and move, and break loose from the force of the knife upon my flesh and thereby
61
.

me

Lord, thou art a merciful and compassionate king over all that thou hast created in heaven and in earth, and thou supportest them all ; give therefore ransom and redemp tion instead of thy servant Isaac, and Abrapity and have compassion upon

68

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

Isaac his son,

occasion by the altar, he would exclaim and say, this is in the room, mands. of my son, and may it this day be 68. Hast thou seen, O Lord, how considered before the Lord in the Isaac the son of Abraham thy ser place of my son and Abraham fin vant is bound down to the slaughter ished the whole of the service by the like an animal ? now therefore let altar, and the service was accepted, Lord. before the Lord, and was accounted thy pity be roused for them, 69. At that time the Lord appear as if it had been Isaac and the Lord ed unto Abraham, and called to him blessed Abraham and his seed on from heaven, and said unto him, lay that day. not thine hand upon the lad, neither 76. And Satan went to Sarah, and do thou any thing unto him, for now he appeared to her in the figure of I know that thou fearest God in per an old man very humble and meek, in not and Abraham was yet engaged in the and withhold this act, forming ing thy son, thine only son, from me. burnt offering before the Lord. 70. And Abraham lifted up his 77. And he said unto her, dost eyes and saw, and behold, a ram was thou not know all the work that caught in a thicket by his horns that Abraham has made with thine only was the ram which the Lord God son this day ? for he took Isaac and had created in the earth in the day built an altar and killed him, and that he made earth and heaven. brought him up as a sacrifice upon 71. For the Lord had prepared the altar, and Isaac cried and wept this ram from that day, to be a burnt before his father, but he looked not at him, neither did he have compas offering instead of Isaac. 72. And this ram was advancing sion over him. to Abraham when Satan caught hold these 78. And Satan repeated of him and entangled his horns in the words, and he went away from her, thicket, that he might not advance to and Sarah heard all the words of Abraham, in order that Abraham Satan, and she imagined him to be an old man from amongst the sons of might slay his son. 73. And Abraham, seeing the ram men who had been with her son, and advancing to him and Satan withhold had come and told her these things. 79. And Sarah lifted up her voice ing him, fetched him and brought him before the altar, and he loosened and wept and cried out bitterly on his son Isaac from his and she threw binding, and account of her son he put the ram in his stead, and herself upon the ground and she Abraham killed the ram upon the cast dust upon her head, and she altar, and brought it up as an offering said, O my son, Isaac my son, O in the place of his son Isaac. that I had this day died instead of 74. And Abraham sprinkled some thee. And she continued to weep of the blood of the ram upon the al and said, it grieves me for thee, O tar, and he exclaimed and said, this my son, my son Isaac, O that I had
this

ham and upon

are this

who

day performing thy com

is in

the place of my son, and may died this day in thy stead. be considered this day as the 80. And she still continued to blood of my son before the Lord. weep, and said, it grieves me for 75. And all that Abraham did on thee after that I have reared thee and
this

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

have brought thee up now my joy is turned into mourning over thee, I that had a longing for thee, and cried and prayed to God till I bare thee at ninety years old and now hast thou served this day for the knife and the fire, to be made an offering. 81. But I console myself with
; ;

69

was so exceedingly violent on ac count of her son, that her soul went out through joy she died and was gathered to her people.
;

87.

And when

Abraham

had

finished his service he returned with

his son Isaac to his

young men, and

they rose up and went together to thee my son, in its being the word Beersheba, and they came home. 88. And Abraham sought for Sa of the Lord, for thou didst perform the command of thy G od for who rah, and could not find her, and he can transgress the word of our God, made inquiries concerning her, and in whose hands is the soul of every they said unto him, she went as far as Hebron to seek you both where living creature ? 82. Thou art just O Lord our God, you had gone, for thus was she in for all thy works are good and righ formed. 89. And Abraham and Isaac went teous for I also am rejoiced with thy word which thou didst command, to her to Hebron, and when they and whilst mine eye weepeth bitterly found that she was dead they lifted up their voices and wept bitterly over my heart rejoiceth. 83. And Sarah laid her head upon her; and Isaac fell upon his mother s the bosom of one of her handmaids, face and wept over her, and he said, O my mother, my mother, how hast and she became as still as a stone. 84. She afterward rose up and thou left me, and where hast thou went about making inquiries till she gone ? O how, how hast thou left came to Hebron, and she inquired me! of all those whom she met walking 90. And Abraham and Isaac wept in the road, and no one could tell her greatly and all their servants wept what had happened to her son. with them on account of Sarah, and 85. And she came with her maid they mourned over her a great and servants and men servants to Kireath heavy mourning. Arba, which is Hebron, and she asked concerning her son, and she XXIV. remained there whilst she sent some 1 And the life of Sarah was one of her servants to seek where Abra ham had gone with Isaac they went hundred and twenty seven years, to seek him in the house of Shem and Sarah died and Abraham rose and Eber, and they could not find up from before his dead to seek a him, and they sought throughout the burial place to bury his wife Sarah ; and he went and spoke to the child land and he was not there. 86. And behold, Satan came to ren of Heth, the inhabitants of the Sarah in the shape of an old man, land, saying, and he came and stood before her, 2. I am a stranger and a sojourner and he said unto her, I spoke falsely with you in your land give me a unto thee, for Abraham did not kill possession of a burial place in your his son and he is not dead and land, that I may bury my dead from when she heard the word her joy before me.
:

CHAPTER

70

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

3. And the children of Heth said the purchase, and placed it in his unto Abraham, behold the land is treasures, and these are the words before thee, in the choice of our se that Abraham wrote in the book, pulchres bury thy dead, for no man namely. 10. That the cave and the field shall withhold thee from burying Abraham bought from Ephron the thy dead. 4. And Abraham said unto them, Hittite, and from his seed, and from if you are agreeable to this go and those that go out of his city, and intreat for me to Ephron, the son of from their seed for ever, are to be a

me

Zochar, requesting that he may give a purchase to Abraham and to his the cave of Machpelah, which is seed and to those that go forth from

and I will his loins, for a possession of a burial whatever he place for ever and he put a signet to it and testified it with witnesses. desire for it. 1 1 And the field and the cave that 5. And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth, and they went and was in it and all that place were called for him, and he came before made sure unto Abraham and unto Abraham, and Ephron said unto his seed after him, from the children Abraham, behold all thou require st of Heth behold it is before Mamre and Abraham in Hebron, which is in the land of thy servant will do said, no, but I will buy the cave and Canaan. 12. And after this Abraham buri the field which thou hast for value, in order that it may be for a posses ed his wife Sarah there, and that sion of a burial place for ever. place and all its boundary became to 6. And Ephron answered and said, Abraham and unto his seed for a behold the field and the cave are be possession of a burial place. 13. And Abraham buried Sarah fore thee, give whatever thou desirest; and Abraham said, only at full with pomp as observed at the inter value will I buy it from thy hand, ment of kings, and she was buried in and from the hands of those that go very fine and beautiful garments. 14. And at her bier was Shem, in at the gate of thy city, and from his sons Eber and Abimelech, to the hand of thy seed for ever. 7. And Ephron and all his breth gether with Anar. Ashcol and Mamre, ren heard this, and Abraham weigh and all the grandees of the land fol ed to Ephron four hundred shekels lowed her bier. 15. And the days of Sarah were of silver in the hands of Ephron and in the hands of all his brethren and one hundred and twenty seven years Abraham wrote this transaction, and and she died, and Abraham made a he wrote it and testified it with four great and heavy mourning, and he
in the

end of his
it

field,

purchase

of

him

for

witnesses.
8.

performed the
these are the

rites of

mourning

for

And

names

of the seven days.

16. And all the inhabitants of the witnesses, Amigal son of Abishna the Hittite, Adichorom son of Ashu- land comforted Abraham and Isaac nach the Hivite, Abdon son of Achi- his son on account of Sarah. 17. And when the days of their ram the Gomerite, Bakdil the son of Abudish the Zidonite. mourning passed by Abraham sent

And Abraham

took the book of

away

his son Isaac,

and he went to

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

the

71

25. And all the families of the and Eber, to Lord and his children of Lot went to dwell wher instructions, and Abraham remained ever they should light upon, for they were fruitful and increased abun there three years. 18. At that time Abraham rose up dantly. 26. And they went and built them with all his servants, and they went and returned homeward to Beershe- selves cities in the land where they ba, and Abraham and all his servants dwelt, and they called the names of the cities which they built after their remained in Beersheba. 19. And at the revolution of the own names. 27. And Nahor the son of Terah, year Abimelech king of the Philis he was one brother to Abraham, died in those tines died in that year hundred and ninety three years old days in the fortieth year of the life at his death and Abraham went of Isaac, and all the days of Nahor with his people to the land of the were one hundred and seventy two Philistines, and they comforted the years and he died and was buried in whole household and all his servants, Haran. and he then turned and went home. 28. And when Abraham heard 20. And it was after the death of that his brother was dead he grieved Abimelech that the people of Gerar sadly, and he mourned over his took Benmalich his son, and he was brother many days. Abraham called for 29. And only twelve years old, and they made him king in the place of his Eliezer his head servant, to give father. him orders concerning his house, and 21. And they called his name he came and stood before him.

house of

Shem

learn the

ways

of the

Abimelech

after

the

name

of his

30.

And Abraham
I

said to

him,

father, for thus was it their custom to do in Gerar, and Abimelech

behold

am

old, I
;

day of

my death
;

do not know the for I am advanced

reigned
father,

instead

of

Abimelech

his in

and he sat upon his throne. 22. And Lot the son Haran also son from this place and from this died in those days, in the thirty ninth land, from the daughters of the year of the life of Isaac, and all the Canaanites amongst whom we dwell. 31. But go to my land and to my days that Lot lived were one hundred
birth place, and take from thence a these are the children of wife for my son, and the Lord God Lot, that were born to him by his of Heaven and earth who took me daughters the name of the first born from my fathers house and brought was Moab, and the name of the me to this place, and said unto me,

therefore rise up, go forth and do not take a wife for my

"days

now

and forty years and he died.

23.

And
;

second was Benami.

24.

sons of Lot went and took themselves wives from the land of Canaan, and they bare children to them, and the children of

seed will I give this land for thy an inheritance for ever, he will send his angel before thee and prosper thy way, that thou mayest obtain a wife for my son from my family and Moab were Ed, Mayon, Tarsus, and from my father s house. 32. And the servant answered his Kanvil, four sons, these are fathers to the children of Moab unto this day. master Abraham and said, behold I
to

And the two

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

38. And Eliezer related to them thy birth place and to thy house, and take a wife for all his concerns, and that he was thy son from there but if the woman Abraham s servant, and they greatly be not willing to follow me to this rejoiced at him. 39. And they all blessed the Lord land, shall I take thy son back to the

go

tc

lather

land of thy birth place ? who brought this thing about, and 33. And Abraham said unto him, they gave him Rebecca, the daugh take heed that thou bring not my ter of Bethuel, for a wife for Isaac. son hither again, for the Lord before 40. And the young woman was whom I have walked he will send of very comely appearance, she was

angel before thee and prosper a virgin, and Rebecca was ten years old in those days. thy way. 41. And Bethuel and Laban and 34. And Eliezer did as Abraham ordered him, and Eliezer swore unto his children made a feast on that Abraham his master upon this night, and Eliezer and his men came matter and Eliezer rose up and took and ate and drank and rejoiced there ten camels of the camels of his on that night. 42. And Eliezer rose up in the master, and ten men from his master s servants with him, and they rose up morning, he and the men that were and went to Haran, the city of with him, and he called to the whole Abraham and Nahor, in order to household of Bethuel, saying, send fetch a wife for Isaac the son of me away that I may go to my mas Abraham and whilst they were gone ter and they rose up and sent away Abraham sent to the house of Shem Rebecca and her nurse Deborah, the and Eber, and they brought from daughter of Uz, and they gave her thence his son Isaac. silver and gold, men servants and 35. And Isaac came home to his maid servants, and they blessed her. father s house to Beersheba, whilst 43. And they sent Eliezer away Eliezer and his men came to Haran with his men ; and the servants took and they stopped in the city by the Rebecca, and he went and returned watering place, and he made his to his master to the land of Canaan. camels to kneel down by the water 44. And Isaac took Rebecca and and they remained there. she became his wife, and he brought 36. And Eliezer, Abraham s ser her into the tent. 45. And Isaac was forty years old vant, prayed and said, O God of Abraham my master; send me I when he took Rebecca, the daughter pray thee good speed this day and of his uncle Bethuel, for a wife. show kindness unto my master, that thou shalt appoint this day a wife XXV. for my master s son from his family. 37. And the Lord hearkened to And it was at that time that 1 the voice of Eliezer, for the sake of Abiaham again took a wife in his old
his
; ;
; ;

CHAPTER

his

Abraham, and he hap age, and her name was Keturah,from with the daughter of the land of Canaan. meet pened 2. And she bare unto him ZimBethuel, the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, brother to Abraham, and rau, Yokshan, Medan, Midian, Yishbak and Shuach, being six sons. Eliezer came to her house.
servant
to

THE BOOK OF JASHER,

73

And the children of Zemran were Methach, Meshar, Avi and Tzanua, and the sons of Epher were Ephron, Abihen, Molich and Marim. 3. And the sons of Yokshan were Zur, Alirun and Medin, and the sons Sheba and Dedan, and the sons of of Chanoch were Reuel, Rekem, Azi, Medan were Amida, Joab, Gochi, Alyoshub and Alad. 13. And the sons of Abida were Elisha and Nothach and the sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Chur, Melud, Keruy, Molchi; and the sons of Eldaah were Miker, and Chanoch, Abida and Eldaah. 4. And the sons of Yishbak were Reba, and Malchiyah and Gabol these are the names of the Midianites Makiro, Beyodua and Tator. and af 5. And the sons of Shuach were according to their families Bildad, Mamdad, Munan and Meban terward the families of Midian spread all these are the families of the chil throughout the land of Midian. 14. And these are the generations dren of Keturah the Canaanitish wo man which she bare unto Abraham of Ishmael the son of Abraham, whom Hagar, Sarah s handmaid, bare the Hebrew. 6. And Abraham sent all these unto Abraham. 15. And Ishmael took a wife from away, and he gave them gifts, and they went away from his son Isaac the land of Egypt, and her name was to dwell wherever they should find Ribah, the same is Meribah. 16. And Ribah bare unto Ishmael a place.
; ;

7.

And all these went to the moun Nebayoth, Kedar,

and their
sister

Adbeel,

Mibsam

tain at the east, and they built them selves six cities in which they dwelt

unto this day.

8. But the children of Sheba and Dedan, children of Yokshan, with

their children, did not dwell with their brethren in their cities, and they jour

neyed and encamped in the countries and wildernesses unto this day.
9. And the children of Midian, son of Abraham, went to the east of the land of Cush, and they there found a large valley in the eastern country, and they remained there and built a city, and they dwelt therein that is the land of Midian unto this day. 10. And Midian dwelt in the city which he built, he and his five sons and all belonging to him.
;

Bosmath. 17. And Ishmael cast away his wife Ribah, and she went from him and returned to Egypt to the house of her father, and she dwelt there, for she had been very bad in the sight of Ishmael, and in the sight of his father Abraham. 18. And Ishmael afterward took a wife from the land of Canaan, and her name was Malchuth, and she
bare unto

him Nishma, Dumah, Masa, Chadad, Tema, Yetur, Naphish and Kedma.
19.

These

are the sons of Ishmael,

and these are their names, being

twelve
nations
;

princes

according to their

and the families of Ishmael afterward spread forth, and Ishmael took his children and all the property 11. And these are the names of that he had gained, together with the the sons of Midian according to their souls of his household and all belong names in their cities, Ephah, Epher, ing to him, and they went to dwell where they should find a place. Chanoch, Abida and Eldaah. 12. And the sons of Ephah were 20. And they went and dwelt near

74

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

;

the wilderness of Paran, and their with his father in the land of Canaan dwelling was from Havilah unto and the Lord was with Isaac and Shur, that is before Egypt as thou Arpachshad the son of Shem the comest toward Assyria. son of Noah died in those days, in 21. And Ishmael and his sons the forty eighth year of the life of dwelt in the land, and they had chil Isaac, and all the days that Arpach dren born to them, and they were shad lived were four hundred and fruitful and increased abundantly. thirty eight years, and he died. 22. And these are the names of the sons of Nebayoth the first born XXVI. of Ishmael; Mend, Send, and Ma1. And in the fifty ninth year of yon and the sons of Kedar were the life of Isaac the son of Abraham, and Eli. Chamad Kezem, Alyon, 23. And the sons of Adbeel were Rebecca his wife was still barren Chamad and Jabin and the sons of in those days.
;

CHAPTER

Mibsam were Obadiah, Ebedmelech and Yeush these are the families
;

2.

And Rebecca

truly I have heard,

my

said unto Isaac, lord, that thy

in

of the children of Ribah the wife of mother

Sarah was barren

her

Ishmael.

days

until

my

lord

Abraham, thy

24. And the sons of Mishmatheson father, prayed for her and she con of Ishmael were Shamua, Zecaryon ceived by him. 3. Now therefore stand up, pray and Obed and the sons of Dumah
;

were

Kezed,

Eli,

Machmad* and thou

Masa were
;

Amed.
25.

God and he will hear and remember us through thy prayer

also to
his mercies.
4. And Isaac answered his wife Rebecca, saying, Abraham has al ready prayed for me to God to mul

And

the sons of

Melon, Mula and Ebidadon and the sons of Chadad were Azur, Minzar and Ebedmelech and the sons of Tema were Seir, Sadon and Yakol. 26. And the sons of Yetur were Merith, Yaish, Alyo, and Pachoth and the sons of Naphish were EbedTamed, Abiyasaph and Mir; and
;
;

tiply his

seed,

now

therefore

this

barrenness must proceed to us from

thee.
5.

but

arise

the

sons of Kedma were Calip, that these were the and grant me children, and Isaac Tachti, and Omir children of Malchuth the wife of Ish hearkened to the words of his wife, mael according to their families. and Isaac and his wife rose up and 27. All these are the families of went to the land of Moriah to pray
;

And Rebecca said unto him, now thou also and pray, the Lord may hear thy prayer

Ishmael according to their genera there and to seek the Lord, and tions, and they dwelt in those lands when they had reached that place wherein they had built themselves Isaac stood up and prayed to the cities unto this day. Lord on account of his wife because
28. And Rebecca the daughter of she was barren. Lord God 6. And Isaac said, Bethuel, the wife of Abraham s son Isaac, was barren in those days, she of heaven and earth, whose good had no offspring and Isaac dwelt ness and mercies fill the earth, thou * This is who didst take my father from his generally called Mohammed.
;
i

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

father s

75

house and from his birth stronger than the other, and the shall serve the younger. place, and didst bring him unto this greater 13. And when her land, and didst say unto him, to thy days to be de seed will I give the land, and thou livered were completed, she knelt
didst promise him and didst declare down, and behold there were twins unto him, I will multiply thy seed as in her womb, as the Lord had spo

the stars of heaven and as the sand ken to her. 14. And the of the sea, now may thy words be
verified

first

came

out red
all

all

which thou

my father.
7.

didst speak unto over like a hairy garment, and people of the land called his

the

name

For thou art the Lord our God, Esau, saying, that this one was made our eyes are toward thee to give us complete from the womb. 15. And after that came his bro seed of men, as thou didst promise us, for thou art the Lord our God ther, and his hand took hold of Esau s and our eyes are directed toward heel, therefore they called his name
thee only.
8.

Jacob.
the

16. And Isaac, the son of Abra Lord heard the prayer of Isaac the son of Abraham, and the ham, was sixty years old when he Lord was intreated of him and Re begat them.

And

becca his wife conceived. 9. And in about seven

17.

And

the boys

grew up

to their

months

after the children struggled together within her, and it pained her greatly that she was wearied on account of them, and she said to all the women who were then in the land, did such a thing happen to you as it has to me ? and they said unto her, no. 10. And she said unto them, why am I alone in this amongst all the women that were upon earth? and Abraham in the land of Canaan, as she went to the land of Moriah to God had commanded them. 19. And Ishmael the son of Abra seek the Lord on account of this and she went to Shem and Eber his ham went with his children and all son to make inquiries of them in belonging to them, and they returned this matter, and that they should there to the land of Havilah, and they seek the Lord in this thing respect dwelt there. 20. And all the children of Abra ing her. 11. And she also asked Abraham ham s concubines went to dwell in to seek and inquire of the Lord about the land of the east, for Abraham
;

and they came amongst the society of men. Esau was a de signing and deceitful man, and an expert hunter in the field, and Jacob was a man perfect and wise, dwelling in tents, feeding flocks and learning the instructions of the Lord and the commands of his father and mother. 18. And Isaac and the children of his household dwelt with his father
fifteenth year,

had sent them away from his son, inquired of the and had given them presents, and Lord concerning this matter, and they they went away. 21. And Abraham gave all that he brought her word from the Lord and
all that

had befallen her.

all

12.

And they

told

her,

two children are

nations
;

womb, and two

from them

shall

in thy rise

had

to

gave him
22.

his son Isaac, and he all his treasures.

also

and one nation

shall

be

And he commanded

him, say-

76
ing, dost

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

thou not know and under Lord has commanded that will I do, stand the Lord is God in heaven and and I will not depart from the com in earth, and there is no other beside mands of the Lord my God, I will
;

him?
23.

And

from

my
me
for

delights

And he brought me to this of the life of Jacob and Esau, the and he delivered me from Ur sons of Isaac, and all the days of Casdim and he said unto me, to Abraham were one hundred and se thy seed will I give all these lands, venty-five years, and he died and and they shall inherit them when was gathered to his people in good they keep my commandments, ray old age, old and satisfied with days, statutes and my judgments that I and Isaac and Ishmael his sons bu have commanded thee, and which I ried him. 30. And when the inhabitants of shall command them. 25. Now therefore my son, hear Canaan heard that Abraham was ken to my voice, and keep the com dead, they all came with their kings mandments of the Lord thy God, and princes and all their men to bury which I commanded thee, do not turn Abraham. from the right way either to the right 31. And all the inhabitants of the or to the left, in order that it may be land of Haran, and all the families well with thee and thy children after of the house of Abraham, and all the thee forever. princes and grandees, and the sons 26. And remember the wonderful of Abraham by the concubines, all works of the Lord, and his kindness came when they heard of Abraham s that he has shown toward us, in hav death, and they requited Abraham s ing delivered us from the hands of kindness, and comforted Isaac his our enemies, and the Lord our God son, and they buried Abraham in the caused them to fall into our hands cave which he bought from Ephron and now therefore keep all that I the Hittite and his children, for the have commanded thee, and turn not possession of a burial place. 32. And all the inhabitants of Ca away from the commandments of thy God, and serve none beside him, in naan, and all those who had known order that it may be well with thee Abraham, wept for Abraham a whole and thy seed after thee. year, and men and women mourned
24.
place,
; ;

and gave me all the taught Jacob the instruction of the upon earth who delivered Lord and his ways. 29. And it was at that time that from the counsel of the wicked, Abraham died, in the fifteenth year in him did I trust.
birth-place,
;

my

keep all that he commanded me and was he who took me Abraham blessed his son Isaac, and father s house, and from also his children; and Abraham
it

27. And teach thou thy children over him. and thy seed the instructions of the 33. And all the little children, and Lord and his commandments, and all the inhabitants of the land wept teach them the upright way in which on account of Abraham, for Abraham they should go, in order that it may had been good to them all, and be be well with them forever. cause he had been upright with God 28. And Isaac answered his father and men. and said unto him, that which my 34. And theie arose not a man

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

who

77

3. And Nimrod was feared God like unto Abraham, observing he had feared his God from his Esau all the days, for a jealousy was youth, and had served the Lord, and formed in the heart of Nimrod against

for

life,

had gone from

in all his

his

ways during his childhood to the day

Esau
4.

Lord was with him and delivered him from the counsel of Nimrod and his people, and when he made war with the four kings of Elam he conquered them. 36. And he brought all the chil dren of the earth to the service of God, and he taught them the ways of the Lord, and caused them to know the Lord. 37. And he formed a grove and he planted a vineyard therein, and he had always prepared in his tent meat and drink to those that passed through
the
land, that they might themselves in his house.
satisfy

of his death. 35. And the

the days. a certain day Esau went in the field to hunt, and he found Nimrod walking in the wilderness
all

And on

with his two men.

5.

And

all

his

mighty men and his

people were with him in the wilder ness, but they removed at a distance

from him, and they went from him in different directions to hunt, and

Esau concealed himself

and he lurked for him
ness.

for

Nimrod,

in the wilder

38. And the Lord God delivered the whole earth on account of Abra

ham.
39. And it was after the death of Abraham that God blessed his son

Isaac and his children, and the Lord was with Isaac as he had been with his head. his father: Abraham, for Isaac 8. And Esau fought a desperate kept all the commandments of the Lord fight with the two men that were as Abraham his father had command with Nimrod, and when they called ed him he did not turn to the right out to him, Esau turned to them and or to the left from the right path smote them to death with his sword. which his father had commanded 9. And all the mighty men of Nim him. rod, who had left him to go to the
;

6. And Nimrod and his men that were with him did not know him, and Nimrod and his men frequently walked about in the field at the cool of the day, and to know where his men were hunting in the field. 7. And Nimrod and two of his men that were with him came to the place where they were, when Esau started suddenly from his lurking place, and drew his sword, and has tened and ran to Nimrod and cut off

CHAPTER XXVII.
1.

And Esau at that time, after the cause of it, when they found their death of Abraham, frequently king and the two men that were with went in the field to hunt. him lying dead in the wilderness.
the
2. And Nimrod 10. And when Esau saw the king of Babel, the same was Amraphel, also frequently mighty men of Nimrod coming at a went with his mighty men to hunt distance, he fled, and thereby escap in the field, and to walk about with ed and Esau took the valuable gar his men in the cool of the day. ments of Nimrod, which Nimrod s
;

wilderness, heard the cry at a dis tance, and they knew the voices of those two men, and they ran to know

78
father

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

had bequeathed to Nimrod, that Nimrod reigned over were re and with which Nimrod prevailed stored to the respective kings of the over the whole land, and he ran and land, who recovered them after the concealed them in his house. death of Nimrod, and all the people 1 1 And Esau took those garments of the house of Nimrod were for a and ran into the city on account of long time enslaved to all the other Nimrod s men, and he came unto his kings of the land. father s house wearied and exhausted from fight, and he was ready to die XXVIII. through grief when he approached his brother Jacob and sat before him. 1. And in those days, after the 12. And he said unto his brother death of Abraham, in that year the Jacob, behold I shall die this day, Lord brought a heavy famine in the and wherefore then do I want the land, and whilst the famine was ra And Jacob acted wisely ging in the land of Canaan, Isaac birthright ? with Esau in this matter, and Esau rose up to go down to Egypt on ac sold his birthright to Jacob, for it was count of the famine, as his father so brought about by the Lord. Abraham had done.
.

CHAPTER

2. And the Lord appeared that portion in the Machpelah, which night to Isaac and he said to him, do Abraham had bought from the chil not go down to Egypt but rise and dren of Heth for the possession of a go to Gerar, to Abimelech king of burial ground, Esau also sold to Ja the Philistines, and remain there till cob, and Jacob bought all this from the famine shall cease. his brother Esau for value 3. And Isaac rose up and went to given. 14. And Jacob wrote the whole Gerar, as the Lord commanded him, of this in a book, and he testified the and he remained there a full year. same with witnesses, and he sealed 4. And when Isaac came to Gerar, and the book remained in the the people of the land saw that Re it, hands of Jacob. becca his wife was of a beautiful ap 15. And when Nimrod the son of pearance, and the people of Gerar Cush died, his men lifted him up asked Isaac concerning his wife, and and brought him in consternation, he said, she is my sister, for he was and buried him in his city, and all afraid to say she was his wife lest the days that Nimrod lived were two the people of the land should slay hundred and fifteen years and he him on account of her. died. 5. And the princes of Abimelech 16. And the days that Nimrod went and praised the woman to the reigned upon the people of the land king, but he answered them not, nei were one hundred and eighty-five ther did he attend to their words. 6. But he heard them say that years and Nimrod died by the sword of Esau in shame and contempt, and Isaac declared her to be his sister,

13.

And Esau s
field of

cave of the

the seed of Abraham caused his death so the king reserved this within as he had seen in his dream. self.
17.

him

And

at the

his

kingdom

death of Nimrod became divided into

7.

And when

Isaac had remained

many

divisions,

and

all

three months in the land, Abimelech those parts looked out at the window, and he

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

79

saw, and behold Isaac was sporting and the best part of the land of Gewith Rebecca his wife, for Isaac rar, to sow and reap and eat the fruits dwelt in the outer house belonging of the ground until the days of the to the king, so that the house of famine should have passed by. 14. And Isaac sowed in that land, Isaac was opposite the house of the and received a hundred-fold in the king. 8. And the king said unto Isaac, same year, and the Lord blessed him. 15. And the man waxed great, what is this thou hast done to us in saying of thy wife, she is my sister ? and he had possession of flocks and how easily might one of the great possession of herds and great store men of the people have lain with her, of servants. 16. And when the days of the fa and thou wouldst then have brought

mine had passed away the Lord ap unto Abime- peared to Isaac and said unto him, lech, because I was afraid lest I die rise up, go forth from this place and on account of my wife, therefore I return to thy land, to the land of Canaan ; and Isaac rose up and re said, she is my sister. 10. At that time Abimelech gave turned to Hebron which is in the orders to all his princes and great land of Canaan, he and all belonging men, and they took Isaac and Re to him as the Lord commanded him. becca his wife and brought them be 17. And after this Shelach the fore the king. son of Arpachshad died in that year,
guilt
9.

upon

us.

And

Isaac

said

1 1 And the king commanded that they should dress them in princely garments, and make them ride through the streets of the city, and proclaim before them throughout the
.

which

the eighteenth year of the Jacob and Esau and all the days that Shelach lived were four hundred and thirty- three years and he died.
is

lives of

land, saying, this is the man and this is his wife ; whoever toucheth this

that time Isaac sent his Jacob to the house of son younger man or his wife shall surely die. Shem and Eber, and he learned the And Isaac returned with his wife to instructions of the Lord, and Jacob the king s house, and the Lord was remained in the house of Shem and with Isaac and he continued to wax Eber for thirty-two years, and Esau his brother did not go, for he was not great and lacked nothing. 12. And the Lord caused Isaac to willing to go, and he remained in find favor in the sight of Abimelech, his father s house in the land of Ca and in the sight of all his subjects, naan. and Abimelech acted well with Isaac, 19. And Esau was continually for Abimelech remembered the oath hunting in the fields to bring home

18.

At

and the covenant that existed be what he could get, so did Esau all tween his father and Abraham. the days. said unto 13. And Abimelech 20. And Esau was a designing Isaac, behold the whole earth is be and deceitful man, one who hunted fore thee dwell wherever it may after the hearts of men and *inveiseem good in thy sight until thou * The literal meaning of the Hebrew is, and Abime stole their shall return to thy land the ori minds," a beautiful figure in lech gave Isaac fields and vineyards ginal to express deceit, falsehood and fraud.
;
"he

80
gled them, and

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

Esau was a
and
in the

valiant told these things to

Rebecca, and

man

course Rebecca rejoiced greatly that the of time went as usual to hunt and Lord had visited her brother and
in the field,
;

he came as
the

far as the field of Seir,

that

he had got children.

same

is

Edom.

21. And he remained in the land of Seir hunting in the field a year and four months.
22.

CHAPTER
1
.

XXIX.

And

And Esau

there

saw

in

the

became
;

Isaac the son of Abraham old and advanced in days,

land of Seir the daughter of a man and his eyes became heavy through of Canaan, and her name was Jehu- age they were dim and could not dith, the daughter of Beeri, son of see. 2. At that time Isaac called unto Epher, from the families of Heth the son of Canaan. Esau his son, saying, get I pray thee 23. Arid Esau took her for a wife, thy weapons, thy quiver arid thy and he came unto her forty years bow, rise up and go forth into the old was Esau when he took her, and field and get me some venison, and he brought her to Hebron the land make me savory meat and bring it of his father s dwelling place, and he to me, that I may eat in order that dwelt there. I may bless thee before my death, 24. And it came to pass in those as I have now become old arid grey days, in the hundred and tenth year headed. of the life of Isaac, that is in the fif 3. And Esau did so ; and he took tieth year of the life of Jacob, in that his weapon and went forth into the year died Shem the son of Noah field to hunt for venison, as usual,
; ;

his death.

to bring to his father as he had or dered him, so that he might bless 25. And when Shem died Jacob him. returned to his father to Hebron which 4. And Rebecca heard all the is in the land of Canaan. words that Isaac had spoken unto 26. And in the fifty-sixth year of Esau, and she hastened and called the life of Jacob, people came from her son Jacob, saying, thus did thy Haran, and Rebecca was told con father speak unto thy brother Esau, cerning her brother Laban the son and thus did I hear, now therefore of Bethuel. hasten thou and make that which I 27. For the wife of Laban was shall tell thee. barren in those days, and bare no 5. Rise up and go, I pray thee, to children, and also all his handmaids the flock and fetch me two fine kids bare none to him. of the goats, and I will get the sa 28. And the Lord afterward re vory meat for thy father, and thou membered Adinah the wife of Laban, shalt bring the savory meat that he and she conceived and bare twin may eat before thy brother shall have daughters, and Laban called the come from the chase, in order that

Shem was

six

hundred years old

at

names

of his daughters, the name of thy father may bless thee. the elder Leah, and the name of the 6. And Jacob hastened and did as

younger Rachel.
29.

And

those people

his mother had commanded him, and came and he made the savory meat and brought

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

it

81

I am thy first born Esau, I have Jacob was concealed in Eber s house done as thou didst order me, now fourteen years on account of his therefore rise up I pray thee, and brother Esau, and he there continued eat of my hunt, in order that thy to learn the ways of the Lord and

before his father before Esau had himself there on account of his his chase. brother, and Jacob was sixty three 7. And Isaac said unto Jacob, years old when he went forth from who art thou, my son ? And he said the land of Canaan from Hebron, and

come from

soul
8.

may bless me as thou didst speak

And

his

commandments.

unto me.

12.

And when Esau saw

that

Isaac rose up and he ate Jacob had fled and escaped from and he drank, and his heart was him, and that Jacob had cunningly comforted, and he blessed Jacob, obtained the blessing, then Esau

and Jacob went away from his father and as soon as Isaac had blessed Jacob and he had gone away from him, behold Esau came from his hunt from the field, and he also made savory meat and brought it to his father to eat thereof and to bless
;

grieved exceedingly, and he

was

also

vexed at his father and mother; and he also rose up and took his wife and went away from his father and mother to the land of Seir, and he dwelt there and Esau saw there a woman from amongst the daughters
;

him.
9.

of

Heth whose name was Bosmath,

Isaac said unto Esau, and the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and who was he that has taken venison he took her for a wife in addition to and brought it me before thou earnest his first wife, and Esau called her
bless ? And Esau name Adah, saying the blessing had brother Jacob had in that time passed from him. done this, and the [anger of Esau 13. And Esau dwelt in the land was kindled against his brother Jacob of Seir six months without seeing that he had acted thus toward him. his father and mother, and afterward 10. And Esau said, is he not Esau took his wives and rose up and rightly called Jacob? for he has returned to the land of Canaan, and

And

and

whom
that

I did

knew

his

my birth right and now he has taken away my blessing and Esau wept
; ;

two wives in his Hebron. 14. And the wives of Esau vexed and when Isaac heard the and provoked Isaac and Rebecca greatly voice of his son Esau weeping, Isaac with their works, for they walked said unto Esau, what can I do my not in the ways of the Lord, but son, thy brother came with subtlety served their father s gods of wood and took away thy blessing anH and stone as their father had taught Esau hated his brother Jacob on ac them, and they were more wicked
supplanted
twice, he took

me

away Esau placed

his

father s house in

had given him, and

11.

count of the blessing that his father than their father. his anger was 15. And they went according to the evil desires of their hearts, and greatly roused against him.
they sacrificed and burnt incense to and he the Baalim, and Isaac and Rebecca rose up and fled to the house of Eber became weary of them. the son of Shem, and he concealed 16. And Rebecca said, I am
afraid of his brother Esau,

And Jacob was very much

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

my life because of the daughters of Heth if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these which are of the daughters of the land, what good then is life unto me ?
weary of
;

my
for

brother

Laban and remain there

time, until thy brother s

some

anger be turned from thee and then shalt thou come back. 24. And Isaac called unto Jacob and said unto him, take not a wife

in those days Adah the from the daughters of Canaan, for Esau conceived and bare thus did our father Abraham com him a son, and Esau called the name mand us according to the word of of the son that was born unto him the Lord which he had commanded Eliphaz, and Esau was sixty five him, saying, unto thy seed will I give this land if thy children keep my years old when she bare him. Ishmael the son of covenant that I have made with thee, 18. And Abraham died in those days, in the then will I also perform to thy child

17.

And

wife of

sixty fourth year of the life of Jacob, and all the days that Ishmael lived were one hundred and thirty seven years and he died. 19. And when Isaac heard that Ishmael was dead he mourned for him, and Isaac lamented over him

ren that which I have spoken unto thee and I will not forsake them. 25. Now therefore my son hearken
to

my

mand

thee,

voice, to all that I shal] com and refrain from taking

a wife from amongst the daughters of Canaan arise, go to Haran to the

;

Bethuel thy mother s end of fourteen father, and take unto thee a wife from years of Jacob s residing in the house there from the daughters of Laban of Eber, Jacob desired to see his thy mother s brother. 26. Therefore take heed lest thou father and mother, and Jacob came to the house of his father and mother shouldst forget the Lord thy God to Hebron, and Esau had in those and all his ways in the land to which days forgotten what Jacob had done thou goest, and shouldst get con to him in having taken the blessing nected with the people of the land and pursue vanity and forsake the from him in those days. 21. And when Esau saw Jacob Lord thy God. 27. But when thou comest to the coming to his father and mother he remembered what Jacob had done land serve there the Lord, do not to him, and he was greatly incensed turn to the right or to the left from the against him and he sought to slay way which I commanded thee and him. which thou didst learn.

many

days.

house

of

20.

And

at

the

22. And Isaac the son of Abraham 28. And may the Almighty God was old and advanced in days, and grant thee favor in the sight of the Esau said, now my father s time is people of the earth, that thou mayest drawing nigh that he must die, and there take a wife according to thy

when he

shall die

I will

slay

my

choice
in the

one

who

is

good and upright

brother Jacob.

23. And this was told to Rebecca, 29. and she hastened and sent and called and thy seed the blessing of thy thee for Jacob her son, and she said unto father Abraham, and make him, arise go and flee to Haran to fruitful and multiply thee, and may-

ways of the Lord. And may God give unto thee

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

a multitude of land whither thou people and may God cause thee to return to this land, the land of thy tgoest, father s dwelling, with children and
est

83

and Eliphaz drew his sword and he went on advancing, he and his men, toward Jacob and Jacob said unto them, what is to do with you that you have come hither, and with great riches, with joy and with what meaneth it that you pursue with pleasure. your swords. 36. And Eliphaz came near to Ja 30. And Isaac finished command ing Jacob and blessing him, and he cob and he answered and said unto him, gave him many gifts, together with thus did my father command me, and silver and gold, and he sent him away now therefore I will not deviate from and Jacob hearkened to his father the orders which my father gave me ; and mother he kissed them and and when Jacob saw that Esau had arose and went to Padanaram, and spoken to Eliphaz to employ force Jacob was seventy seven years old Jacob then approached and suppli when he went out from the land of cated Eliphaz and his men, saying Canaan from Beersheba. to him, 31. And when Jacob went away 37. Behold all that I have and to go to Haran Esau called unto his which my father arid mother gave son Eliphaz, and secretly spoke unto unto me, that take unto thee and go him, saying, now hasten, take thy from me and do not slay me, and sword in thy hand and pursue Jacob may this thing be accounted unto and pass before him in the road, and thee a righteousness. lurk for him, and slay him with thy 38. And the Lord caused Jacob sword in one of the mountains, and to find favor in the sight of Eliphaz take all belonging to him and come the son of Esau, and his men, and they back. hearkened to the voice of Jacob, and 32. And Eliphaz the son of Esau they did not put him to death, and was an active man and expert with Eliphaz and his men took all belong the bow as his father had taught him, ing to Jacob together with the silver and he was a noted hunter in the and gold that he had brought with field and a valiant man. him from Beersheba they left him
thou

become
the

thing

in

And Eliphaz did as his father had commanded him, and Eliphaz
33.

nothing. 39. And

was

time thirteen years old, and Eliphaz rose up and went and took ten of his mother s brothers with him and pursued Jacob. 34. And he closely followed Ja cob, and he lurked for him in the border of the land of Canaan oppo
at that
site to the city

Eliphaz and his men went away from him and they re turned to Esau to Beersheba, and they told him all that had occurred to them with Jacob, and they gave him all that they had taken from
Jacob. 40.

And Esau was indignant at Shechem. Eliphaz his son, and at his men that 35. And Jacob saw Eliphaz and were with him, because they had not his men pursuing him, and Jacob put Jacob to death. stood still in the place in which he 41. And they answered and said was going, in order to know what unto Esau, because Jacob supplica
of
this

was, for he did not

know

the ted us in this matter not to slay him*

84

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

place quite rejoiced, and when he walked his feet felt light to him for joy, and he went from there to the land of the children of the East, and he returned to Haran and he sat by

our pity was excited toward him, and took all belonging to him and brought it unto thee ; and Esau took all the silver and gold which Eliphaz had taken from Jacob and he put them by in his house. 42. At that time when Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and had commanded him, saying, thou shalt not take a wife from amongst the

we

the shepherd
5.

s well.

there found some men going from Haran to feed their flock, and Jacob made inquiries of them, and they said, we are from Haran. 6. And he said unto them, do and that the of Canaan, daughters you daughters of Canaan were bad in the know Laban the son of Nahor ? and they said we know him and behold sight of Isaac and Rebecca, 43. Then he went to the house of his daughter Rachel is coming along Ishmael his uncle, and in addition to to feed her father s flock. 7. Whilst he was his other wives he took Machlath the yet speaking with

And he

daughter of Ishmael, the sister of them, Rachel the daughter of Laban came to feed her fathers sheep, for Nebayoth, for a wife. she was a shepherdess. 8. And when Jacob saw Rachel XXX.

CHAPTER

And Jacob went

forth continu

ing his road to Haran, and he came as far as mount Moriah, and he tar ried there all night near the city of Luz and the Lord appeared there
;

the daughter of Laban his mother s brother, he ran and kissed her, and lifted up his voice and wept.
9.

And Jacob
the son of

was

sister,

told Rachel that he Rebecca her father s and Rachel ran and told her

unto Jacob on that night, and he said unto him, I am the Lord God of Abraham and the God of Isaac thy father; the land upon which thou liest I will give unto thee and thy
seed.
2.

father,

will

And behold I am with thee and keep thee wherever thou goest,
I will

and

multiply thy seed as the

;

Heaven, and I will cause all thine enemies to fall before thee and when they shall make war with
stars of

thee they shall not prevail over thee, and I will bring thee again unto this land with joy, with children, and

and Jacob continued to cry because he had nothing* with him to bring to the house of Laban. And when Laban heard that 10. his sister s son Jacob had come, he ran and kissed him and embraced him and brought him into the house and gave him bread, and he ate. 11. And Jacob related to Laban what his brother Esau had done to him, and what his son Eliphaz had done to him in the road. 12. And Jacob resided in Laban s house for one month, and Jacob ate and drank in the house of Laban, and

with great riches. afterward Laban said unto Jacob, Jacob awoke from his tell me what shall be thy wages, for 3. And sleep and he rejoiced greatly at the how canst thou serve me for nought ? arid he vision which he had seen 13. And Laban had no sons but
;

called the
4.

name

And

of that place Bethel. * Having been robbed on the road by Jacob rose up from that phaz, the son of Esau.

Eli-

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

85

only daughters, and his other wives belonged to Laban in the house and and handmaids were still barren in in the field. 21. And in the fifth year died Jethose days and these are the names of Laban s daughters which his wife hudith, the daughter of Beeri, the Adinah had borne unto him the wife of Esau, in the land of Canaan, name of the elder was Lear and the and she had no sons but daughters
;
;

name of the younger was Rachel only. 22. And these are the names of and Leah was tender-eyed, but Ra chel was beautiful and well favored, her daughters which she bare to and Jacob loved her. Esau, the name of the elder was 14. And Jacob said unto Laban, I Marzith, and the name of the younger will serve thee seven years for Ra was Puith. chel thy younger daughter 23. And when Jehudith died, Esau and La; ;

ban consented

to

this

and

Jacob rose up and went

for

to Seir

to

hunt in

his the field, as usual, and Esau dwelt in the land of Seir for a long time. 24. And in the sixth year Esau 15. And in the second year of Ja cob s dwelling in Haran, that is in took for a wife, in addition to his other the seventy-ninth year of the life of wives, Ahlibamah, the daughter of

served Laban seven years daughter Rachel.

Jacob, in that year died Eber the son Zebeon the Hivite, and Esau brought of Selah, he was four hundred and her to the land of Canaan. 25. And Ahlibamah conceived and sixty-four years old at his death. 16. And when Jacob heard that bare unto Esau three sons, Yeush,

Eber was dead he grieved exceed Yaalan and Korah. 26. And in those days, in the land and he lamented and mourned of Canaan, there was a quarrel be over him many days. 17. And in the third year of Ja tween the herdsmen of Esau and the cob s dwelling in Haran, Bosmath, herdsmen of the inhabitants of the the daughter of Ishmael, the wife of land of Canaan, for Esau s cattle and Esau, bare unto him a son, and Esau goods were too abundant for him to
ingly,

called his
18.

year of Ja father s house, and the land of Ca cob s residence in the house of La- naan could not bear him on account ban, the Lord visited Laban and re of his cattle.

name Reuel. And in the fourth

remain

in the

land of Canaan, in his

membered him on account

of Jacob,

27.

And when Esau saw

that his

and sons were born unto him, and quarrelling increased with the inha his first born was Beor, his second bitants of the land of Canaan, he rose was Alib, and the third was Cho- up and took his wives and his sons and his daughters, and all belonging rash. 19. And the Lord gave JLaban to him, and the cattle which he pos riches and honor, sons and daugh sessed, and all his property that he ters, and the man increased greatly had acquired in the land of Canaan, on account of Jacob. and he went away from the inhabit 20. And Jacob in those days serv ants of the land to the land of Seir, ed Laban in all manner of work, in and Esau and all belonging to him the house and in the field, and the dwelt in the land of Seir. 28. But from time to time Esau blessing of the Lord was in all that

86

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

his father

would go and see

and

mo

dances,* and they responded before

ther in the land of Canaan, and Esau Jacob, Heleah, Heleah.f 8. And Jacob heard their words intermarried with the Horites, and he gave his daughters to the sons of but did not understand their meaning,

but he thought such might be their daugh custom in this land. 9. And the neighbors spoke these ter Marzith to Anah, the son of Zebeon, his wife s brother, and Puith words before Jacob during the night, he gave to Azar, the son of Bilhan and all the lights that were in the the Horite and Esau dwelt in the house Laban had that night extin mountain, he and his children, and guished. 10. And in the morning, when they were fruitful and multiplied. daylight appeared, Jacob turned tohis wife and he saw, and behold it CHAPTER XXXI. was Leah that had been lying in his 1. And in the seventh and Jacob said, behold now Ja bosom, year, cob s service which he served Laban I know what the neighbors said last was completed, and Jacob said unto night, Heleah they said, and I knew Laban, give me my wife, for the days it not. of my service are fulfilled 1 1 and LaAnd Jacob called unto Laban, ban did so, and Laban and Jacob as and said unto him, what is this that sembled all the people of that place thou didst unto me ? Surely I served and they made a feast. thee for Rachel, and why didst thou 2. And in the evening Laban came deceive me and didst give me Leah ? to the house, and afterward Jacob 12. And Laban answered Jacob, came there with the people of the saying, not so is it done in our place feast, and Laban extinguished all the to give the younger before the elder ; now therefore if thou desirest to takelights that were there in the house. 3. And Jacob said unto Laban, her sister likewise, take her unto thee wherefore dost thou do this thing for the service which thou wilt serveunto us 1 and Laban answered, such me for another seven years. is our custom to act in this land. 13. And Jacob did so, and he also 4. And afterward Laban took his took Rachel for a wife, and he served daughter Leah, and he brought her Laban seven years more, and Jacob to Jacob, and he came to her and also came to Rachel, and he loved Jacob did not know that she was Leah. Rachel more than Leah, and Laban 5. And Laban gave his daughter gave her his maid Bilha-h for a hand Leah his maid Zilpah for a hand maid. maid. 14. And when the Lord saw that 6. And all the people at the feast Leah was hated, the Lord opened knew what Laban had done to Jacob, her womb, and she conceived and
Seir, the Horite.

29.

And he gave

his elder

but they did not

cob.
7.

tell

the thing to Ja

bare Jacob four sons in those days.

*
S>riD

And all

the neighbors

came

that

is

commonly

translated a dance, but it

night to

Jacob s house, and they ate seems by this book that it must have been at sort of musical instrument. and drank and rejoiced, and played t Composed of two Hebrew words, n*6 KV before Leah upon timbrels, and with He Leah, e., she is Leah.
i.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

15. And these are their names, Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, and she afterward left bearing. 16. And at that time Rachel was barren, and she had no offspring, and Rachel envied her sister Leah, and when Rachel saw that she bare no children to Jacob, she took her hand maid Bilhah, and she bare Jacob two sons, Dan and Naphtali. 17. And when Leah saw that she had left bearing, she also took her handmaid Zilpah, and she gave her to Jacob for a wife, and Jacob also came to Zilpah, and she also bare Jacob two sons, Gad and Asher.

87
to thee that

becca has sent us

the

shalt return to thy father s

land

of

Canaan

hearkened unto them in his mother had spoken.

thou house to and Jacob this which

24. At that time, the other seven years which Jacob served Laban for Rachel were completed, and it was at the end of fourteen years that he had dwelt in Haran that Jacob said unto Laban, give me my wives and

send
unto

me

away, that

may go

to

my

land, for behold

my mother

did send
father s

me

from the land of Canaan

that I should return to

my

house.
25.

18.

And Leah

again

conceived

And Laban
;

said

unto him,
;

and bare Jacob in those days two not so I pray thee if I have found sons and one daughter, and these are favor in thy sight do not leave me their names, Issachar, Zebulon, and appoint me thy wages and I will their sister Dinah. give them, and remain with me. 19. And Rachel was still barren in 26. And Jacob said unto him, those days, and Rachel prayed unto this is what thou shalt give me for the Lord at that time, and she said, wages, that I shall this day pass O Lord God remember me and visit through all thy flock and take away me, I beseech thee, for now my from them every lamb that is speck husband will cast me off, for I have led and spotted and such as are borne him no children. brown amongst the sheep, and 20. Now O Lord God, hear my amongst the goats, and if thou wilt supplication before thee, and see do this thing for me I will return my affliction, and give me children and feed thy flock and keep them
like

one of the handmaids, that

may

as at
27.

first.

And Laban did so, and Laban And God heard her and open removed from his flock all that Jacob ed her womb, and Rachel conceived had said and gave them to him. and bare a son, and she said the 28. And Jacob placed all that he
no more bear
21.

my reproach.

Lord has taken away

and she called
ing,

may
;

reproach, had removed from Laban s flock in the hands of his sons, and Jacob the Lord add to me another was feeding the remainder of La-

my

his

name Joseph, say

son
old

and Jacob was ninety one years ban

s flock.

bare him. 22. At that time Jacob s mother Rebecca sent her nurse Deborah the daughter of Uz, and two of Isaac s servants unto Jacob.
23.

when she

And when the servants of Isaac which he had sent unto Jacob saw that Jacob would not then re turn with them to the land of Canaan to his father, they then went away
29.

And they came

to

Jacob

to

Haran and they

said unto him,

Re

from him, and th ey returned home to the land of Canaan.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

30. And Deborah remained with Jacob in Haran, and she did not re turn with the servants of Isaac to the land of Canaan, and Deborah resided with Jacob s wives and child ren in Haran. 31. And Jacob served Laban six years longer, and when the sheep brought forth, Jacob removed from them such as were speckled and spotted, as he had determined with Laban, and Jacob did so at Laban s for six years, and the man increased abundantly and he had cattle and maid servants, and men servants, camels and asses. 32. And Jacob had two hundred drove of cattle, and his cattle were of large size and of beautiful appear ance and were very productive, and all
at

the expiration of the six years*

and said unto him, arise go forth out of this land, and return to the land of thy birth place and I will be with
thee.

38.

And Jacob

rose

up

at

that

time and he mounted his children and wives and all belonging to him

upon camels, and he went forth to go to the land of Canaan to his father
Isaac.

29.

And Laban

did not

know

that

Jacob had gone from him, for Laban had been that day sheep shear
ing.

40. And Rachel stole her father s images, and she took them and she concealed them upon the camel upon which she sat, and she went on. 41.

And
;

this is the

manner

of the
is

the families of the sons of

men desired images

in taking a

man who

the

to get some of the cattle of Jacob, first born and slaying him and taking for they were exceedingly pros the hair off his head, then taking salt

perous. 33. And

and salting the head and anointing

it

many

of the sons of

men
s

came

to

procure some of Jacob

flock, and Jacob gave them a sheep for a man servant or a maid servant

or for an ass or a camel, or whatever

Jacob desired from them they gave him. 34. And Jacob obtained riches and honor and possessions by means of these transactions with the sons of men, and the children of Laban envied him of this honor. 35. And in the course of time he heard the words of Laban s sons, saying, Jacob has taken away all that was our father s, and of that which was our father s has he ac

taking a small tablet of copper or a tablet of gold and writing the name upon it, and placing the tablet under his tongue, and taking the head with the tablet under the tongue and putting it in the house, and lighting up lights before it and
in oil, then

bowing down
42.

to

it.

And at the time when they bow down to it, it speaketh to them
in
all

through

matters that they ask of it, the power of the name

written in
it.

which
43.

is

And some make them

in the

figures of

and go to them, and the figures receive the influence of the stars, and tell them quired all this glory. 36. And Jacob beheld the counte future things, and in this manner nance of Laban and of his children, were the images which Rachel stole and behold it was not toward him in from her father. those days as it had been before. 44. And Rachel stole those im And the Lord appeared to Jacob ages which were her father s, in

men, of gold and silver, them in times known to

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

Laban might not know through them where Jacob had gone. 45. And Laban came home and he asked concerning Jacob and his household, and he was not to be found, and Laban sought his images to know where Jacob had gone, and could not find them, and he went to some other images, and he inquired of them and they told him that Jacob
order that

89

heap
thee,

is

a witness between

me

and

therefore he called the thereof Gilead.

53.

name
offered

And Jacob and Laban

upon the mount, and they ate there by the heap, and they tar ried in the mount all night, and Laban rose up early in the morning,
sacrifice

and he wept with his daughters and he kissed them, and he returned un

had

fled

from him

to his father s to to his place.

54. And he hastened and sent off then rose up and his son Beor, who was seventeen he took his brothers and all his ser years old, with Abichorof the son of vants, and he went forth and pursued Uz, the son of Nahor, and with them Jacob, and he overtook him in mount were ten men. 55. And they hastened and went Gilead. 47. And Laban said unto Jacob, and passed on the road before Jacob, what is this thou hast done to me to and they came by another road to flee and deceive* me, and lead my the land of Seir. the land of Canaan.

46.

And Laban

daughters and their children as cap tives taken by the sword ? 48. And thou didst not suffer me to kiss them and send them away with joy, and thou didst steal my gods and didst go away.
49.

56. And they came unto Esau and said unto him, thus saith thy brother and relative, thy mother s brother Laban, the son of Bethuel, saying, 57. Hast thou heard

what Jacob

And Jacob answered Laban,

thy brother has done unto me,

who

saying, because I was afraid lest thou first came to me naked and bare, and wouldst take thy daughters by force I went to meet him, and brought from me ; and now with whomso him to my house with honor, and I ever thou findest thy gods he shall made him great, and I gave him

my

die.

two daughters

for

wives and also two

50.

And Laban

searched for the of

my maids.

58. And God blessed him on images and he examined in all Ja my cob s tents and furniture, but could account, and he increased abundant not find them. ly, and had sons, daughters and maid 51.

we
and

will
it

And Laban said unto Jacob, make a covenant together

;

servants.

be a testimony between me and thee if thou shalt afflict my daughters, or shalt take other wives besides my daughters, even God shall be a witness between me and thee in this matter. 52. And they took stones and made a heap, and Laban said, this
shall
*

59. He has also an immense stock of flocks and herds, camels and
asses, also silver and gold in abun dance and when he saw that his wealth increased, he left me whilst I went to shear my sheep, and he rose up and fled in secrecy. 60. And he lifted his wives and children upon camels, and he led away all his cattle and property
;

Hebrew,

steal

my

heart.

90

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

which he acquired in my land, and amongst them toward Jacob, and he he lifted up his countenance to go to conducted them with speed. 69. And Laban s messengers de his father Isaac to the land of Ca naan. parted from Esau and went to the

me to land of Canaan, and they came to the house of Rebecca the mother of Ja and their children, my daughters led my daughters as captives cob and Esau. and 70. And they told her, saying, be taken by the sword, and he also hold thy son Esau has gone against stole my gods and he fled. 62. And now I have left him in his brother Jacob with four hundred the mountain of the brook of Jabuk, men, for he heard that he was com him and all belonging to him he ing, and he is gone to make war with him, and to smite him and to lacketh nothing. 63. If it be thy wish to go to him, take all that he has. 71. And Rebecca hastened and go then and there wilt thou find him, and thou canst do unto him as thy sent seventy two men from the ser and Laban s messen vants of Isaac to meet Jacob on the soul desireth for she said, peradventure, gers came and told Esau all these road
61.

And he

did not suffer

kiss

he"

things. 64. And

Esau heard

all

the

Esau may make war words when he meets him.

in

the

road

of Laban s messengers, and his an ger was greatly kindled against Ja cob, and he remembered his hatred and his anger burned within him. 65. And Esau hastened and took
his

72. And these messengers went on the road to meet Jacob, and they met him in the road of the brook on
the opposite side of the brook Jabuk, and Jacob said when he saw them,
is

children and

servants and the this camp

souls of his household, being sixty and Jacob called the

destined to me from God, name of that

men, and he went and assembled

all place Machnayim. 73. And Jacob knew all his fath the children of Seir the Horite and their people, being three hundred er s people, and he kissed them and

and forty men, and took

ber of four hundred

num embraced them and came with them, with drawn and Jacob asked them concerning swords, and he went unto Jacob to his father and mother, and they said, smite him. they were well.* 66. And Esau divided this num 74. And these messengers said ber into several parts, and he took the unto Jacob, Rebecca thy mother has sixty men of his children and ser sent us to thee, saying, I have heard, vants and the souls of his household my son, that thy brother Esau has as one head, and gave them in care gone forth against thee on the road of Eliphaz his eldest son. with men from the children of Seir 67. Arid the remaining heads he the Horite. 75. And therefore, my son, hear gave to the care of the six sons of Seir the Horite, and he placed every ken to my voice and see with thy man over his generations and child counsel what thou wilt do, and when
all this

men

ren.

68 went

And
as
it

the whole of this

camp and do
*

he cometh up to thee, supplicate him, not speak rashly to him, and

Hebrew, peace.

was,

and

Esau went

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

give

91
are
I

lord know all this in order to find asketh thee con favor in the sight of my lord, so that cerning thy affairs, conceal nothing he may not imagine that I have of from him, perhaps he may turn from myself obtained wealth, or that the his anger against thee and thou wilt blessing with which my father bless thereby save thy soul, thou and all ed me has benefited me. 7. And those messengers went to belonging to thee, for it is thy duty to honor him, for he is thy elder Esau, and found him on the borders of the land of Edom going toward brother. 77. And when Jacob heard the Jacob, and four hundred men of the words of his mother which the mes children of Seir the Horite were sengers had spoken to him, Jacob standing with drawn swords. lifted up his voice and 8. And the messengers of Jacob wept bitterly, and did as his mother then command told Esau all the words that Jacob ed him. had spoken to them concerning

possesses!, and from favored thee with.

76.

him a present from what thou mother, what God has Canaan

who
;

in the

land
let

of

and

have sent to

my

And when he

Esau.

CHAPTER
1.

XXXII.

9.

And Esau answered them with

pride and contempt, and said unto time Jacob sent them, surely I have heard and truly messengers to his brother Esau to it has been told unto me what Jacob ward the land of Seir, and he spoke has done to Laban, who exalted him to him words of supplication. in his house and gave him his daugh 2. And he commanded them, say ters for wives, and he begat sons and ing, thus shall ye say to my lord, to daughters, and abundantly increased Esau, thus saith thy servant Jacob, in wealth and riches in Laban s

And

at that

house through his means. when he saw that his abundant and his riches 3. For I have been these twenty great he fled with all belonging toyears with Laban, and he deceived him, from Laban s house, and heme and changed my wages ten times, led Laban s daughters away from as it has all been already told unto the face of their father, as captives taken by the sword, without telling my lord. 4. And I served him in his house him of it. 11. And not only to Laban has very laboriously, and God afterward saw my affliction, my labor and the Jacob done thus but also unto me work of my hands, and he caused has he done so, and has twice sup me to find grace and favor in his planted me, and shall I be silent ? 12. Now therefore I have this day sight. 5. And I afterward through God s come with my camps to meet him, great mercy and kindness acquired and I will do unto him according to oxen and asses and cattle, and men the desire of my heart. servants and maid servants. 13. And the messengers returned 6. And now I am coming to my and came to Jacob and said unto land and my home to my father and him, we came to thy brother, to
let

not

my lord imagine that my fath

er s blessing with which he did bless 10. And me has proved beneficial to me. wealth was

92

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

22.

Esau, and we told him all thy words, and thus has he answered us, and behold he cometh to meet thee with four hundred men. 14. Now then know and see what thou shalt do, and pray before God to deliver thee from him. 15. And when he heard the words of his brother which he had spoken to the messengers of Jacob, Jacob was greatly afraid and he was dis
tressed.
16. his

And

if

there
it

is

no righteous
sake of Abra

ness in me, do

for the

ham and my
23. For I

father Isaac.

kind ness and mercy have I acquired this wealth; now therefore I beseech thee to deliver me this day with thy kindness and to answer me. 24. And Jacob ceased praying to the Lord, and he divided the people that were with him with the flocks

know that through

and cattle into two camps,

the

arid

he

And Jacob prayed to

God, and he

of

my

thou
in
g>

Lord God the son of Eliezer Abraham s ser said, fathers, Abraham and Isaac, vant, for a camp, with his children, didst say unto me when I went and the other half he gave to the care

Lord gave

the half to the care of

Damesek,

away from
17.

my

am

father s house, say- of his brother Eliarms the son of Eliezer, to be for a camp with his the Lord God of thy children.

father

the God of 25. And he commanded them, say Isaac, unto thee do I give this land ing, keep yourselves at a distance and thy seed after thee, and I will with your camps, and do not come too

Abraham and

make

thy seed as the stars of heaven, near each other, and if Esau come to shalt spread forth to the one camp and slay it, the other camp four sides of heaven, and in thee and at a distance from it will escape in thy seed shall all the families of him.

and thou

the earth be blessed.

18.

26. And Jacob tarried there that thou didst establish thy night, and during the whole night he words, and didst give unto me riches gave his servants instructions con and children and cattle, as the ut cerning the forces and his children. most wishes of my heart didst thou 27. And the Lord heard the pray thou didst er of Jacob on that day, and the give unto thy servant give unto me all that I asked from Lord then delivered Jacob from the hands of his brother Esau. thee, 50 that I lacked nothing. 19. And thou didst afterward say 28. And the Lord sent three an unto me, return to thy parents an d gels of the angels of heaven, and to thy birth place and I will still do they went before Esau and came to well with thee. him. 20. And now that I have come, 29. And these angels appeared un and thou didst deliver me from La- to Esau and his people as two thou ban, I shall fall in the hands of Esau sand men, riding upon horses fur who will slay me, yea, together with nished with all sorts of war instru the mothers of my children. ments, and they appeared in the 21. Now therefore O Lord God sight of Esau and all his men to be deliver me, I pray thee, also from divided into four camps, with four the hands of my brother Esau, for I chiefs to them. am greatly afraid of him. 30. And one camp went on and

And

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

they found Esau coming with four hundred men toward his brother Ja cob, and this camp ran toward Esau and his people and terrified them, and Esau fell off the horse in alarm, and all his men separated from him
in that place, for afraid.

93

I have not seen his countenance, and hearing this day that he was coming, I went this day to meet him, and do you treat me in

twenty years

this

manner ?

And they answered him, and said unto were him, as the Lord liveth, greatly they were not Jacob thy brother as thou 31. And the whole of the camp didst say, we had not left a remnant shouted after them when they fled from thee and thy men, but on ac from Esau, and all the warlike men count of Jacob of whom thou spokest
37.

him, and they also did unto him and his men as the others had done. 39. And when Esau beheld the day come to see him, do you treat

answered, saying, 32. Surely we are the servants of Jacob who is the servant of God, and who then can stand against us ? And Esau said unto them, O then, my lord and brother Jacob is your whom I have not seen for these twen ty years, and now that I have this
lord>

being thy brother, we will not med dle with thee or thy men. 38. And the third camp also passed

from them, and he

road

still

continued his
Jacob,

w ith
r

his

men toward

when

the fourth

camp came toward

me

in this

manner ?

evil*

which the four angels had done

the angels answered him, to him and to his men, he became saying, as the Lord liveth, were not greatly afraid of his brother Jacob, Jacob of whom thou spokest thy bro and he went to meet him in peace.

33.

And

we had not left one remaining from thee and thy people, but only on account of Jacob we will do no thing to them. 34. And this camp passed from Esau and his men and it went away, and Esau and his men had gone from them about a league when the second camp came toward him with all sorts of weapons, and they also did unto Esau and his men as the first camp had done to them. 35. And when they had left it to
ther,

40.

And Esau

concealed his ha

tred against Jacob, because he was afraid of his life on account of his

brother Jacob, and because he ima gined that the four camps that he

had lighted upon were Jacob

vants.

s se.

41.

And Jacob

tarried that night

with his servants in their camps, and he resolved with his servants to give unto Esau a present from all that he had with him, and from all his pro
;

and Jacob rose up in the perty go on, behold the third camp came morning, he and his men, and they toward him and they were all terri chose from amongst the cattle a pre fied, and Esau fell off the horse, and sent for Esau. the whole camp cried out, and said, 42. And this is the amount of the surely we are the servants of Jacob, present which Jacob chose from his who is the servant of God, and who flock to give unto his brother Esau can stand against us ? and he selected two hundred and forty 36. And Esau again answered * Although they did no actual injury to them, them, saying, O then, Jacob my lord they caused great alarm and confusion to Esau and your lord is my brother, and for and his people this is the evil alluded to.
;
;

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

head from the flocks, and he selected from the camels and asses thirty each, and of the herds he chose fifty kine. 43. And he put them all in ten droves, and he placed each sort by itself, and he delivered them into the hands of ten of his servants, each drove by itself. 44. And he commanded them, and
said unto them, keep yourselves at a distance from each other, and put a space between the droves, and when Esau and those who are with him shall meet you and ask you, saying, whose are you, and whither do you go, and to whom belongeth
all

met him, and he wrestled with him

that night until the breaking of the

day, and the hollow of Jacob s thigh was out of joint through wrestling

with him.
at the break of day the Jacob there, and he blessed him and went away, and Jacob pass ed the brook at the break of day, and he halted upon his thigh. 50. And the sun rose upon him when he had passed the brook, and he came up to the place of his cattle and children. 51 And they went on till midday, and whilst they were going the pre sent was passing on before them. 52. And Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold Esau was at a distance, coming along with many men, about four hundred, and Jacob

49.

And

man

left

this before you, you shall say unto them, we are the servants of Jacob, and we come to meet Esau in peace, and behold Jacob cometh behind us. 45. And that which is before us is was greatly afraid of his brother. a present sent from Jacob to his bro 53. And Jacob hastened and di ther Esau. vided his children unto his wives 46. And if they shall say unto and his handmaids, and his daughter you, why doth he delay behind you, Dinah he put in a chest, and deliver from coming to meet his brother and ed her into the hands of his servants. to see his face, then you shall say 54. And he passed before his chil unto them, surely he cometh joyfully dren and wives to meet his brother, behind us to meet his brother, for he and he bowed* down to the ground, said, I will appease him with the yea he bowed down seven times un

present that goeth to him, and after this I will see his face, peradventure

he approached his brother, and to find grace and he will accept of me. favor in the sight of Esau and his 47. So the whole present passed men, for God had heard the prayer on in the hands of his servants, and of Jacob, went before him on that day, and he 55. And the fear of Jacob and his that with his terror fell lodged night camps by upon his brother Esau, for the border of the brook of Jabuk, Esau was greatly afraid of Jacob for and he rose up in the midst of the what the angels of God had done to night, and he took his wives and his Esau, and Esau s anger against Ja maid servants, and all belonging to cob was turned into kindness. 56. And when Esau saw Jacob him, and he that night passed them over the ford Jabuk. running toward him, he also ran to 48. And when he had passed all ward him and he embraced him, and belonging to him over the brook, Ja he fell upon his neck, and they kissed cob was left by himself, and a man and they wept.
til

God caused Jacob

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

57. And God put fear and kind ness toward Jacob in the hearts of the men that came with Esau, and they also kissed Jacob and embraced him. 58. And also Eliphaz, the son of Esau, with his four brothers, sons of Esau, wept with Jacob, and they kissed him and embraced him, for the fear of Jacob

95

therefore seen thy face, as though I had seen a god-like face, because thou wast pleased with me.
65.

And Esau

took the present,

and Jacob also gave unto Esau silver and gold and bdellium, for he press ed him so much that he took them.
66.
that

And Esau
in the

divided the cattle

had

fallen

upon

them
59.

all.

And Esau

lifted

and saw the

women

up his eyes with their off

walk

spring, the children of Jacob,

ing behind Jacob and bowing along the road to Esau. 60. And Esau said unto Jacob, who are these with thee my brother ?
are they thy children or thy servants
?

camp, and he gave the half to the men who had come with him, for they had come on hire, and the other half he delivered unto the hands of his children. 67. And the silver and gold and bdellium he gave in the hands of Eli phaz his eldest son, and Esau said unto Jacob, let us remain with thee, and we will go slowly along with thee until thou comest to my place
with me, that
together.

was

and Jacob answered Esau and they are my children which

said,

we may

dwell there

God

68. And Jacob answered his bro hath graciously given to thy servant. 61. And whilst Jacob was speak ther and said, I would do as my lord ing to Esau and his men, Esau be speaketh unto me, but my lord knowheld the whole camp, and he said eth that the children are tender, and unto Jacob, whence didst thou get the flocks and herds with their young the whole of the camp that I met who are with me, go but slowly, for

would all yesternight ? and Jacob said, to find if they went swiftly they favor in the sight of my Lord, it is die, for thou kriowest their burdens
thy servant. 62. And the present
graciously gave to and their fatigue. 69. Therefore let my lord pass on came before before his servant, and I will go on Esau, and Jacob pressed Esau, say slowly for the sake of the children I come to my ing, take I pray thee the present and the flock, until
that that I

which

God
l

have brought to my lord, and lord s place to Seir. wherefore is this my pur 70. And Esau said unto Jacob, I pose ? keep that which thou hast will place with thee some of the unto thyself. people that are with me to take care 63. And Jacob said, it is incum of thee in the road, and to bear thy bent upon me to give all this, since fatigue and burden, and he said, I have seen thy face, that thou still what needeth it my lord, if I may

Esau

said,

find grace in thy sight ? 71. Behold I will come unto thee refused to take the present, and Jacob said unto him, I to Seir to dwell there together as with beseech thee my lord, if now I have thou hast spoken, go thou then found favor in thy sight, then receive thy people for I will follow thee.
livest in peace.

64.

And Esau

my

present at

my

hand, for

have

"72.

And Jacob

said this to

Esau

96

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

rejoicings, and all the great people of the city were there. Shechem the son of 7. And

in order to remove Esau and his men from him, so that Jacob might after ward go to his father s house to the land of Canaan. 73. And Esau hearkened to the voice of Jacob, and Esau returned with the four hundred men that were with him on their road to Seir, and Jacob and all belonging to him went that

hold their

Hamor
8.

the prince of the land also standing there to see them.

was

And Shechem

beheld Dinah

the daughter of Jacob sitting with her mother before the daughters of
the city, and the damsel pleased and he there asked

him
his

day as

far

as the

extremity of greatly,

borders, friends and his people, saying, whose and he remained there some time. daughter is that sitting amongst the women, whom I do not know in this

the land of

Canaan

in its

CHAPTER
1
.

XXXIII.
after

city?
9.

they said unto him, surely daughter of Jacob the son went away from the borders of the of Isaac the Hebrew, who has dwelt land, and he came to the land of in this city for some time, and when

And

And

in

some time

Jacob

this is the

which

is the city of Shechem, it was reported that the daughters of the land of Canaan, and the land were going forth to rejoice he rested in front of the city. she went with her mother and maid 2. And he bought a parcel of the servants to sit amongst them as thou

Shalem, that
is in

ren of
3.

there, from the child seest. the people of the land, 10. And Shechem beheld Dinah for five shekels. the daughter of Jacob, and when he
field

which was

Hamor

And Jacob

a house, and he
there,
cattle, therefore

there built himself looked at her his soul pitched his tent upon Dinah.

became

fixed

and he made booths for his 11. And he sent and had her he called the name taken by force, and Dinah came to of that place Succoth. the house of Shechem and he seiz 4. And Jacob remained in Suc ed her forcibly and lay with her and coth a year and six months. humbled* her, and he loved her ex 5. At that time some of the women ceedingly and placed her in his
of the inhabitants of the land went to house. the city of Shechem to dance and 12.
rejoice

And they came and told the with the daughters of the thing unto Jacob, and when Jacob people of the city, and when they heard that Shechem had defiled his went forth then Rachel and Leah daughter Dinah, Jacob sent twelve the wives of Jacob with their families of his servants to fetch Dinah from also went to behold the rejoicing of the house of Shechem, and they the daughters of the city. went and came to the house of 6. And Dinah the daughter of Shechem to take away Dinah from Jacob also went along with them there.
and saw the daughters of the city, 1 3. And when they came Shechem and they remained there before these went out to them with his men and
daughters whilst all the people of the them to be city were standing by
* Translated in the Bible,
her."

"and

he defiled

Genesis, ch. 34,

v. 2.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

drove them from his house, and he

97

Shechem the son of Hamor had them to come before done. 20. And the men were very much Dinah, but Shechem was sitting with Dinah kissing and embracing her grieved concerning their sister, and before their eyes. they all came home fired with anger,
would not
suffer

14.

And

the

servants of

Jacob before the time of gathering in their

cattle.

they came and sat before and they spoke unto him kindled with wrath, saying, surely do unto Dinah before our eyes. 15. And Jacob knew moreover death is due to this man and to his that Shechem had defiled his daugh household, because the Lord God of ter, but he said nothing, and his sons the whole earth commanded Noah were feeding his cattle in the field, and his children that man shall never and Jacob remained silent till their rob, nor commit adultery now be hold Shechem has both ravaged and return. 16. And before his sons came committed fornication with our sister, home Jacob sent two maidens from and not one of all the people of the his servants daughters to take care city spoke a word to him. of Dinah in the house of Shechem, 22. Surely thou knowest and anand to remain with her, and Shechem derstandest that the judgment of sent three of his friends to his father death is due to Shechem, and to his Hamor the son of Chiddekem, the father, and to the whole city on ac son of Pered, saying, get me this count of the thing which he has done. damsel for a wife. 23. And whilst they were speak 17. And Hamor the son of Chid ing before their father in this matter, dekem the Hivite came to the house behold Hamor the father of She of Shechem his son, and he sat be chem came to speak to Jacob the fore him, and Hamor said unto his words of his son concerning Dinah, son, Shechem, is there then no and he sat before Jacob and before
21.
their father
;

came back and told him, saying, when we came, he and his men drove us away, and thus did Shechem

And

woman amongst the

daughters of thy people that thou wilt take an Hebrew woman who is not of thy people ? 18. And Shechem said to him, her only must thou get for me, for she is delightful in my sight and
;

his sons.

24. And Hamor spoke unto them, saying, the soul of my son Shechem

Hamor

did according to the

word

of

his son, for he

was

greatly beloved

by him.
Jacob

And Hamor went forth to to commune with him con cerning this matter, and when he had
19.

longeth for your daughter I pray you give her unto him for a wife and intermarry with us; give us your daughters and we will give you our daughters, and you shall dwell with us in our land and we will be as one people in the land. 25. For our land is very exten sive, so dwell ye and trade therein
;

from the house of his son and get possessions in it, and do fane hechem, before he came to Jacob therein as you desire, and no one to speak unto him, behold the sons shall prevent you by saying a word of Jacob had come from the field, as to you. soon as they heard the thing that 26. And Hamor ceased speaking 7

98

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

unto Jacob and his sons, arid behold 35. And also because Shechem Shechem his son had come after did this thing to our sister Dinah in defiling her, for such vileness him, and he sat before them. 27. And Shechem spoke before shall never be done amongst us. Jacob and his sons, saying, may I 36. Now therefore know and see find favor in your sight that you will what you will do, and seek counsel give me your daughter, and what and pretext what is to be done to ever you say unto me that will I do them, in order to kill all the inhabi
for her.

tants of this city.

28.

Ask me
gift,

for

abundance of
I will

37.

And Simeon

said

to

them,
;

a proper advice for you tell and whatever you shall say unto me them to circumcise every male that will I do, and whoever he be amongst them as we are circumcis that will rebel against your orders, ed, and if they do not wish to do he shall die only give me the damsel this, we shall take our daughter from for a wife. them and go away. 29. And Simeon and Levi answer 38. And if they consent to do this ed Hamor and Shechem his son de and will do it, then when they are ceitfully, saying, all you have spoken sunk down with pain, we will attack unto us we will do for you. them with our swords, as upon one 30. And behold our sister is in who is quiet and peaceable, and we your house, but keep away from her will slay every male person amongst until we send to our father Isaac them. 39. And Simeon s advice pleased concerning this matter, for we can do nothing without his consent. them, and Simeon and Levi resolved 31. For he knoweth the ways of to do unto them as it was proposed. our father Abraham, and whatever 40. And on the next morning She he sayeth unto us we will tell you, chem and Hamor his father came we will conceal nothing from you. again unto Jacob and his sons, to 32. And Simeon and Levi spoke speak concerning Dinah, and to hear this unto Shechem and his father in what answer the sons of Jacob would order to find a pretext, and to seek give to their words. counsel what was to be done to She 41. And the sons of Jacob spoke
give
it,

dowry and

and

here

is

chem and to his city in this matter. 33. And when Shechem and his
father

deceitfully to them, saying, we told our father Isaac all your words, and

heard the words of Simeon and Levi, it seemed good in their sight, aud Shechem and his father came forth to go home. 34. And when they had gone, the sons of Jacob said unto their father,

your words pleased him. 42. But he spoke unto

thus
did

us, saying,

Abraham his father com mand him from God the Lord of the whole earth, that any man who is not
of his descendants that should

wish

saying, behold, we know that death to take one of his daughters, shall is due to these wicked ones and to cause every male belonging to him their city, because they transgressed to be circumcised, as we are circum that which God had commanded un cised, and then we may give him our to Noah and his children and his daughter fora wife.

seed after them.

43.

Now we

have made known to

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

you

99

all our ways that our father be circumcised as they are circum spoke unto us, for we cannot do this cised, as their God commanded them, of which you spoke unto us, to give and when we shall have done accord our daughter to an uncircumcised ing to their instructions to be circum

cised, then will they dwell amongst consent to us, together with their cattle and you, to give you our daughter, and possessions, and we shall be as one we will also take unto ourselves people with them. 50. And when all the men of the your daughters, and will dwell amongst you and be one people as city heard the words of Shechem you have spoken, if you will hearken and his father Hamor, then all the to us, and consent to be like us, to men of their city were agreeable to circumcise every male belonging to this proposal, and they obeyed to be circumcised, for Shechem and his you, as we are circumcised. 45. And if you will not hearken father Hamor were greatly esteemed unto us, to have every male circum by them, being the princes of the cised as we are circumcised, as we land. have commanded, then we will come 51. And on the next day, She to you, and take our daughter from chem and Hamor his father rose up

man,

for

it is

a disgrace to us.
will

44.

But herein

we

you and go away.

46.

early in the morning, and they as

And Shechem. and his father sembled all the men of their city in Hamor heard the words of the sons to the middle of the city, and they of Jacob, and the thing pleased them called for the sons of Jacob, who cirexceedingly, and Shechem and his numcised every male belonging to father Hamor hastened to do the them on that day and the next. wishes of the sons of Jacob, for She 52. And they circumcised She chem was very fond of Dinah, and chem and Hamor his father, and the
Shechem, and then home, Lord city, and they assembled all the men against the city of Shechem, and of their city and spoke unto them from the Lord was Simeon s coun the words of the sons of Jacob, saying, sel in this matter, in order that the 48. We came to these men, the Lord might deliver the city of She sons of Jacob, and we spoke unto chem into the hands of Jacob s two them concerning their daughter, and sons.
his soul
rivetted to her.
five brothers of

was

And Shechem and his Hamor hastened to the gate

47.

father every one rose up and went of the for this thing was from the

men will consent to do accord ing to our wishes, and behold our land is of great extent for them, and they will dwell in it, and trade in it, and we shall be one people we will take their daughters, and our daugh ters we will give unto them for wives. 49. But only on this condition will these men consent to do this thing ; that every male amongst us
these
;

CHAPTER XXXIV.
And the number of all the males were circumcised, were six hun dred and forty -five men, and two hundred and forty-six children. 2. But Chiddekem, son of Pered, the father of Hamor, and his six brothers, would not listen unto She chem and his father Hamor, and they
1
.

that

100

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

for

would not be circumcised,

loathsome in their
sight,

the

man

proposal of the sons of Jacob

was
their

and

anger was greatly roused at this, that the people of the city had not ancestors never commanded them, where then will you fly or where hearkened to them. conceal your shame, all your days 3. And in the evening of the sec ond day, they found eight, small chil before your brethren, the inhabitants dren who had not been circumcised, of the land of Canaan? Now therefore we cannot bear 1 1 for their mothers had concealed them
.

Shechem and Hamor his and all the inhabitants of their do that with which they had city, been unacquainted and which their
did
father,

from Shechem and his father Hamor, and from the men of the city. 4. And Shechem and his father Hamor sent to have them brought be fore them to be circumcised, when Chiddekem and his six brothers sprang at them with their swords, and sought to slay them.

this thing which you have done, neither can we be burthened with this yoke upon us, which our ancestors did not command us.

up against

12. Behold to-morrow we will go and assemble all our brethren the Ca-

naanitish brethren
land,

who

dwell in the

and we will all come and smite 5. And they sought to slay also you and all those who trust in you, Shechem and his father Hamor, and that there shall not be a remnant left they sought to slay Dinah with them, from you or them. 13. And when Hamor and his son on account of this matter. 6. And they said unto them, what Shechem and all the people of the is this thing that you have done ? are city heard the words of Chiddekem there no women amongst the daugh and his brothers, they were terribly
ters of

that

you wish

daughters of the Hebrews, whom done. 14. And Shechem and his father ye knew not before, and will do this act which your fathers never com Hamor answered their father Chidde

your brethren the Canaanites, afraid of their lives at their words, to take unto yourselves and they repented of what they had

manded you ?
7.

kem and his brethren, and they said imagine that you will unto them, all the words which you succeed through this act which you spoke unto us are true. have done ? and what will you an 15. Now do not say, nor imagine swer in this affair to your brethren in your hearts that on account of the

Do you

who will come morrow and ask you concerning

the Canaanites,

to

love of the
us.

Hebrews we did

this thing

this that

our ancestors did not

command
that
it

thing
8.

just

appear and good in their sight, what will you do for your lives, and we for our lives, in your not having hear kened to our voices ?

And if your act

shall not

16.

But because we saw

was

not their intention and desire to

accede to our wishes concerning their daughter as to our taking her, except on this condition, so we hearkened to 9. And if the inhabitants of the land their voices and did this act which and all your brethren the children of you saw, in order to obtain our desire Ham, shall hear of your act, saying, from them. 1 0. On account of a Hebrew wo 17. And when we shall have ob-

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

101

18. We beseech you then to wait and tarry until our flesh shall be healed and we again become strong, and we will then go together against them, and do unto them that which is in your hearts and in ours. 19. And Dinah the daughter of Jacob heard all these words which Chiddekem and his brothers had spo ken, and what Hamor and his son Shechem and the people of their city had answered them. 20. And she hastened and sent one of her maidens, that her father had sent to take care of her in the house of Shechem, to Jacob her fa ther and to her brethern, saying 21. Thus did Chiddekem and his brothers advise concerning you, and thus did Hamor and Shechem and the people of the city answer them. 22. And when Jacob heard these words he was filled with wrath, and he was indignant at them, and his an
:

26. And there was a great conster tained our request from them, we will then return to them and do unto them nation in the midst of the city, and the cry of the people of the city as that which you say unto us.

cended to heaven, and all the women and children cried aloud. 27. And Simeon and Levi slew all the city they left not a male re maining in the whole city. 28. And they slew Hamor and
;

Shechem his son at the edge of the sword, and they brought away Dinah from the house of Shechem and they
went from
29.
there.

the sons of Jacob went and returned, and came upon the slain, and spoiled all their property which was in the city and the field. 30. And whilst they were taking the spoil, three hundred men stood up and threw dust at them and struck

And

them with stones, when Simeon turned to them and he slew them all with the edge of the sword, and Si meon turned before Levi, and came
into the city.

ger was kindled against them.

23.

and

said, as the

And Simeon and Levi swore Lord liveth, the God

of the whole earth, by this time to morrow, there shall not be a remnant left in the whole city. 24. And twenty young men had

who were not circumcised, and these young men fought against Simeon and Levi, and Simeon and Levi killed eighteen of
concealed themselves

them, and two fled from them and es caped to some lime pits that were in the city, and Simeon and Levi sought for them, but could not find them. 25. And Simeon and Levi continu ed to go about in the city, and they
killed all the people of the city at the

edge of the sword, and they left none

remaining.

31. And they took away their sheep and their oxen and their cattle, and also the remainder of the women and little ones, and they led all these away, and they opened a gate and went out and came unto their father Jacob with vigor. 32. And when Jacob saw all that they had done to the city, and saw the spoil that they took from them, Jacob was very angry at them, and Jacob said unto them, what is this that you have done to me ? behold I obtained rest amongst the Canaanitish inhabitants of the land, and none of them meddled with me. 33. And now you have done to make me obnoxious to the inhabit ants of the land, amongst the Canaanites and the Perizzites, and I am but of a small number, and they will all assemble against me and slay

102

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

39.

they hear of your work with their brethren, and I and my household will be destroyed. 34. And Simeon and Levi and all their brothers with them answered their father Jacob and said unto him, behold we live in the land, and shall Shechem do this to our sister ? why art thou silent at all that Shechem has done ? and shall he deal with our sister as with a harlot in the streets ?
35.
tives

me when

And

these

men

left the

city

and went
tants of

to the city of
all

Tapnach, an d
had befal Ja

they came there and told the inhabi

Tapnach
all

that

len them, and

that the sons of

cob had done to the city of Shechem, 40. And the information leached Jashub king of Tapnach, and he sent men to the city of Shechem to see
those young men, for the king did not believe them in this account, saying, how could two men lay waste such a large town as Shechem \ 4 1 And the messengers of Jashub
.

And

the

number

of

women

whom Simeon
they did
not

and Levi took cap

from the city of Shechem,

slay,

whom

was

eighty-five

who had not known man. 36. And amongst them was
young damsel of

came back and told him, came unto the city, and it
is

saying,
is

we

a ed, there

not a
;

man

there

destroy ; only
is

beautiful appear ance and well favored, whose name was Bunah, and Simeon took her for a wife, and the number of the males which they took captives and did not slay, was forty-seven men, and the

weeping

women

neither
all

any

flock or cattle there, for

that was in

rest they slew.

the city the sons of Jacob took away. 42. And Jashub wondered at this, saying, how could two men do this thing, to destroy so large a city, and not one man able to stand against

37. And all the young men and them? 43. For women that Simeon and Levi had

the like has not been from taken captives from the city of She the days of Nimrod, and not even chem, were servants to the sons of from the remotest time, has the like Jacob and to their children after taken place and Jashub, king of them, until the day of the sons of Ja Tapnach, said to his people, be cou cob going forth from the land of Egypt. rageous and we will go and fight 38. And when Simeon and Levi against these Hebrews, and do unto had gone forth from the city, the two them as they did unto the city, and young men that were left, who had we will avenge the cause of the peo concealed themselves in the city, and ple of the city. did not die amongst the people of 44. And Jashub, king of Tapnach, the city, rose up, and these young consulted with his counsellors about men went into the city and walked this matter, and his advisers said about in it, and found the city deso unto him, alone thou wilt not prevail late without a man, and only women over the Hebrews, for they must be weeping, and these young men cried powerful to do this work to the whole out and said, behold, this is the evil city. which the sons of Jacob the Hebrew 45. If two of them laid waste the did to this city in their having this whole city, and no one stood against day destroyed one of the Canaanitish them, surely if thou wilt go against cities, and were not afraid of their them, they will all rise against us
;

lives of all the land of

Canaan.

and destroy us likewise.

THE BOOK OF JASHER

.

103

46. But if thou wilt send to al it was because Shechem had hum the kings that surround us, and le bled our sister, and transgressed the them come together, then we wil command of our God to Noah and go with them and fight against the his children, for Shechem took our sons of Jacob then wilt thou prevai" sister away by force, and committed
;

adultery with her. against them. 53. And Shechem did all this evil 47. And Jashub heard the words of his counsellors, and their words and not one of the inhabitants of his

pleased him and his people, and he city interfered with him, to say, why did so ; and Jashub king of Tapnach wilt thou do this ? surely for this my sent to all the kings of the Amorites brothers went and smote the city, that surrounded Shechem and Tap and the Lord delivered it into their
nach, saying, hands, because its inhabitants had 48. Go up with me and assist me, transgressed the commands of our and we will smite Jacob the Hebrew God. Is it then for nought that they

And all the kings of the Amor thine anger kindled against them ? heard the evil that the sons of 55. Surely our God who delivered Jacob had done to the city of She nto their hand the city of Shechem chem, and they were greatly aston and its people, he will also deliver ished at them. nto our hands all the Canaanitish 50. And the seven kings of the dngs who are coming against us, Amorites assembled with all their and we will do unto them as my broarmies, about ten thousand men with hers did unto Shechem. drawn swords, and they came to 56. Now be tranquil about them and and cast away thy fears, but trust in fight against the sons of Jacob Jacob heard that the kings of the ,he Lord our God, and pray unto him Amorites had assembled to fight o assist us and deliver us, and deli against his sons, and Jacob was ver our enemies into our hands. 57. And Judah called to one of greatly afraid, and it distressed him. 51. And Jacob exclaimed against lis father s servants, go now and see Simeon and Levi, saying, what is vhere those kings, who are coming this act that you did ? why have you against us, are situated with their
49.
ites
;

and all his sons, and destroy them have done all this ? from the earth, for thus did he do to 54. And now why art thou afraid the city of Shechem, and do you not or distressed, and why art thou dis know of it ? pleased at my brothers, and why is

injured me, to bring against me all armies. the children of Canaan to destroy 58. And the servant

went and

me

and my household ? for I was at ooked far off, and went up opposite rest, even I and my household, and mount Sihon, and saw all the camps you have done this thing to me, and if the kings standing in the fields, provoked the inhabitants of the land ,nd he returned to Judah and said,
against me by your proceedings. 52. And Judah answered his fa
ther, saying,
field

brothers

was it for nought Simeon and Levi killed

my
all

aehold the kings are situated in the with all their camps, a people exceedingly numerous, like unto the sand upon the sea shore.
59.

the inhabitants of

Shechem

Surely

And Judah

said unto

Simeon

104
and Levi, and unto

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

67. And impress the hearts of all his brothers, sons these kings and their people with the strengthen yourselves and be of valour, for the Lord our God is terror of my sons, and bring down their pride, and that they may turn with us do not fear them. 60. Stand forth each man, girt away from my sons. 68. And with thy strong hand and with his weapons of war, his bow and his sword, and we will go and outstretched arm deliver my sons and
;

fight

men ;
61.

against these uncircumcised their servants from them, for power the Lord is our God, he will and might are in thy hands to do all
this.

save us.

they rose up, and each girt on his weapons of war great and small, eleven sons of Jacob, and all the servants of Jacob with them. 62. And all the servants of Isaac who were with Isaac in Hebron, all

And

69.
their

And

the

sons of Jacob and

servants

went

toward

these

kings, and they trusted in the Lord their God, and whilst they were go
ing,

Jacob their father also prayed O Lord God, came to them equipped in all sorts powerful and exalted God, who hast of war instruments, and the sons of reigned from days of old, from Jacob and their servants, being one thence till now and forever ; hundred and twelve men, went to 70. Thou art he who stirreth up ward these kings, and Jacob also wars and causeth them to cease, in went with them. thy hand are power and might to 63. And the sons of Jacob sent exalt and to bring down O may my unto their father Isaac the son of prayer be acceptable before thee Abraham to Hebron, the same is that thou mayest turn to rne with
unto the Lord and said,
.

Kireath-arba, saying, 64. Pray we beseech thee for us unto the Lord our God, to pro tect us from the hands of the Canaanites who are coming against us, and to deliver them into our hands. 65. And Isaac the son of Abraham

thy mercies, to impress the hearts of these kings and their people with
the terror of

my

sons, and
all

terrify

them and

their

camps, and with thy

those that
it is

great kindness deliver

trust in thee, for

thou who canst bring people under us and reduce prayed unto the Lord for his sons, nations under our power. and he said, Lord God, thou didst

promise

my

father,

saying, I will
.

CHAPTER XXXV.
And all the kings of the Amocame and took their stand in

multiply thy seed as the stars of 1 heaven, and thou didst also promise me, and establish thou thy word, rites

now

coming

that the kings of Canaan are the field to consult with their coun together, to make war with sellors what was to be done with the

my children because
no violence.
66.

Now

they committed sons of Jacob, for they were still afraid of them, saying, behold, two therefore O Lord God, of them slew the whole of the city of
earth, pervert I

God

of the whole

Shechem.

2. And the Lord heard the prayers pray thee the counsel of these kings that they may not fight against my of Isaac and Jacob, and he filled the

sons.

hearts

of

all

these

kings

advisers

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

.

105

And behold through his love 1 1 with great fear and terror that they his God, Abraham took his toward exclaimed, unanimously 3. Are you silly this day, or is only and precious son and intended there no understanding in you, that to bring him up as a burnt offering you will fight with the Hebrews, and to his God, and had it not been for

why
own

will you take a delight in your God who prevented him from doing then have done it destruction this day ? this, he would 4. Behold two of them came to through his love to his God. 1 2. And God saw all his works, the city of Shechem without fear or

terror,

and they killed

all

the inhabi

and swore unto him, and promised

tants of the city, that

up

against them,
to fight
5.

man stood him that he would deliver his sons and how will you and all his seed from every trouble
no
all ?

be able

with them

that

Surely you know that their God is exceedingly fond of them, and has done mighty things for them, such as have not been done from days of old, and amongst all the gods of nations, there is none can do like unto his mighty deeds 6. Surely he delivered their fath er Abraham, the Hebrew, from the hand of Nimrod, and from the hand of all his people who had many times sought to slay him. 7. He delivered him also from the
fire

would befall them, because he had done this thing, and through his

love to his
13.
their

God

stifled his

compas

sion for his child.

And have you not heard what God did to Pharaoh king of

Egypt, and to Abimelech king of Gerar, through taking Abraham s wife, who said of her she is my sis ter, lest they might slay him on ac count of her, and think of taking her for a wife ? and God did unto them and their people all that you heard
of.

which king Nimrod had cast 14. And behold, we ourselves saw him, and his God delivered him from with our eyes that Esau, the brother
in

it.

of Jacob,
8.

came

to

him with

four

And who else can do the like ? hundred men, with the intention of surely it was Abraham who slew the slaying him, for he called to mind five kings of Elam, when they had that he had taken away from him touched his brother s son who in his father s blessing. 15. And he went to meet him those days dwelt in Sodom. 9. And took his servant that was when he came from Syria, to smite
house and a few of his men, and they pursued the kings of Elam in one night and killed them, and restored to his brother s son all his property which they had taken from him.
faithful in his

with the children, and him from his hands but his God in whom he trusted ? he delivered him from the hand of his brother and also from the hands of his enemies, and surely he again 10. And surely you know the God will protect them. 16. Who does not know that it of these Hebrews is much delighted with them, and they are also delight was their God who inspired them ed with him, for they know that he with strength to do to the town of delivered them from all their ene Shechem the evil which you heard

the mother

who

delivered

mies.

of?

106
17.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

Could
it

then be with their for they trusted

in

him

and

all

kings returned with their strength that two men could these destroy such a large city as She- camps on that day, each to his own chem had it not been for their God city, and they did not at that time in whom they trusted? he said and fight with the sons of Jacob. did unto them all this to slay the in 25. And the sons of Jacob kept
their station that day till evening op habitants of the city in their city. 18. And can you then prevail posite mount Sihon, and seeing that over them who have come forth to these kings did not come to fight gether from your city to fight with against them, the sons of Jacob re

own

the whole of them, even

if

a thou

turned home.

sand times

as

many more

should

come

to

your assistance.
.

CHAPTER XXXVI

1 At that time the Lord appeared with them, but you come to war with unto Jacob saying, arise, go to Bethel their God who made choice of them, and remain there, and make there and you have therefore all come this an altar to ihe Lord who appeareth unto thee, who delivered thee and all day to be destroyed. 20. Now therefore refrain from thy sons from affliction. 2. And Jacob rose up with his this evil which you are endeavoring to bring upon yourselves, and it will sons and all belonging to him, and be better for you not to go to battle they went and came to Bethel ac with them, although they are but cording to the word of the Lord. few in numbers, because their God 3. And Jacob was ninety nine is with them. years old when he went up to Bethel, 21. And when the kings of the and Jacob and his sons and all the Amorites heard all the words of their people that were with him, remained advisers, their hearts were filled in Bethel in Luz, and he there built with terror, and they were afraid of an altar to the Lord who appeared the sons of Jacob and would not unto him, and Jacob and his sons re mained in Bethel six months. fight against them. 22. And they inclined their ears 4. At that time died Deborah the to the words of their advisers, and daughter of Uz, the nurse of Re they listened to all their words, and becca, who had been with Jacob the words of the counsellors greatly and Jacob buried her beneath Bethel under an oak that was there. pleased the kings, and they did so. 23. And the kings turned and re 5. And Rebecca the daughter oi frained from the sons of Jacob, for Bethuel, the mother of Jacob, also they durst not approach them to died at that time in Hebron, the make war with them, for they were same is Kireath-arba, and she was greatly afraid of them, and their buried in the cave of Machpelah hearts melted within them from their which Abraham had bought from the fear of them. children of Heth. 24. For this proceeded from the 6. And the life of Rebecca was Lord to them, for he heard the pray one hundred and thirty three years, ers of his servants Isaac and Jacob, and she died and when Jacob heard
;

19. Surely you know and under stand that you do not come to fight

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

mother Rebecca was dead bitterly for his mother, and made a great mourning for her, and lor Deborah her nurse beneath the oak, and he called the name of that
that his

107

for he had profaned his father s bed, and the birthright was given unto Joseph, the kingly office to Judah, and the priesthood unto Levi, because Reu ben had defiled his fathers bed. place Allon-bachuth. 16. And these are the generations 7. And Laban the Syrian died in those days, for God smote him be of Jacob who were born to him in cause he transgressed the covenant Padan-aram, and the sons of Jacob that existed between him and Jacob. were twelve. Jacob was a hundred 17. The sons of Leah were Reu 8. And

from the sons of Reuben,

he wept

years old when the Lord appeared unto him, and blessed him and called his name Israel, and Rachel the wife of Jacob conceived in those days. 9. And at that time Jacob and all

ben the

first

born, and Simeon, Levi,

Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and their sister Dinah; and the sons of Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin. 18. The sons of Zilpah, Leah s belonging to him journeyed from handmaid, were Gad and Asher, and Bethel to go to his father s house, to the sons of Bilhah, Rachel s handmaid,

were Dan and Naphtali; these are were going the sons of Jacob which were born on was yet but to him in Padan-aram. 19. And Jacob and his sons and a little way to come to Ephrath, Rachel bare a son and she had hard all belonging to him journeyed and came to Mamre, which is Kireathlabour and she died. 11. And Jacob buried her in the arba, that is in Hebron, where Abra way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem, ham and Isaac sojourned, and Jacob her grave, with his sons and all belonging to and he set a pillar upon which is there unto this day and the him, dwelled with his father in days of Rachel were forty five years Hebron. 20. And his brother Esau and his and she died. 12. And Jacob called the name of sons, and all belonging to him went his son that was born to him, which to the land of Seir and dwelt there, Rachel bare unto him, Benjamin, for and had possessions in the land of he was born to him in the land on Seir, and the children of Esau were fruitful and multiplied the right hand. exceedingly 13. And it was after the death of in the land of Seir.
Hebron.
10.

whilst they the road, and there

And

21 And these are the generations Rachel, that Jacob pitched his tent in the tent of her hand maid Bilhah. of Esau that were born to him in the 14. And Reuben was jealous for land of Canaan, and the sons of Esau his mother Leah on account of this, were five. 22. And Adah bare to Esau his and he was filled with anger, and he rose up in his anger and went and first born Eliphaz, and she also bare entered the tent of Bilhah and he to him Reuel, and Ahlibamah bare to him Jeush, Yaalam and Korah. thence removed his father s bed. 23. These are the children of Esau 15. At that time the portion of birth right, together with the kingly who were born to him in the land of and priestly offices, was removed Canaan and the sons of Eliphaz
.

108
the son of

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

dred and twenty great and terrible animals came out from the wilderness
at the

32. And those animals, from their middle downward, were in the shape of the children of men, and from their middle upward, some had the these are the families of the sons of likeness of bears, and some the like Esau according to their dukedoms ness of the keephas, with tails behind them from between their shoulders in the land of Seir.
;

Esau were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, Kenaz and Amalex, and the sons of Reuel were Nachath, Zerach, Shamah and Mizzah. 24. And the sons of Jeush were and the Timnah, Alvah, Jetheth sons of Yaalam were Alah, Phinor and Kenaz. 25. And the sons of Korah were Teman, Mibzar, Magdiel and Eram
;

other side of

the sea,

and

they

where the asses were, and they placed them

all

came

to the place

selves there.

26. And these are the names of reaching down to the earth, like the the sons of Seir the Horite, inhab tails of the ducheephath, and these itants of the land of Seir, Lotan, animals came and mounted and rode

Shobal, Zibean, Anah, Dishan, Ezer upon these asses, and led them away, and Dishon, being seven sons. and they went away unto this day. 27. And the children of Lotan 33. And one of these animals ap were Hori, Heman and their sister proached Anah and smote him with Timna that is Timna who came to his tail, and then fled from that place. Jacob and his sons, and they would 34. And when he saw this work not give ear to her, and she went he was exceedingly afraid of his life, and became a concubine to Eliphaz and he fled and escaped to the city. the son of Esau, and she bare to him 35. And he related to his sons and brothers all that had happened to Amalek. 28. And the sons of Shobal were him, and many men went to seek the Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and asses but could not find them, and Onam, and the sons of Zibeon were Anah and his brothers went no more Ajah, and Anah, this was that Anah to that place from that day following, who found the Yemim in the wilder for they were greatly afraid of their ness when he fed the asses of Zibeon lives.
,

36. And the children of Anah the feeding his son of Seir, were Dishon and his sis father s asses he led them to the ter Ahlibamah, and the children of wilderness at different times to feed Dishon were Hemdan, Eshban, Iththem. ran and Cheran, and the children of 30. And there was a day that he Ezer were Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan, brought them to one of the deserts and the children of Dishan were Uz on the sea shore, opposite the wilder and Aran. ness of the people, and whilst he 37. These are the families of the was feeding them, behold a very children of Seir the Horite, accord heavy storm came from the other side ing to their dukedoms in the land of of the sea and rested upon the asses Seir. that were feeding there, and they 38. And Esau and his children dwelt in the land of Seir the Horite, all stood still. 31. And afterward about one hun the inhabitant of the land, and they
his father.

29.

And whilst he was

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

109

had possessions in it and were fruit gether to make war with Jacob and and multiplied exceedingly, and iis sons. 7. And Jashub king of Tapnach Jacob and his children and all belong their father sent also to all his neighboring kings, dwelt with to them, ing Isaac in the land of Canaan as the to Elan king of Gaash, and to Ihuri Lord had commanded Abraham their king of Shiloh, and to Parathon king of Chazar, and to Susi king of Sarfather. ton, and to Laban king of Beth-horan, and to Shabir king of OthnayCHAPTER XXXVII.
ful

mah, saying, 8. Come up lo me and assist me, fifth year of the life of Jacob, that is and let us smite Jacob the Hebrew the ninth year of Jacob s dwelling and his sons, and all belonging to him,
1.

And

in

the one hundred and

with his children in the land of Ca naan, he came from Padan-aram. 2. And in those days Jacob jour neyed with his children from Hebron, and they went and returned to the
city of

for

they are again

come

to

Shechem

to possess it and to slay its inhabi tants as before ;

9.

And

all

these kings assembled

all

together

and came with

their

Shechem, they and all belong camps, a people exceedingly plenti the sea shore, ing to them, and they dwelt there, ful like the sand upon for the children of Jacob obtained and they were all opposite to Tap good and fat pasture land for their nach. 10. And Jashub king of Tapnach cattle in the city of Shechem, the with all his army, city of Shechem having then been went forth to them rebuilt, and there were in it about and he encamped with them opposite three hundred men and women. to Tapnach without the city, and all 3. And Jacob and his children and these kings they divided into seven all belonging to him dwelt in the part divisions, being seven camps against of the field which Jacob had bought the sons of Jacob. from Hamor the father of Shechem, 1 1 And they sent a declaration* when he came from Padan-aram be to Jacob and his son, saying, come fore Simeon and Levi had smitten you all forth to us that we may
.

the city.
4.

have an interview together in the those kings of the Ca- plain, and revenge the cause of the naanites and Amorites that surround men of Shechem whom you slew in ed the city of Shechem, heard that their city, and you will now again re the sons of Jacob had again come to turn to the city of Shechem and dwell

And

all

Shechem and dwelt

5.

there.

therein,

and slay

its

inhabitants as

they 12. And the sons of Jacob heard Jacob the Hebrew again come to the after that they this and their and dwell therein, city anger was kindled ex have smitten its inhabitants and driven ceedingly at the words of the kings them out ? shall they now return and of Canaan, and ten of the sons of also drive out those who are dwelling Jacob hastened and rose up, and each of them girt on his weapons of in the city or slay them ? 6. And all the kings of Canaan war and there were one hundred * Hebrew, a book or record. again assembled, and they came to
;

And

said, shall the

sons of before.

110
and two of
equipped

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

their servants with

them voice

of mighty horses from the sons

in battle array.

of Jacob, and the voice of a great

13. And all these men the sons of army accompanying them. Jacob with their servants went to 20. And these kings were seized ward these kings, and Jacob their with great terror at the sons of Jacob, father was with them, and they all and whilst they were standing in stood upon the heap of Shechem. their quarters, behold the sons of Ja 14. And Jacob prayed to the Lord cob advanced upon them, with one for his sons, and he spread forth his hundred and twelve men, with a great hands to the Lord, and he said, O and tremendous shouting. 21. And when the kings saw the God, thou art an Almighty God, thou art our father, thou didst form us and sons of Jacob advancing toward them, we are the works of thine hands I they were still more panic struck, pray thee deliver my sons through thy and they were inclined to retreat mercy from the hand of their ene from before the sons of Jacob as at mies, who are this day coming to first, and not to fight with them. 22. But they did not retreat, say fight with them, and save them from their hand, for in thy hand is power ing, it would be a disgrace to us thus and might, to save the few from the twice to retreat from before the He brews. many. 15. And give unto my sons, thy 23. And the sons of Jacob came servants, strength of heart and might near and advanced against all these to fight with their enemies, to subdue kings and their armies, and they saw, them, and make their enemies fall and behold it was a very mighty peo before them, and let not my sons and ple, numerous as the sand of the their servants die through the hands sea. of the children of Canaan, 24. And the sons of Jacob called 1 6. But if it seemeth good in thine unto the Lord and said, help us O eyes to take away the lives of my Lord, help us and answer us, for we sons and their servants, take them in trust in thee, and let us not die by thy great mercy through the hand of the hands of these uncircumcised thy ministers,* that they may not men, who this day have come against perish this day by the hands of the us. 25. And the sons of Jacob girt on lungs of the Amorites. 17. And when Jacob ceased their weapons of war, and they took pray ing to the Lord the earth shook from in their hands each man his shield its place, and the sun darkened, and and his javelin, and they approached all these kings were terrified and a to battle. 26. And Judah, the son of Jacob, great consternation seized them. 1 8. And the Lord hearkened to the ran first before his brethren, and ten prayer of Jacob, and the Lord im of his servants with him, and he went pressed the hearts of all the kings toward these kings. and their hosts with the terror and 27. And Jashub, king of Tapnach, awe of the sons of Jacob. also came forth first with his army 19. For the Lord caused them to before Judah, and Judah saw Jashub hear the voice of chariots, and the and his army coming toward him, * and Judah s wrath was kindled, and Angels or messengers.
;

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

his anger

Ill

burned within him, and he he had done to Jashub, and they were to battle in which Judah terribly afraid of Judah. 35. And they assembled near Javentured his life.* 28. And Jashub and all his army shub s camp, seeing his confusion, were advancing toward Judah, and and Judah drew his sword and smote he was riding upon a very strong and forty-two men of the camp of Jashub, powerful horse, and Jashub was a and the whole of Jashub s camp fled very valiant man, and covered with before Judah, and no man stood iron and brass from head to foot. against him, and they left Jashub 29. And whilst he was upon the and fled from him, and Jashub was horse, he shot arrows with both hands still prostrate upon the ground. from before and behind, as was his 36. And Jashub seeing that all the manner in all his battles, and he ne men of his camp had fled from him, ver missed the place to which he hastened and rose up with terror aimed his arrows. against Judah, and stood upon his 30. And when Jashub came to legs opposite Judah. 37. And Jashub had a single com fight with Judah, and was darting many arrows against Judah, the Lord bat with Judah, placing shield toward bound the hand of Jashub, and all shield, and Jashub s men all fled y for the arrows that he shot rebounded they were greatly afraid of Judah. 38. And Jashub took his spear in upon his own men. 31. And notwithstanding this, Ja his hand to strike Judah upon his shub kept advancing toward Judah, head, but Judah had quickly placed to challenge him with the arrows, his shield to his head against Ja but the distance between them was shub s spear, so that the shield of about thirty cubits, and when Judah Judah received the blow from Ja saw Jashub darting forth his arrows shub s spear, and the shield was split against him, he ran to him with his in two. wrath-excited might. 39. And when Judah saw that his 32. And Judah took up a large shield was split, he hastily drew his stone from the ground, and its weight sword and smote Jashub at his an was sixty shekels, and Judah ran to cles, and cut off his feet that Jashub ward Jashub, and with the stone fell upon the ground, and the spear struck him on his shield, that Jashub fell from his hand. was stunned with the blow, and fell 40. And Judah hastily picked up off from his horse to the ground. Jashub s spear, with which he sever 33. And the shield burst asunder ed his head and cast it next to his out of the hand of Jashub, and through feet. the force of the blow sprang to the 41. And when the sons of Jacob distance of about fifteen cubits, and saw what Judah had done to Jashub, the shield fell before the second they all ran into the ranks of the other camp. kings, and the sons of Jacob fought 34. And the kings that came with with the army of Jashub, and the ar Jashub saw at a distance the strength mies of all the kings that were there. of Judah, the son of Jacob, and what 42. And the sons of Jacob caused * The literal translation of this and Ju fifteen thousand of their men to fall, is, dah gave his soul to and they smote them as if smiting at
approached
"

die."

112

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

of
his

gourds, and the rest fled for their twelve

lives.

went and slew Elon and

43. And Judah was still standing with the edge of the sword. by the body of Jashub, and stripped Jashub of his coat of mail. CHAPTER XXXVIII. 44. And Judah also took off the iron and brass that was about Jashub, 1 And Ihuri king of Shiloh came and behold nine men of the captains up to assist Elon, and he approached of Jashub came alone to fight against Jacob, when Jacob drew his bow that was in his hand and with an ar Judah. 45. And Judah hastened and took row struck Ihuri which caused his up a stone from the ground, and with death. 2. And when Ihuri it smote one of them upon the head, king of Shiloh and his skull was fractured, and the was dead, the four remaining kings body also fell from the horse to the fled from their station with the rest of the captains, and ground. they endeavor 46. And the eight captains that ed to retreat, saying, we have no more remained, seeing the strength of Ju strength with the Hebrews after their dah, were greatly afraid and they having killed the three kings and their captains who were more power fled, and Judah with his ten men pur sued them, and they overtook them ful than we are. 3. And when the sons of Jacob and slew them. 47. And the sons of Jacob were saw that the remaining kings had re still smiting the armies of the kings, moved from their station, they pur and they slew many of them, but sued them, and Jacob also came from those kings daringly kept their stand the heap of Shechem from the place with their captains, and did not re where he was standing, and they treat from their places, and they ex went after the kings and they ap claimed against those of their armies proached them with their servants. 4. And the kings and the captains that fled from before the sons of Ja cob, but none would listen to them, with the rest of their armies, seeing for they were afraid of their lives lest that the sons of Jacob approached they should die. them, were afraid of their lives and
.

servants, and they his captains

fled till they reached the all the sons of Jacob, af Chazar. of smitten the armies the having 5. And the sons of Jacob kings, returned and came before Ju dah, and Judah was still slaying the them to the gate of the city eight captains of Jashub, and strip zar, and they smote a great

48.

And

city

of

ter

pursued
of

Cha

ping off their garments. 49. And Levi saw Elon, king of Gaash, advancing toward him, with his fourteen captains to smite him, but Levi did not know it for certain. 50. And Elon with his captains approached nearer, and Levi looked back and saw that battle was given him in the rear, and Levi ran with

smiting amongst the kings and their armies, about four thousand men, and whilst they were smiting the army of the kings Jacob was occupied with his bow confining himself to smiting the kings, and he slew them all. 6. And he slew Parathon king of Chazar at the gate of the city of Chazar, and he afterward smote Susi

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

113

14. And the sons of Jacob came king of Sarton, and Laban king of Bethchorin,and Shabir king of Mach- to the city and saw, and behold there naymah, and he slew them all with was another wall to the city, and arrows, an arrow to each of them, they sought for the gate of the wall and could not find it, and Judah and they died. 7. And the sons of Jacob seeing sprang upon the top of the wall, and that all the kings were dead and that Simeon and Levi followed him and they were broken up and retreating, they all three descended from the continued to carry on the battle with wall into the city. 15. And Simeon and Levi slew all the armies of the kings opposite the of and still smote the men who ran for safety into the Chazar, gate they of the about four hundred of their men. city, and also the inhabitants 8. And three men of the servants city with their wives and little ones, of Jacob fell in that battle, and when they slew with the edge of the sword, Judah saw that three of his ser and the cries of the city ascended up vants had died, it grieved him greatly, to heaven. 16. And Dan and Naphtali sprang and his anger burned within him the the wall to see what caused the Amorites. upon against 9. And all the men that remained noise of lamentation, for the sons of of the armies of the kings were Jacob felt anxious about their bro greatly afraid of their lives, and they thers, and they heard the inhabitants ran and broke the gate of the walls of the city speaking with weeping of the city of Chazar, and they all and supplications, saying, take all entered the city for safety. that we possess in the city and go 10. And they concealed them away, only do not put us to death. selves in the midst of the city of Cha 17. And when Judah, Simeon and zar, for the city of Chazar was very Levi, had ceased smiting the inhabi large and extensive, and when all tants of the city, they ascended the these armies had entered the city, wall and called to Dan and Naphtali, the sons of Jacob ran after them to who were upon the wall, and to the the city. rest of their brothers, and Simeon and 11 And four mighty men, experi Levi informed them of the entrance enced in battle, went forth from the into the city, and all the sons of Ja city and stood against the entrance cob came to fetch the spoil. of the 18. And the sons of Jacob took with drawn swords and city, spears in their hands, and they placed the spoil of the city of Chazar, the themselves opposite the sons of Ja flocks and herds, and the property, cob, and would not suffer them to and they took all that could be cap tured and went away that day from enter the city. 12. And Naphtali ran and came the city. between them and with his sword 19. And on the next day the sons smote two of them, and cut off their of Jacob went to Sarton, for they heads at one stroke. heard that the men of Sarton who 13. Arid he turned to the other had remained in the city were as two, and behold they had fled, and sembling to fight with them for hav he pursued them, overtook them, ing slain their king, and Sarton was a very high and fortified city, and it smote them and slew them. 8
.

114

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

26.

the inhabitants of the city reproached the sons of Jacob 20. And the pillar of the rampart from the top of the wall, and they was about fifty cubits and its breadth cursed them, and the sons of Jacob forty cubits, arid there was no place heard the reproaches and they were for a man to enter the city on ac greatly incensed, and their
city.

had a deep rampart surrounding the

And

anger

count of the rampart, and the sons of Jacob saw the rampart of the city and they sought an entrance in it but could not find it. 21. For the entrance to the city

burned within them.

27. And the sons of Jacob were provoked at them, and they all rose and sprang over the rampart with the force of their strength, and

was

at the rear,

and every

man

wished

to

come

into the city

came by

that through their might passed the forty cubits breadth of the rampart,

and went round the whole 28. And when they had passed and he afterward entered the the rampart they stood under the city, wall of the city, and they found all city. 22. And the sons of Jacob seeing the gates of the city enclosed! with
that road

they could not find the way into the iron doors. 29. And the sons of Jacob came city, their anger was kindled greatly, and the inhabitants of the near see to break open the doors of the city ing that the sons of Jacob were com gates of the city, and the inhabitants ing to them were greatly afraid of did not let them, for from the top of them, for they had heard of their the wall they were casting stones strength and what they had done to and arrows upon them. Chazar. 30. And the number of the people 23. And the inhabitants of the that were upon the wall was about city of Sarton could not go out to four hundred men, and when the ward the sons of Jacob after having sons of Jacob saw that the men of assembled in the city to fight against the city would not let them open the
they might thereby get gates of the city, they sprang and but when they saw ascended the top of the wall, and that they were coming toward them, Judah went up first to the east part they were greatly afraid of them, for of the city. 31. And Gad and Asher went up they had heard of their strength and what they had done to Chazar. after him to the west corner of the 24. So the inhabitants of Sarton Simeon and Levi to the city, and took the Dan and Reuben to the and of north, .speedily away bridge the road of the city, from its place, south. before the sons of Jacob came, and 32. And the men who were on

them,
into

lest

the

city,

the top of the wall, the inhabitants city. sons of Jacob came of the city, seeing that the sons of and sought the way into the city, and Jacob were coming up to them, they could not find it, and the inhabitants all fled from the wall, descended in of the city went up to the top of the to the city, and concealed themselves wall, and saw, and behold the sons in the midst of the city. of Jacob were seeking an entrance 33. And Issachar and Naphtali into the city. that remained under the wall ap

they brought
25.

it

into the

And

the

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

preached and broke the gates of the and kindled a fire at the gates of the city, that the iron melted, and all the sons of Jacob came into the city, they and all their men, and they fought with the inhabitants of the city of Sarton, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and no man stood up before them. 34. And about two hundred men fled from the city, and they all went and hid themselves in a certain tower in the city, and Judah pursued them to the tower and he broke down the tower, which fell upon the men, and
city,

115

sword, and the sword struck Levi s hand, and it wanted but little to the hand of Levi being cut off. 39. And Levi seized the sword of the valiant man in his hand, and took it forcibly from the man, and with it he struck at the head of the power ful man, and he severed his head. 40. And eleven men approached
to fight

with Levi, for they saw that one of them was killed, and the sons of Jacob fought, but the sons of Jacob could not prevail over them,
for those

41.

men were very powerful. And the sons of Jacob seeing

that they could not prevail over them, the sons of Jacob went Simeon gave a loud and tremendous up the road of the roof of that tower, shriek, and the eleven powerful men and they saw, and behold there was were stunned at the voice of Sime

they

all

died.

35.

Aud

another strong and high tower at a on s shrieking. distance in the city, and the top of it 42. And Judah at a distance knew reached to heaven,* and the sons of the voice of Simeon s shouting, and

Jacob hastened and descended, and went with all their men to that tower, and found it filled with about three hundred men, women and little

ones. 36. And the sons of Jacob smote 43. And Naphtali saw that the a great smiting amongst those men shields of Simeon and Levi were in the tower, and they ran away and broken, and he took two shields fled from them. from his servants and brought them 37. And Simeon and Levi pur to Simeon and Levi. sued them, when twelve mighty and 44. And Simeon, Levi and Judah valiant men came out to them from on that day fought all three against the place where they had concealed the eleven mighty men until the time of sunset, but themselves. they could not prevail 38. And those twelve men main over them. tained a strong battle against Simeon 45. And this was told unto Jacob,

Naphtali and Judah ran with their shields to Simeon and Levi, and found them fighting with those pow erful men, unable to prevail over them as their shields were broken.

and

Levi, and

Simeon and

could not prevail over them, and those valiant men broke the shields of Simeon and Levi, and one of them struck at Levi s head with his sword, when Levi hastily placed his hand to his head, for he was afraid of the
* This is a figurative expression brew, to express an exceeding great

Levi and he was sorely grieved, and he prayed unto the Lord, and he and Naphtali his son went against these mighty men. 46. And Jacob approached and drew his bow, and came nigh unto the mighty men, and slew three of their men with the bow, and the re in the He height. maining eight turned back, and be-

116

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

them in they were lives, and could

hold, the war waged against the front and rear, and

CHAPTER XXXIX.

1. And when the sons of Jacob greatly afraid of their not stand before the sons of Jacob, went from the city of Sarton, they and they fled from before them. had gone about two hundred cubits 47. And in their when they met the inhabitants of met they

flight

Dan and Asher coming toward them, Tapnach coming toward them,
and they suddenly fell upon them, and fought with them, and slew two of them, and Judah and his brothers pursued them, and smote the remain der of them, and slew them. 48. And all the sons of Jacob re turned and walked about the city,
searching if they could find any men, and they found about twenty young men in a cave in the city, and Gad and Asher smote them all, and Dan and Naphtali lighted upon the rest of the men who had fled and escaped from the second tower, and they smote them all. 49. And the sons of Jacob smote
all

for

they went out to fight with them, because they had smitten the king of Tapnach and all his men. 2. So all that remained in the city of Tapnach come out to fight with the sons of Jacob, and they thought to retake from them the booty and

which they had captured from Chazar and Sarton.

the spoil
3.

And the

rest of the

men of Tap

nach fought with the sons of Jacob in that place, and the sons of Jacob smote them, and they fled before them, and they pursued them to the city of Arbelan, and they all fell be

fore the sons of Jacob. the inhabitants of the city of Sar4. And the sons of Jacob returned ton, but the women and little ones and came to Tapnach, to take away

they left in the city and did not slay the spoil of Tapnach, and when they them. came to Tapnach they heard that the
50.

And

all

the inhabitants of the people of Arbelan had gone out to

city of Sarton were powerful men, meet them to save the spoil of their one of them would pursue a thou brethren, and the sons of Jacob left sand, and two of them would not flee ten of their men in Tapnach to plun

from ten thousand of the rest of der the city, and they went out to men. ward the people of Arbelan. 51. And the sons of Jacob slew 5. And the men of Arbelan went all the inhabitants of the to fight with the city of Sar out with their wives ton with the edge of the sword, that sons of Jacob, for their wives were no man stood up against them, and experienced in battle, and they went they left the women in the city. out, about four hundred men and 52. And the sons of Jacob took all women. the spoil of the city, and 6. And all the sons of Jacob shout captured what they desired, and they took ed with a loud voice, and they all ran flocks and herds and property from toward the inhabitants of Arbelan, the city, and the sons of Jacob did and with a great and tremendous unto Sarton and its inhabitants as voice. 7. And the inhabitants of Arbelan they had done to Chazar and its in habitants, and they turned and went heard the noise of the shouting of the away sons of Jacob, and their roaring like

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

117

14. And on the fifth day the sons the noise of lions and like the roaring of Jacob heard that the people of of the sea and its waves.

and terror possessed on account of the sons of Jacob, and they were terribly afraid of them, and they retreated and fled before them into the city, and the sons of Jacob pursued them to the gate of the city, and they came upon
8.

And

fear

Gaash had gathered against them

battle,

to

their hearts

because they had slain their their captains, for there had and king been fourteen captains in the city of Gaash, and the sons of Jacob had
slain
15

them

all

in the first battle.

them

in the city.

girt

day on their weapons of war, and

And

the sons of Jacob that

9. And the sons of Jacob fought they marched to battle against the with them in the city, and all their inhabitants of Gaash, and in Gaash women were engaged in slinging there was a strong and mighty peo against the sons of Jacob, and the ple of the people of the Amorites,

combat was very severe amongst and Gaash was the strongest and them the whole of that day till evening. best fortified city of all the cities of 10. And the sons of Jacob could the Amorites, and it had three walls. not prevail over them, and the sons 16. And the sons of Jacob came of Jacob had almost perished in that to Gaash and they found the gates battle, and the sons of Jacob cried of the city locked, and about five unto the Lord and greatly gained hundred men standing at the top of strength toward evening, and the sons the outermost wall, and a people of Jacob smote all the inhabitants of numerous as the sand upon the sea Arbelan by the edge of the sword, shore were in ambush for the sons of Jacob from without the city at the men, women and little ones.
1 1 And also the remainder of the rear thereof. 17. And the sons of Jacob ap people who had fled from Sarton, the sons of Jacob smote them in Arbe proached to open the gates of the lan, and the sons of Jacob did unto city, and whilst they were drawing Arbelan and Tapnach as they had nigh, behold those who were in am
.

done
the

to

Chazar and Sarton, and when bush

that all their

at

the rear of the city

came

forth from their places and surround were dead, they went upon the roofs ed the sons of Jacob. of the city and smote the sons of Ja 18. And the sons of Jacob were cob by showering down stones like enclosed between the people of rain. Gaash, and the battle was both to 12. And the sons of Jacob hasten their front and rear, and all the men ed and came into the city and seized that were upon the wall, were cast all the women and smote them with ing from the wall upon them, arrows the edge of the sword, and the sons and stones. of Jacob captured all the spoil and 19. And Judah, seeing that the men of Gaash were getting too heavy booty, flocks and herds and cattle. 1 3. And the sons of Jacob did unto for them, gave a most piercing and Machnaymah as they had done to tremendous shriek and all the men Tapnach, to Chazar and to Shiloh, of Gaash were terrified at the voice and they turned from there and went of Judah s cry, and men fell from the wall at his powerful shriek, and all away.

women saw

men

118

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

those weak ones amongst us you did those things, and slew them in the entrance of the city, for they had no
strength when they were terrified at the sound of your shouting. 26. And will you now then be
able to fight in this place ? Surely here you will all die, and we will avenge the cause of those cities that you have laid waste.

those that were from without and within the city were greatly afraid of their lives. 20. And the sons of Jacob still came nigh to break the doors of the city, when the men of Gaash threw stones and arrows upon them from the top of the wall, and made them
flee

from the gate.

And the sons of Jacob re 27. And the inhabitants of Gaash turned against the men of Gaash who \vere with them from without greatly reproached the sons of Jacob the city, and they smote them ter and reviled* them with their gods, ribly, as striking against gourds, and and continued to cast arrows and they could not stand against the sons stones upon them from the wall. of Jacob, for fright and terror had 28. And Judah and his brothers seized them at the shriek of Judah. heard the words of the inhabitants of 22. And the sons of Jacob slew Gaash and their anger was greatly all those men who were from with roused, and Judah was jealous of his out the city, and the sons of Jacob God in this matter, and he called out still drew nigh to effect an entrance and said, Lord, help, send help to into the city, and to fight under the us and our brothers. 29. And he ran at a distance with city walls, but they could not for all the inhabitants of Gaash who re all his might, with his drawn sword mained in the city had surrounded in his hand, and he sprang from the the walls of Gaash in every direction, earth and by dint of his strength, so that the sons of Jacob were unable mounted the wall, and his sword fell to approach the city to fight with from his hand. them. 30. And Judah shouted upon the 23. And as the sons of Jacob wall, and all the men that were upon came nigh to one corner to fight un the wall were terrified, and some of der the wall, the inhabitants of Gaash them fell from the wall into the city threw arrows and stones upon them and died, and those who were yet like showers of rain, and they fled upon the wall, when they saw Judah s from under the wall. strength, they were greatly afraid
21.

people of Gaash who and fled for their lives into the city wall, seeing that the for safety. sons of Jacob could not prevail over 31. And some were emboldened them from under the wall, reproach to fight with Judah upon the wall, ed the sons of Jacob in these words and they came nigh to slay him when
24.

And the

were upon the

saying
25.

What

they
is

saw there was no sword

s

in

the matter with

you Judah

* you cannot prevail ? can you then do unto the mighty city as inferred from the next verse, and Judah was as orpnSxa onVSp*) might of Gaash and its inhabitants as you jealous of his bear the translation, and they reviled or cursed did to the cities of the Amorites that them or using the names of by their own gods, were not so powerful? Surely to their idols in their execrations.

in the battle that

hand, and they thought of They reviled the God of the sons of Jacob,
"

God,"

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

119

his to strike Judah upon the head with casting him from the wall to brothers, and twenty men of the city his sword, when Judah hastily put came up to assist them, and they sur his shield to his head, and the sword

rounded Judah and they all shouted over him, and approached him with drawn swords, and they terrified Judah, and Judah cried out to his brothers from the wall. 32. And Jacob and his sons drew the bow from under the wall, and smote three of the men that were upon the top of the wall, and Judah continued to cry and he exclaimed, O Lord help us, Lord deliver us, and he cried out with a loud voice upon the wall, and the cry was heard
at a great distance. 33. And after this cry he

hit the shield,

and

it

was

split in

two.

mighty man after he had struck Judah ran for his life, at the fear of Judah, and his feet slip ped upon the wall and he fell amongst the sons of Jacob who were below the wall, and the sons of Jacob smote him and slew him. 40. And Judah s head pained him from the blow of the powerful man, and Judah had nearly died from it. 41. And Judah cried out upon the
39.
this

And

again repeated to shout, and all the men who surrounded Judah on the top of the wall were terrified, and they

each threw his sword from his hand sound of Judah s shouting and his tremor, and fled. 34. And Judah took the swords which had fallen from their hands, against Judah, and they went up to and Judah fought with them and slew the second wall, and they threw ar twenty of their men upon the wall. rows and stones upon Dan and Judah 35. And about eighty men and from the second wall, and endeavor women still ascended the wall from ed to drive them from the wall. 43. And the arrows and stones the city and they all surrounded Ju dah, and the Lord impressed the fear struck Dan and Judah, and they had of Judah in their hearts, that they were nearly been killed upon the wall, and wherever Dan and Judah fled upon unable to approach him. 36. And Jacob and all who were the wall, they were attacked with with him drew the bow from under arrows and stones from the second the wall, and they slew ten men upon wall. 44. And Jacob and his sons were the wall, and they fell below the wall, still at the entrance of the before Jacob and his sons. city below 37. And the people upon the wall the first wall, and they were not able seeing that twenty of their men had to draw their bow against the inhabi fallen, they still ran toward Judah tants of the city, as they could not be with drawn swords, but they could seen by them, being upon the second not approach him for they were great wall. 45. And Dan and Judah when they ly terrified at Judah s strength. 38. And one of their mighty men could no longer bear the stones and whose name was Arud approached arrows that fell upon them from the
at the

wall owing to the pain produced by the blow, when Dan heard him, and his anger burned within him, and he also rose up and went at a distance and ran and sprang from the earth and mounted the wall with his wrath excited strength. 42. And when Dan came upon the wall near unto Judah all the men upon the wall fled, who had stood

120

THE BOOK OF JASHER

and the rear, and the sons of Jacob smote them terribly and slew about twenty thousand of them men and women, not one of them could stand

city, and it was like a brook of water, and the blood flowed 46. And Jacob and his sons heard like a brook to the outer part of the the noise of the shouting from the city, and reached the desert of Bethpeople of the city, and they were chorin. 52. And the people of Bethchostill at the entrance of the city, and they were anxious about Dan and Ju rin saw at a distance the blood flow dah who were not seen by them, they ing from the city of Gaash, and about seventy men from amongst them being upon the second wall. 47. And Naphtali went up with ran to see the blood, and they came his wrath excited might and sprang to the place where the blood was. 53. And they followed the track upon the first wall to see what caus ed the noise of shouting which they of the blood and came to the wall of had heard in the city, and Issachar the city of Gaash, and they saw the and Zebulun drew nigh to break the blood issue from the city, and they doors of the city, and they opened heard the voice of crying from the the gates of the city and came into inhabitants of Gaash, for it ascended unto heaven, and the blood was con the city. 48. And Naphtali leaped from the tinuing to flow abundantly like a first wall to the second, and came to brook of water. 54. And all the sons of Jacob assist his brothers, and the inhabitants of Gaash who were upon the wall, were still smiting the inhabitants of seeing that Naphtali was the third Gaash, and were engaged in slaying who had come up to assist his brothers, them till evening, about twenty thou they all fled and descended into the sand men and women, and the people and all of Chorin said, surely this is the city, and Jacob and his sons

second wall, they both sprang upon the second wall near the people of the city, and when the people of the city who were upon the second wall saw that Dan and Judah had come to them upon the second wall, they all cried out and descended below be

up against
51.

the sons of Jacob. the blood flowed, plenti

And

fully in the

tween the walls.

their
to

young men came

into the

city

work
still

them.
49.

And Judah and Dan and Naph descended from the wall into the city and pursued the inhabitants of the city, and Simeon and Levi were from without the city and knew not that the gate was opened, and they went up from there to the wall and came
tali

down
50.

to their brothers into the city.

And

the inhabitants of the city

descended into the city, and the sons of Jacob came to them in different directions and the battle strip all the slain, and coming in the waged against them from the front innermost part of the city and farther

had

all

of the Hebrews, for they are carrying on war in all the cities of the Amorites. 55. And those people hastened and ran to Bethchorin, and each took his weapons of war, and they cried out to all the inhabitants of Beth chorin, who also girt on their wea pons of war to go and fight with the sons of Jacob. 56. And when the sons of Jacob had done smiting the inhabitants of Gaash, they walked about the city to

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

121

on they met three very powerful men, shield of Naphtali and Judah escap and there was no sword in their ed the sword. 63. And Simeon and Levi ran up hand.

came on the powerful man with their where they were, and swords and struck at him forcibly the powerful men ran away, and one with their swords, and the two of them had taken Zebulun, who he swords entered the body of the pow saw was a young lad and of short erful man and divided it in two, stature, and with his might dashed ength-wise. 64. And the sons of Jacob smote him to the ground. 58. And Jacob ran to him with his the three mighty men at that time, sword and Jacob smote him below together with all the inhabitants of his loins with the sword, and cut him Gaash, and the day was about to de cline. in two, and the body fell upon Zebu 65. And the sons of Jacob walk lun. 59. And the second one approach ed about Gaash and took all the ed and seized Jacob to fell him to spoil of the city, even the little ones the ground, and Jacob turned to him and women they did not suffer to and shouted to him, whilst Simeon live, and the sons of Jacob did unto and Levi ran and smote him on the Gaash as they had done to Sarton hips with the sword and felled him and Shiloh.
57.

And

the sons of Jacob

up

to the place

to the ground.

60.

And

the powerful

man
to

rose

CHAPTER
1
.

XL.
away

up from

the ground with wrath-ex

cited might, and

Judah came
gained
his

him

And

the sons of Jacob led

before he had

of footing, all the spoil

Gaash, and went out

and struck him upon the head with of the city by night. 2. They were going out marching the sword, and his head was split toward the castle of Bethchorin, and and he died. 61. And the third powerful man the inhabitants of Bethchorin were seeing that his companions were going to the castle to meet them, and killed, ran from before the sons of on that night the sons of Jacob Jacob, and the sons of Jacob pursued fought with the inhabitants of Beth him in the city; and whilst the chorin, in the castle of Bethchorin. 3. And all the inhabitants of Beth powerful man was fleeing he founc one of the swords of the inhabitants chorin were mighty men, one of them of the city, and he picked it up anc would not flee from before a thou turned to the sons of Jacob anc sand men, and they fought on that night upon the castle, and their fought them with that sword. 62. And the powerful man ran to shouts were heard on that night from Judah to strike him upon the heac afar, and the earth quaked at their with the sword, aud there was no shouting. 4. And all the sons of Jacob were shield in the hand of Judah; anc whilst he was aiming to strike him afraid of those men, as they were Naphtali hastily took his shield anc not accustomed to fight in the dark, put it to Judah s head, and th and they were greatly confounded, sword of the powerful man hit th and the sons of Jacob cried unto the

122

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

Lord, saying, give help to us Lord, sons of Jacob, for they said, behold deliver us that we may not die by the same will be done to us as was
the

hands of these uncircumcised done

to

those

cities,

for

who

can

men.
5. And the Lord hearkened to the voice of the sons of Jacob, and the Lord caused great terror and confu sion to seize the people of Beth-

and they fought amongst 12. And the morning appeared, themselves the one with the other in the darkness of night, and smote and all the sons of Jacob rose up at each other in great numbers. day break and went up to the castle, and they smote those who remained 6. And the sons of Jacob, know ing that the Lord had brought a spirit of the Chorinites in a terrible man
chorin,

stand against their mighty strength ? 11. And the cries of the Chorinites were very great on that night, and continued to increase, and they smote each other till morning, and numbers of them were killed.

of perverseness amongst those men, and that they fought each man with his neighbor, went forth from among the bands of the people of Bethchorin and went as far as the descent of the castle of Bethchorin, and farther, and they tarried there securely with their young men on that night.

ner,

and they were

all

killed

in the

castle.

13.

And
the

and

all

the sixth day appeared, inhabitants of Canaan

at a distance all the people of Bethchorin lying dead in the castle of Bethchorin, and strewed about as the carcasses of lambs and goats. 7. And the people of Bethchorin 14. And the sons of Jacob led all the whole one the man fought night, spoil which they had captured with his brother, and the other with from Gaash and went to Bethchorin, his neighbor, and they cried out in and they found the city full of peo every direction upon the castle, and ple like the sand of the sea, and they their cry was heard at a distance, fought with them, and the sons of and the whole earth shook at their Jacob smote them there till evening voice, for they were powerful above time. all the people of the earth. 15. And the sons of Jacob did un 8. And all the inhabitants of the to Bethchorin as they had done to
cities of the Canaanites, the Hittites, Gaash and Tapnach, and as they the Amorites, the Hivites and all the had done to Chazar, to Sarton and kings of Canaan, and also those who to Shiloh. were on the other side of the Jordan, 16. And the sons of Jacob took heard the noise of the shouting on with them the spoil of Bethchorin

saw

that night.

and
said, surely these are

all

the spoil of the cities, and on

to

they the battles of the

fighting

9.

And

that

day they went home

She-

Hebrews who

are chem.
;

the seven cities 17. And the sons of Jacob came nigh unto them, and who home to the city of Shechem, and the city, and can stand against those Hebrews? they remained without 10. And all the inhabitants of the they then rested there from the war, cities of the Canaanites, and all those and tarried there all night. who were on the other side of the 18. And all their servants together Jordan, were greatly afraid of the with all the spoil that they had taken

against

who came

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

from ihe
cities,

123

they

left

without the every king bring his three head cap

26. And come all of you to He be yet more fighting against us, and and we will go together to the to come us in Shebron, besiege they may sons of Jacob, and supplicate them chenu. 19, And Jacob and fais sons and that they shall form a treaty of peace their servants remained on that and with us.

did not enter the city, tains, and every captain bring three city, and they for they said, peradventure there may of his officers.

the next

day

in the portion of the

27.

And

all

those kings did as the

Jacob had purchased from king of Hebron had sent to them, for Mamor for five shekels, and all that they were all under his counsel and command, and all the kings of Ca they had captured was with them. 20, And all the booty which the naan assembled to go to the sons of sons of Jacob had captured, was in Jacob, to make peace with them ; the portion of the field, immense as and the sons of Jacob returned and went to the portion of the field that die sand upon the sea shore, 21, And the inhabitants of the land was in Shechem, for they did not put observed them from afar, and all the confidence in the kings of the land. 28. And the sons of Jacob returned inhabitants of the land were afraid of the sons f Jacob who had done this and remained in the portion of the thing, for no king from the days of field ten days, and no one came to make war with them. old had ever done the like, 29. And when the sons of Jacob And the seven kings of the Canaanites resolved to make peace saw that there was no appearance of with the sons Jacob, for they were war, they all assembled and went to afraid of their lives, on ac the city of Shechem, and the sons of greatly count of the sons of Jacob, Jacob remained in Shechem. 23. And on that day, being the 30. And at the expiration of forty seventh -day, Japhia king of Hebron days, all the kings of the Amorites sent secretly to the king of Ai, and to assembled from all their places and the king of Gibeon, and to the king came to Hebron, to Japhia, king of of Shalem, aud to the king of Adu- Hebron. 3 1 And the number of kings that lam, and to the king of Lachish, and to the king of Ghazar, and to all the came to Hebron, to make peace with Canaanitish kings who were under the sons of Jacob, was twenty-one their subjection, saying, kings, and the number of captains 24. Go up with me, and come to that came with them was sixty-nine, me that we may go to the sons of and their men were one hundred and Jacob, and I will make peace with eighty-nine, and all these kings and them, and form a treaty with them, their men rested by mount Hebron. lest all your lands be destroyed by 32. And the king of Hebron went the swords of the sons of Jacob, as out with his three captains and nine they did to Shechem and the cities men, and these kings resolved to go around it, as you have heard and to the sons of Jacob to make peace.
field which
"22,
<sf

seen,

25. do not

And when you come to me, come with many men, but let

33. And they said unto the king of Hebron, go thou before us with thy men, and speak for us unto the

124

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

took their stand
at the place of the gate of Shechem, and did not pro ceed. 39. And the king of Hebron con
,

sons of Jacob, and we will come af and confirm thy words, and the king of Hebron did so. 34. And the sons of Jacob heard that all the kings of Canaan had ga thered together and rested in Hebron, and the sons of Jacob sent four of
ter thee

tains, until

tinued to advance, he and his cap he came nigh to the sons of Jacob, and he and his captains
to

their

unto him, what has befallen thee, O king of Hebron ? why hast thou come 35. And the servants of Jacob to us this day? what dost thou re went secretly to these kings, and did quire from us ? and the king of He as the sons of Jacob had commanded bron said unto Jacob, I beseech thee them, and on that day they came my lord, all the kings of the Canaanback to the sons of Jacob, and said ites have this day come to make unto them, we came unto those kings, peace with you. and they are but few in number, and 41. And the sons of Jacob heard

servants as spies, saying, go and spy these kings, and search and examine their men whether they are few or many, and if they are but few in number, number them all and

bowed down

them

to the

ground,

and the king of Hebron sat with his captains before Jacob and his sons. 40. And the sons of Jacob said

come

back.

all, and behold, the words of the king of Hebron, they were two hundred and eighty- and they would not consent to his eight, kings and men. proposals, for the sons of Jacob had 36. And the sons of Jacob said, no faith in him, for they imagined they are but few in number, there that the king of Hebron had spoken fore we will not all go out to them deceitfully to them. and in the morning the sons of Jacob 42. And the king of Hebron knew rose up and chose sixty-two of their from the words of the sons of Jacob, men, and ten of the sons of Jacob that they did not believe his words, went with them and they girt on and the king of Hebron approached their weapons of war, for they said, nearer to Jacob, and said unto him, they are coming to make war with I beseech thee my lord to be assured us, for they knew not that they were that all these kings have come to you on peaceable terms, for they have coming to make peace with them. 37. And the sons of Jacob went not come with all their men, neither with their servants to the gate of She- did they bring their weapons of war chem, toward those kings, and their with them, for they have come to father Jacob was with them. seek peace from my lord and his
;
;

we numbered them

38. And when they had come forth, sons. 43. And the sons of Jacob answer behold, the king of Hebron and his three captains and nine men with ed the king of Hebron, saying, send him were coming along the road thou to all these kings, and if thou against the sons of Jacob, and the speakest truth unto us, let them each sons of Jacob lifted up their eyes, come singly before us, and if they and saw at a distance Japhia, king come unto us unarmed, we shall then

of Hebron, with his captains, coming know that they seek peace from us. toward them, and the sons of Jacob 44. And Japhia, king of Hebron,

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

sent one of his

125

51. And all these kings again men to the kings, and chey all came before the sons of Ja bowed down to the sons of Jacob, and cob, and bowed down to them to the they sent or brought them many gifts ground, and these kings sat before in those days, and the sons of Jacob Jacob and his sons, and they spoke sent off these kings and their men, unto them, saying, and they went peaceably away from 45. have heard all that you them to their cities, and the sons of did unto the kings of the Amorites Jacob also returned to their home, to

We

your sword and exceedingly Shechem. 52. And there was peace from mighty arm, so that no man could stand up before you, and we were that day forward between the sons afraid of you for the sake of our lives, of Jacob and the kings of the
with
lest
it

should befall us as

it

46.

So we have come unto you

did to them. Canaanites, until the children of to Israel came to inherit the land of

form a treaty of peace between us, Canaan. and now therefore contract with us a covenant of peace and truth, that you will not meddle with us, inas much as we have not meddled with 1. And
you.
47.

CHAPTER

XLI.

the sons of Jacob knew had really come to seek Hebron, to their father Isaac, and peace from them, and the sons of Ja they dwelt there, but their flocks and cob listened to them, and formed a herds they fed daily in Shechem y
that they

And

at the revolution of the of Jacob journeyed the sons year from Shechem, and they came to

covenant with them.

48.

for there

was

there in those days-

the sons of Jacob swore good and fat pasture, and Jacob and unto them that they would not med his sons and all their household dle with them, and all the kings of dwelt in the valley of Hebron.
the Canaanites swore also to them, 2. And it was in those days, in and the sons of Jacob made them that year, being the hundred and sixth year of the life of Jacob, in the tributary from that day forward.

And

49. And after this all the captains tenth year of Jacob s coming from of these kings came with their men Padan-aram, that Leah the wife of before Jacob, with presents in their Jacob died she was fifty one years hands for Jacob and his sons, and old when she died in Hebron. 3. And Jacob and his sons buried iheyboweddownto him to the ground. 50. And these kings then urged her in the cave of the field of Machthe sons of Jacob and begged of them pelah, which is in Hebron, which to return all that spoil they had cap Abraham had bought from the child tured from the seven cities of the ren of Heth, for the possession of a Amorites, and the sons of Jacob did burial place. 4. And the sons of Jacob dwelt so, and they returned all that they had captured, the women, the little with their father in the valley of He ones, the cattle and all the spoil bron, and all the inhabitants of the which they had taken, and they sent land knew their strength, and their
;

them

off,

to his city.

and they went away each fame went throughout the land. 5. And Joseph the son of Jacob,,

126

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

12. And he still came, and told and his brother Benjamin, the sons of Rachel the wife of Jacob, were yet the thing to his father Jacob, and young in -those days, and did not go Jacob kissed Joseph when he heard out with their brethren during their these words from his mouth, and battles in all the cities of the Am- Jacob blessed Joseph. 13. And when the sons of Jacob orites. 6. And when Joseph saw the saw that their father had blessed strength of his brethren, and their Joseph and had kissed him, and that greatness, he praised them and ex he loved him exceedingly, they be tolled them, but he ranked himself came jealous of him and hated him greater than them, and extolled him the more. arid Jacob, his 14. And after this Joseph dreamed self above them father, also loved him more than any another dream and related the dream of his sons, for he was a son of his to his father in the presence of his old age, and through his love toward brethren, and Joseph said unto his him, he made him a coat of many father and brethren, behold I have colors. again dreamed a dream, and behold 7. And when Joseph saw that his the sun and the moon and the eleven father loved him more than his breth stars bowed down to me. 15. And his father heard the ren, he continued to exalt himself above his brethren, and he brought words of Joseph and his dream, and
;

unto his father evil reports concern ing them. 8. And the sons of Jacob seeing the whole of Joseph s conduct toward them, and that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak peaceably
to

seeing that his brethren hated Joseph on account of this matter, Jacob therefore rebuked Joseph before his brethren on account of this thing,
saying, what meaneth this dream which thou hast dreamed, and this

magnifying thyself before thy breth ren who are older than thou art ? seventeen was 9. And 16. Dost thou imagine in thy Joseph years old, and he was still magnify heart that I and thy mother and thy ing himself above his brethren, and eleven brethren will come and bow thought of raising himself above them. down to thee, that thou speakest 10. At that time he dreamed a these things? 17. And his brethren were jealous dream, and he came unto his brothers and told them his dream, and he said of him on account of his words and unto them, I dreamed a dream, and dreams, and they continued to hate behold we were all binding sheaves him, and Jacob reserved the dreams in the field, and my sheaf rose and in his heart. 18. And the sons of Jacob went placed itself upon the ground and your sheaves surrounded it and bowed one day to feed their fathers flock in

him

all

the days.

Shechem, for they were still* herds brethren answered men in those days and whilst the him and said unto him, what mean- sons of Jacob were that day feeding eth this dream that thou didst dream ? *
to
it.

down

11.

And

his

dost thou imagine in thy heart to employment now, with the ? had just been engaged in. reign or rule over us

He

to contrast their pastoral repeats this

battles

which they

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

in

127

25. And Simeon said to his breth Shechem they delayed, and the time of gathering in the cattle was ren, behold the man of dreams is coming unto us this day, and now passed, and they had not arrived. 19. And Jacob saw that his sons therefore come and let us kill him were delayed in Shechem, and Ja and cast him in one of the pits that cob said within himself, perad ven are in the wilderness, and when his ture the people of Shechem have father shall seek him from us, we will risen up to fight against them, there say an evil beast has devoured him. 26. And Reuben heard the words fore they have delayed coming this of his brethren concerning Joseph, day. 20. And Jacob called Joseph his and he said unto them, you should son, and commanded him, saying, be not do this thing, for how can we look hold thy brethren are feeding in She up to our father Jacob ? Cast him chem this day, and behold they have into this pit to die there, but stretch

come back go now there not forth a hand upon him to spill and see where they are, and bring his blood and Reuben said this, in me word back concerning the wel order to deliver him from their hand, fare of thy brethren and the welfare to bring him back to his father.
not yet
fore
;

of the flock, 27. And when Joseph came to his 21. And Jacob sent his son Joseph brethren he sat before them, and they to the valley of Hebron, and Joseph rose upon him and seized him and came for his brothers to Shechem, smote him to the earth, and stripped and could not find them, and Joseph the coat of many colors which he had

went about the field which was near on. 28. And they took him and cast Shechem, to see where his brothers had turned, and he missed his road him into a pit, and in the pit there in the wilderness, and knew not was no water, but serpents and scor which way he should go. And Joseph was afraid of pions. 22. And an angel of the Lord the serpents and scorpions that were found him wandering in the road to in the pit. And Joseph cried out with a ward the field, and Joseph said unto loud voice, and the Lord hid the ser
the angel of the Lord, I seek my pents and scorpions in the sides of brethren ; hast thou not heard where the pit, and they did no harm unto they are feeding ? and the angel of Joseph. 29. And Joseph called out from the Lord said unto Joseph, I saw thy brethren feeding here, and I heard the pit to his brethren and said unto them say they would go to feed in them, what have I done unto you, and in what have I sinned ? why do Dothan. 23. And Joseph hearkened to the you not fear the Lord concerning voice of the angel of the Lord, and me ? am I not of your bones and he went to his brethren in Dothan flesh, and is not Jacob your father,

and he found them in Dothan feeding my father ? why do you do this thing the flock. unto me this day, and how will you 24. And Joseph advanced to his be able to look up to our father Jacob ? 30. And he continued to cry out brethren, and before he had come nigh unto them, they had resolved to and call unto his brethren from the Simeon slay him. pit, and he said, O Judah,

128

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

sel, when they lifted up their eyes, and saw, and behold there was a

and Levi my brethren, lift me up from the place of darkness in which you have placed me, and come this day to have compassion on me, ye children of the Lord, and sons of Ja cob my father. And if I have sin ned unto you, are you not the sons of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob ? if they saw an orphan they had com passion over him, or one that was

company of Ishmaelites coming at a distance by the road of Gilead, going

down
3.

to

Egypt.
said
to

And Judah
will
?

what gain

it

be

unto them, us if we slay

our brother

require him from us

peradventure God will this then is the

;

counsel proposed concerning him, him bread to be eat, which you shall do unto him hungry they gave or one that was thirsty they gave him hold this company of Ishmaelites go
;

water to drink, or one that was naked they covered him with garments 3 1 And how then will you with hold your pity from your brother, for I am of your flesh and bones, and if I have sinned unto you, surely you will do this on account of my father
!

ing

down

to

let us dis pose of him to them, and let not our hand be upon him, and they will lead him along with them, and he will be

4.

Now therefore, come

Egypt.

amongst the people of the land, and we will not put him to death 32. And Joseph spoke these words with our own hands. And the pro from the pit, and his brethren would posal pleased his brethren and they
lost
!

not listen to him, nor incline ears to did according to the word of Judah. the words of Joseph, and Joseph 5. And whilst they were discours was crying and weeping in the pit. ing about this matter, and before the 33. And Joseph said, that my company of Ishmaelites had come
father

my

knew, this day, the act which up to them, seven trading men of brothers have done unto me, and Midian passed by them, and as they

the words
34.

which they have

this

day passed they were

lifted

spoken unto me.

cries

And all his brethren heard his and weeping in the pit, and his brethren went and removed them species of bird was upon him. selves from the 6. And these Midianites ran to the so that they might pit, not hear the cries of Joseph and his pit to drink water, for they thought that it contained water, and on com weeping in the pit. ing before the pit they heard the voice of Joseph crying and weeping XLIT. in the pit, and they looked down in 1 And they went and sat on the to the pit, and they saw and behold opposite side, about the distance of there was a youth of comely appear a bow-shot, and they sat there to eat ance and well favored. 7. And they called unto him and bread, and whilst they were eating, they held counsel together what said, who art thou and who brought was to be done with him, whether thee hither, and who placed thee in to slay him or to bring him back to this pit, in the wilderness? and they his father. all assisted to raise up Joseph and 2. They were holding the coun they drew him out, and brought him

and they and saw the pit up in which Joseph was immured, and they looked, and behold every
thirsty,

their eyes

CHAPTER

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

129

up from the pit, and took him and cob the Hebrew, who have, only went away on their journey and with my brother, destroyed the city of Shechem and the cities of the passed by his brethren.
so shall God moreover 8. Arid these said unto them, why Amorites do you do this, to take our servant do unto me, that if all your brethren from us and to go away ? surely we the people of Midian, and also the placed this youth in the pit because kings of Canaan, were to come with he rebelled against us, and you come you, they could not fight against and bring him up and lead him away me. 15. Now therefore give us back now then give us back our servant. 9. And the Midianites answered the youth whom you have taken, lest and said unto the sons of Jacob, is I give your flesh to the birds of the this your servant, or does this man skies and the beasts of the earth. 16. And the Midianites were more attend you ? perad venture you are all his servants, for he is more comely afraid of Simeon, and they approach and well favored than any of you, ed the sons of Jacob with terror and and why do you all speak falsely un fright, and with pathetic words, say to us? ing* 17. Surely you have said that the 10. Now therefore we will not lis ten to your words, nor attend to you, young man is your servant, and that for we found the youth in the pit in he rebelled against you, and there fore you placed him in the pit what the wilderness, and we took him then will you do with a servant who we will therefore go on. 1 1 And all the sons of Jacob ap rebels against his master? Now proached them and rose up to them therefore sell him unto us, and we and said unto them, give us back will give you all that you require for our servant, and why will you all him and* the Lord was pleased to And do this in order that the sons of Ja die by the edge of the sword ? the Midianites cried out against cob should not slay their brother. 18. And the Midianites saw that them, and they drew their swords, and approached to fight with the sons Joseph was of a comely appearance and well-favored they desired him of Jacob. 12. And behold Simeon rose up in their hearts and were urgent to from his seat against them, and purchase him from his brethren. 19. And the sons of Jacob hear sprang upon the ground and drew his sword and approached the Midi kened to the Midianites and they anites and he gave a terrible shout sold their brother Joseph to them for before them, so that his shouting twenty pieces of silver, and Reuben was heard at a distance, and the their brother was not with them, and the Midianites took Joseph and con earth shook at Simeon s shouting. 13. And the Midianites were ter tinued their journey to Gilead. 20. They were going along the rified on account of Simeon and the noise of his shouting, and they fell road, and the Midianites repented upon their faces, and were excessive of what they had done, in having purchased the young man, and one ly alarmed. 14. And Simeon said unto them; said to the other, what is this thing verily I am Simeon the son of Ja that we have done, in taking this
; ; ; ; . ; ;

130

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

youth from the Hebrews, who is of the camel, and one of their men ob comely appearance and well favor served him, and made him go down ed. from the camel and walk on foot, and
21. Perhaps this youth is stolen notwithstanding thisJoseph continu from the land of the Hebrews, and ed to cry and weep, and he said, O why then have we done this thing ? my father, my father. and if he should be sought for and 27. And one of the Ishmaelites found in our hands we shall die rose up and smote Joseph upon the cheek, and still he continued to weep ; through him. 22. Now surely hardy and power and Joseph was fatigued in the road, ful men have sold him to us, the and was unable to proceed on account strength of one of whom you saw of the bitterness of his soul, and they this stole him all smote him and afflicted him in the day; perhaps they from his land with their might and road, and they terrified him in o^rder with their powerful arm, and have that he might cease from weeping, therefore sold him to us for the small 28. And the Lord saw the affliction value which we gave unto them. of Joseph and his trouble, and the 23. And whilst they were thus dis Lord brought down upon those men coursing together, they looked, and darkness and confusion, and the hand behold the company of Ishmaelites of every one that smote him became which was coming at first, and which withered. the sons of Jacob saw, was advanc 29. And they said to each other, ing toward the Midianites, and the what is this thing that God has done Midianites said to each other, come to us in the road ? and they knew let us sell this youth to the company not that this befel them on account

of Ishmaelites

ward
the

us,

and
that

little

who are coming to we will take for him we gave for him, and

we

of Joseph. And the men proceeded on the road, and they passed along the road of Ephrath where Rachel

be delivered from his evil. was buried. 24. And they did so, and they 30. And Joseph reached his mo reached the Ishmaelites, and the Mi ther s grave, and Joseph hastened dianites sold Joseph to the Ishmael and ran to his mother s grave, and ites for twenty pieces of silver which fell upon the grave and wept. 31. And Joseph cried aloud upon they had given for him to his bre thren. bis mother s grave, and he said, O 25. And the Midianites went on my mother, my mother, O thou who their road to Gilead, and the Ish didst give me birth, awake now, and maelites took Joseph and they let rise and see thy son, how he has been him ride upon one of the camels, and sold for a slave, and no one to pity
will

they were leading him to Egypt. 26. And Joseph heard that the
Ishmaelites

"lim.

rise and see thy son, weep 32. proceeding to with me on account of my troubles, Egypt, and Joseph lamented and and see the heart of my brethren. 33. Arouse my mother, arouse, wept at this thing that he was to be

were

so far removed from the land of Ca awake from thy sleep for me, and naan, from his father, and he wept direct thy battles against my bre was riding upon thren. O how have they stripped bitterly whilst he

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

131

41. And Joseph heard this, and of my coat, and sold me already twice for a slave, and separated me he wondered greatly at this, and he from my father, and there is no one continued to weep; and after this one of the Ishmaelites observed him to pity me. 34. Arouse and lay thy* cause crying and weeping upon the grave, and see and his anger was kindled against against them before God, whom God will justify in the judg him, and he drove him from there, and he smote him and cursed him. ment, and whom he will condemn. 35. Rise 42. And Joseph said unto the men, my mother, rise, awake from thy sleep and see my father how may I find grace in your sight to take his soul is with me this day, and me back to my father s house, and comfort him and ease his heart. he will give you abundance of riches. 36. And Joseph continued to speak 43. And they answered him, say these words, and Joseph cried aloud ing, art thou not a slave, and where and wept bitterly upon his mother s is thy father ? and if thou hadst a fa grave ; and he ceased speaking, and ther thou wouldst not already twice from bitterness of heart he became have been sold for a slave for so little still as a stone value and their anger was still roused upon the grave. 37. And Joseph heard a voice against him, and they continued to speaking to him from beneath the smite him and to chastise him, and ground, which answered him with Joseph wept bitterly. bitterness of heart, and with a voice of 44. And the Lord saw Joseph s weeping and praying in these words affliction, and the Lord again smote 38. My son, my son Joseph, I have these men, and chastised them, and heard the voice of thy weeping and the Lord caused darkness to envelope I have them the voice of thy lamentation upon the earth,, and the light seen thy tears ; I know thy troubles, ning flashed and the thunder roared, my son, and it grieves me for thy and the earth shook at the voice of sake, and abundant grief is added to the thunder and of the mighty wind,

me

and the men were terrified and knew Joseph not where they should go. 45. And the beasts and camels my son, hope to the Lord, and wait for him and do not fear, for the Lord stood still, and they led them, but is with thee, he will deliver thee from they would not go, they smote them, all trouble. and they crouched upon the ground ; 40. Rise my son, go down unto and the men said to each other, what Egypt with thy masters, and do not is this that God has done to us ? what fear, for the Lord is with thee, my are our transgressions, and what are son. And she continued to speak our sins that this thing has thus be like unto these words unto Joseph, fallen us ? and she was still. 46. And one of them answered and said unto them, perhaps on ac *

my

grief.

39.

Now therefore my son,

Hebrew, *]vnjpo thy pleadings ; this word not found to have this meaning in scripture, but it is used in the Chaldee, though I have no doubt it is a Hebrew root fpto to goad, as in
is

count of the sin of afflicting this slave has this thing happened this day to

To plead or argue, Genesis, ch. 45, v. 17. therefore, bears an affinity to the Hebrew fpts
to goad.

now therefore implore him then we strongly to forgive us, and

;

shall

know on whose account

this

132
;

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

evil befalleth us and if God shal be adopted, we will not swerve from have compassion over us, then we it behold we are this day going to shall know that all this cometh to us Egypt, and when we shall have come on account of the sin of afflicting this to Egypt, we will sell him there at a slave. high price, and we will be delivered 47. And the men did so, and they from his evil. 53. And this thing pleased the supplicated Joseph and pressed him to forgive them and they said, we men and they did so, and they con have sinned to the Lord and to thee, tinued their journey to Egypt with now therefore vouchsafe to request Joseph. of thy God that he shall put away this death from amongst us, for we XLIII. have sinned to him. 48. And Joseph did according to 1 And when the sons of Jacob their words, and the Lord hearkened had sold their brother Joseph to the to Joseph, and the Lord put away Midianites, their hearts were smitten the plague which he had inflicted on account of him, and they repented upon those men on account of Jo of their acts, and they sought for seph, and the beasts rose up from him to bring him back, but could not the ground and they conducted them, find him. and they went on, and the raging 2. And Reuben returned to the storm abated and the earth became pit in which Joseph had been put, in tranquilized, and the men proceeded order to lift him out, and restore him on their journey to go down to Egypt, to his father, and Reuben stood by and the men knew that this evil had the pit, and he heard not a word, and befallen them on account of Joseph. he called out Joseph Joseph and 49. And they said to each other, no one answered nor uttered a behold we know that it was on ac word, count of his affliction that this evil 3. And Reuben said, Joseph has
; ;

CHAPTER

befel us

we

now therefore why shall died through fright, or some serpenf bring this death upon our souls ? has caused his death and Reuben Let us hold counsel what to do to descended into the pit, and he search
;

this slave.

ed
said,

for

50.

And one answered and

;

Reuben tore his garments surely he told us to bring him back now therefore come, let and he said, the child is not there, us take him back and we will go to and how shall I reconcile my father the place that he will tell us, and take about him if he be dead ? and he
to his father

in the pit, 4. And

Joseph and could not find him and he came out again.

we gave went to his brethren and found them go away. grieving on account of Joseph, and 51. And one answered again and counselling together how to reconcile said, behold this counsel is very good, ;heir father about him, and Reuben but we cannot do so for the way is said unto his brethren, I came to the very far from us, and we cannot go 3it and behold Joseph was not there, out of our road. what then shall we say unto our fa 52. And one more answered and ther, for my father will only seek the said unto them, this is the counsel to ad from me.
for

from

him and we

his family the price that will then

THE BOOK OF JASHER5.

133

13. And they hastened and took And his brethren answered him and we and thus thus did, Joseph s coat and tore it, and they saying,

our hearts afterward smote us on ac count of this act, and we now sit to seek a pretext how we shall recon cile our father to it. 6. And Reuben said unto them, what is this you have done to bring down the grey hairs of our father in sorrow to the grave ? the thing is not good, that you have done. 7. And Reuben sat with them, and they all rose up and swore to each other not to tell this thing unto Jacob,

killed a kid of the goats and dipped the coat in the blood of the kid, and then trampled it in the dust, and they

sent the coat to their father Jacob by the hand of Naphtali, and they com manded him to say these words.

14. We had gathered in the cattle and had come as far as the road to Shechem and farther, when we found

upon the road in the wil derness dipped in blood and in dust ;
this coat

now

therefore

know whether

it

be

will thy son s coat or not. 15. And Naphtali tell this to our father or his household,
all

and they
or

said, the

man who

went and he

will report this to any of the came unto his father and he gave him children of the land, we will all rise the coat, and he spoke unto him all up against him and slay him with the the words which his brethren had

who

commanded him. 16. And Jacob saw Joseph s coat each other in this matter, from the and he knew it and he fell upon his youngest to the oldest, and no one face to the ground, and became as
sword.
8.

And

the sons of Jacob feared

spoke a word, and they concealed the still as a stone, and he afterward rose thing in their hearts. up and cried out with a loud and 9. And they afterward sat down weeping voice and he said, it is the to determine and invent something to coat of my son Joseph 17. And Jacob hastened and sent say unto their father Jacob concern
!

ing

one of his servants to his sons, who these things. Issachar said unto them, went to them and found them coming here is an advice for you if it seem along the road with the flock. 18. And the sons of Jacob came good in your eyes to do this thing,
all

10.

And

take the coat which belongeth to Jo seph and tear it, and kill a kid of the goats and dip it in its blood. 1 1 And send it to our father and when he seeth it lie will say an evil beast has devoured him, therefore tear ye his coat and behold his blood
.

to their father

about evening, and behold their garments were torn and dust was upon their heads, and they found their father crying out and weeping with a loud voice. 19. And Jacob said unto his sons, tell me truly what evil have you this

will be

upon

doing this
father s
1

we

his coat, and by your day suddenly brought shall be free of our they answered their
s

upon

me

and

father Jacob,

saying, we were coming along this advice pleased day after the flock had been gather them, and they hearkened unto him ed in, and we came as far as the city and they did according to the word of Shechem by the road in the wil of Issachar which he had counselled derness, and we found this coat filled them. with blood upon the ground, and we

murmurings.
Issachar

2.

And

134

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

it

knew
20.

and

we

sent unto thee

it.

if

29. Now truly God who gave up and tore his garments, and he put sackcloth upon his loins, and thee unto me, he has taken thee from he wept bitterly and he mourned me, and such then has befallen thee and lifted up his voice in weeping this day, and all the works of God and exclaimed and said these words, are good. 23. Joseph my son, O my son Jo 30. And Jacob continued to speak seph, I sent thee this day after the like unto these words concerning welfare of thy brethren, and behold Joseph, and he wept bitterly; he thou hast been torn in pieces fell to the ground and became still. 31. And all the sons of Jacob see through my hand has this happened

my trouble for thee my son, although I did not rear thee, nor fashion thee, nor give thee breath and soul, but it was God who form ed thee and built thy bones and co vered them with flesh, and breathed now. 22. And when Jacob heard their in thy nostrils the breath of life, and words he again cried out aloud and he then he gave thee unto me.
ter is

flocks and to bring me word again from you, and he went as I commanded him, and this has happened to him this day whilst I thought my son was with you. 21. And the sons of Jacob answer ed and said, he did not come to us, neither have we seen him from the time of our going out from thee until

turn of from me. his sons and he cried out with a loud 27. O Joseph my son how didst voice, and he said it is the coat of thou fall, by the hand of one by my son, an evil beast has devoured whom no one had fallen from the him Joseph is rent in pieces, for I beginning of the world unto this day sent him this day to see whether it for thou hast been put to death by was well with you and well with the the smiting of an enemy, inflicted

thou couldst

know

my cheeks, and

bring them the Lord, that his anger

up before

And Jacob heard the words

may

with cruelty, but surely I know that this has happened to thee, on account of the multitude of my sins. 28. Arouse now and see how bit

rose

to

my son. ing their father s trouble, they repent 24. It gieves me for thee Joseph ed of what they had done, and they my son, it grieves me for thee how also wept bitterly. sweet wast thou to me during life, 32. And Judah rose up and lifted and now how exceedingly bitter is his father s head from the ground,
;

and placed it upon his lap, and he thy death to me. 25. O that I had died in thy stead wiped his father s tears from his Joseph my son, for it grieves me cheeks, and Judah wept an exceed
sadly for thee
son,

ing great weeping, whilst his father s head was reclining upon his lap, and where hast thou been drawn? still as a stone. 33. And the sons of Jacob saw arouse, arouse from thy place, and come and see my grief for thee, their father s trouble, and they lifted

Joseph

my son. O my son, my my son, where art thou,

my

son Joseph.

26.
tears

Come now and number

gushing from

my

up their voices and continued to the weep, and Jacob was yet lying upon eyes down the ground still as a stone.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

34. And all his sons and his ser vants and his servants children rose up and stood round him to comfort him, and he refused to be comforted. 35. And the whole household of Jacob rose up and mourned a great mourning on account of Joseph and
their father s trouble,

135

ward them, and they seized him, and brought him unto their father, and they said unto him, this is the first we~have found, and we have brought him unto thee as thou didst com mand us, and thy son s body we could

not find. 41. And Jacob took the beast from of the son the hands of his sons, and he cried reached Isaac, ligence Abraham, the father of Jacob, and out with a loud and weeping voice, he wept bitterly on account of Jo holding the beast in his hand, and heart unto the seph, he and all his household, and he spoke with a bitter

and the

intel

he went from the place where he dwelt in Hebron, and his men with him, and he comforted Jacob his son, and he refused to be comforted. 36. And after this, Jacob rose up from the ground, and his tears were running down his cheeks, and he said unto his sons, rise up and take your swords and your bows, and go forth into the field, and seek whether you can find my son s body and bring it unto me that I may bury it.

beast,

why

didst thou

devour

my

son Joseph, and

no fear of the

how didst thou have God of the earth, or of

my

my son Joseph ? thou didst devour my son for naught, because he commit
trouble for

42.

And

ted no violence,

and didst thereby

me* culpable on his account, therefore God will require him that
render
is

persecuted. 43. And the Lord opened the mouth of the beast in order to com 37. Seek a/so, I pray you, among fort Jacob with its words, and it an the beasts and hunt them, and that swered Jacob and spoke these words which shall come the first before unto him. ou seize and bring it unto me, per44. As God liveth who created us iaps the Lord will this day pity my in the earth, and as thy soul liveth,
affliction,

that

and prepare before you my lord, I did not see thy son, neith which did tear my son in pieces, er did I tear him to pieces, but from and bring it unto me, and I will a distant land I also came to seek avenge the cause of my son. my son who went from me this day, 38. And his sons did as their fath and I know not whether he be living er had commanded them, and they or dead.
45.

rose up early in the morning, and

And

came

this

each took his sword and his bow in his hand, and they went forth into the field to hunt the beasts. 39. And Jacob was still crying aloud and weeping and walking to and fro in the house, and smiting his hands together, saying, Joseph my
son. son, Joseph 40. And the sons of Jacob
into

day

into the

seek my son, and your sons found me, and seized me and in creased my grief, and have this day brought me before thee, and I have
field to

my

went

now spoken all my words to thee. son of 46. And now therefore, man, I am in thy hands, and do unto me this day as it may seem good in
*

wilderness to seize the beasts, and behold a wolf came to

the

for

In Jacob s lamentation, he blames himself having sent him, and having been the cause

of his death.

136
thy

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

sight, but by the life of God who him to him for what we may desire, if created me, I did not see thy son, he be able to give unto us that which nor did I tear him to pieces, neither we shall require for him. has the flesh of man entered my 5. And these Medanim went and mouth all the days of my life. came to the house of Potiphar, and 47. And when Jacob heard the said unto him, we have heard that words of the beast he was greatly thou seekest a good servant to attend

astonished, and sent forth the beast from his hand, and she went her way. 48. And Jacob was still crying aloud and weeping for Joseph day after day, and he mourned for his

thee, behold we have a servant that will please thee, if thou canst give unto us that which we may desire,

and
6.

bring him before me, and I will see him, and

if

we will sell him unto And Potiphar said,

thee.

me I will give unto you which you may require for him. 7. And the Medanim went and CHAPTER XLIV. brought Joseph and placed him be 1 And the sons of Ishmael who fore Potiphar, and he saw him, and had bought Joseph from the Midian- he pleased him exceedingly, and ites, who had bought him from his Potiphar said unto them, tell me brethren, went to Egypt with Joseph, what you require for this youth ? and they came upon the borders of 8. And they said, four hundred Egypt, and when they came near pieces of silver we desire for him, and unto Egypt, they met four men of Potiphar said, I will give it you if the sons of Medan the son of Abra you bring me the record of his sale ham, who had gone forth from the to you, and will tell me his history, land of Egypt on their journey. for perhaps he may be stolen, for this
son

many

days.

he please

that

2. And the Ishmaelites said unto them, do you desire to purchase this slave from us? and they said, deliver him over to us, and they delivered Joseph over to them, and they be held him, that he was a very comely youth and they purchased him for

is neither a slave, nor the son of a slave, but I observe in him the appearance of a goodly and hand

youth

some person.
9.

And

the

Medanim went and

twenty shekels.
their

the Ishmaelites continued journey to Egypt, and the Medanim also returned that day to Egypt, and the Medanim said to each other, behold we have heard that Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh,
3.

And

brought unto him the Ishmaelites who had sold him to them, and they told him, saying, he is a slave and we sold him to them. 10. And Potiphar heard the words of the Ishmaelites in his giving the silver unto the Medanim, and the Medanim took the silver and went on their journey, and the Ishmaelites
.

captain of the guard, seeketh a good also returned home. servant who shall stand before him 1 1 And Potiphar took Joseph and to attend him, and to make him over him to his house that he

brought seer over his house and all belonging might serve him, and Joseph found to him. favor in the sight of Potiphar, and he 4. Now therefore come let us sell placed confidence in him, and made

tfHE

BOOK OF JASHER.
and
all

137
;

him overseer over

his house,

of Egypt,

men and women

and he

that belonged to him he delivered over into his hand.

said unto her, how beautiful they are whilst we are alive, but shouldst

was eighteen when I speak the praise of my God with beautiful and his glory and she said unto him years youth eyes and of comely appearance, and how very beautiful is the hair of thy like unto him was not in the whole head, behold the golden comb which
14.
old,

1 2. And the Lord was with Joseph thou behold them in the grave, surely and he became a prosperous man, thou would st move away from them. 19. And she said unto him, how and the Lord blessed the house of beautiful and pleasing are all Potiphar for the sake of Joseph. thy take now I pray thee, the 13. And Potiphar left all that he words had in the hand of Joseph, and harp which is in the house, and play Joseph was one that caused things with thy hands and let us hear thy to come in and go out, and every words. 20. And he said unto her, how thing was regulated by his wish in the house of Potiphar. beautiful and pleasing are my words
;

And Joseph
a

is in the house, take it I pray thee he was in and curl the hair of thy head. his master s house, 21. And he said unto her, how going in and out of the house and attending his long wilt thou speak these words ? master, Zelicah his master s wife cease to utter these words to me, lifted up her eyes toward Joseph and and rise and attend to thy domestic she looked at him, and behold he affairs. was a youth comely and well favored. 22. And she said unto him, there 16. And she coveted his beauty is no one in my house, and there in her heart, and her soul was fixed is nothing to attend to but to thy upon Joseph, and she enticed him words and to thy wish yet not day after day, and Zelicah persuaded withstanding all this she could not Joseph daily, but Joseph did not lift bring Joseph unto her, neither did he up his eyes to behold his master s place his eye upon her, but directed wife. his eyes below to the ground. 17. And Zelicah said unto him, 23. And Zelicah desired Joseph how goodly are thy appearance and in her heart, that he should lie with form, truly I have looked at all the her, and at the time that Joseph slaves, and have not seen so beauti was sitting in the house doing his ful a slave as thou art; and Joseph work, Zelicah came and sat before said unto her, surely he who created lim, and she enticed him daily with me in my mother s womb created all her discourse to lie with her, or even to look at her, but mankind. Joseph would not 18. And she said unto him, how hearken to her. beautiful are thine eyes, with which 24. And she said unto him, if thou thou hast dazzled* all the inhabitants wilt not do according to my words, * The Hebrew word am is generally render [ will chastise thee with the punish but in ment of ed, to make sure or firm, to strengthen death, and put an iron yoke

land of Egypt.
15.

At

that time whilst

Canticles, ch. 6, v. 5, come, and according to comfort.

it is

some commentators,

translated, to overto

ipon thee.
25.

And Joseph

said

unto her,

138

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

and you have
all

surely God who created man looseth to eat the fetters of prisoners, and it is he hands. 32. who will deliver me from thy prison

cut your
their

And

all

the

women saw

and from thy judgment.

26.

she could not pre persuade him, and upon their garments, and they said her soul being still fixed upon him, unto her, this slave in your house has her desire threw her into a grievous overcome us, and we could not turn our eyelids from him on account of sickness.
vail over him, to

And when

hands, and behold they were full of blood, and their blood flowed down

27.

And

all

the

women

of

Egypt

his beauty.

33. And she said unto them, to visit her, and they said unto her, why art thou in this declining surely this happened to you in the state ? thou that lackest nothing ; moment that you looked at him, and

came

surely thy husband is a great and you could not contain yourselves esteemed prince in the sight of the from him how then can I refrain king, shouldst thou lack any thing of when he is constantly in my house, and I see him day after day going in what thy heart desireth ? 28. And Zelicah answered them, and out of my house ? how then can
;

I keep from declining or even from disorder perishing on account of this ? 34. And they said unto her, the springs in which you see me, and she commanded her maid servants to words are true, for who can see this prepare food for all the women, and beautiful form in the house and re she made a banquet for them, and frain from him, and is he not thy slave all the women ate in the house of and attendant in thy house, and why Zelicah. dost thou not tell him that which is 29. And she gave them knives to in thy heart, and sufferest thy soul peel the citrons to eat them, and she to perish through this matter ? 35. And she said unto them, I am commanded that they should dress

saying, this

day

it

shall

be made

known

to

you, whence

this

Joseph in costly garments, and that he should appear before them, and Joseph came before their eyes and all the women looked on Joseph, and could not take their eyes from off him, and they all cut their hands with the knives that they had in their hands, and all the citrons that were in their hands were filled with

daily endeavoring to persuade him, and he will not consent to my wishes,

I promised him every thing that good, and yet I could meet* with no return from him I am therefore in a declining state as you see. 36. And Zelicah became very ill on account of her desire toward Jo seph, and she was desperately love blood. sick on account of him, and all the 30. And they knew not what they people of the house of Zelicah and had done but they continued to look her husband knew nothing of this at the beauty of Joseph, and did not matter, that Zelicah was ill on ac turn their eyelids from him. count of her love to Joseph. 31. And Zelicah saw what they 37. And all the people of her house had done, and she said unto them, asked her, saying, why art thou ill

and

is

what
done?

is

this

work
I

behold

you have and declining, and lackest nothing ? * Hebrew, I could not find anything in him. gave you citrons
that

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

and she said unto them, I know not which is daily increasing me. upon 38. And all the women and her friends came daily to see her, and they spoke with her, and she said unto them, this can only be through the love of Joseph and they said unto her, entice him and seize him secretly, perhaps he may hearken to thee, and put off this death from
this thing
;

139

44. And Joseph answered her, saying, refrain from me, and leave

matter to my master; behold master knoweth not what there is with me in the house, for all that belongeth to him he has delivered into my hand, and how shall I do these things in my master s house ? 45. For he hath also greatly ho nored me in his house, and he hath
this

my

also

made me overseer over his house,

thee.

Zelicah became worse to Joseph, and she con tinued to decline, till she had scarce
39.

And

from her love

strength to stand. 40. And on a certain day Joseph was doing his masters work in the

house, and

Zelicah came

secretly

suddenly upon him, and Jo seph rose up against her, and he was more powerful than she, and he brought her down to the ground. 41. And Zelicah wept on account of the desire of her heart toward him, and she supplicated him with weep him to listen to her. 47. And it was after this that the ing, and her tears flowed down her cheeks, and she spoke unto him in a brook of Egypt was filled above all voice of supplication and in bitterness its sides, and all the inhabitants of of soul, saying, Egypt went forth, and also the king 42. Hast thou ever heard, seen or and princes went forth with timbrels known of so beautiful a woman as I and dances, for it was a great rejoic am, or better than myself, who speak ing in Egypt, and a holiday at the daily unto thee, fall into a decline time of the inundation of the sea Sihor, through love for thee, confer all this and they went there to rejoice all the honor upon thee, and still thou wilt day. not hearken to my voice ? 48. And when the Egyptians went 43. And if it be through fear of out to the river to rejoice, as was thy master lest he punish thee, their custom, all the people of the as the king liveth no harm shall come house of Potiphar went with them, to thee from thy master through this but Zelicah would not go with them, thing now therefore pray listen to for she said, I am indisposed, and me, and consent for the sake of the she remained alone in the house, and honor which I have conferred upon no other person was with her in the thee, and put off this death from me, bouse. and why should I die for thy sake ? 49. And she rose up and ascended and she ceased to speak. to her temple in the house, and d
fell
;

and

and he hath exalted me, and there is no one greater in this house than I am, and my master hath refrained nothing from me, excepting thee who art his wife, how then canst thou speak these words unto me, and how can I do this great evil and sin to God and to thy husband ? 46. Now therefore refrain from me, and speak no more such words as these, for I will not hearken to thy words. But Zelicah would not hear ken to Joseph when he spoke these words unto her, but she daily enticed

140

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

ed herself in princely garments, and the front of his garments, and in the she placed upon her head precious terror of his flight the garment which stones of onyx stones, inlaid with sil Zelicah seized was torn, and Joseph ver and gold, and she beautified her left the garment in the hand of Zeli face and skin with all sorts of wo cah, and he fled and got out, for he men s purifying liquids, and she per was in fear. 55. And when Zelicah saw that fumed the temple and the house with cassia and frankincense, and she Joseph s garment was torn, and thai spread myrrh and aloes, and she af he had left it in her hand, and had fled, terward sat in the entrance of the she was afraid of her life, lest the
temple, in the passage of the house, report should spread concerning her, through which Joseph passed to do and she rose up and acted with cun
his work, and behold Joseph from the field, and entered the
to

do his master s work. And he came to the place 56. And she took Joseph s gar through which he had to pass, and ment and she laid it beside her, and he saw all the work of Zelicah, and she went and seated herself in the he turned back. place where she had sat in her ill 51. And Zelicah saw Joseph turn ness, before the people of her house ing back from her, and she called out had gone out to the river, and she to him, saying, what aileth thee Jo called a young lad who was then in seph ? come to thy work, and behold the house, and she ordered him to I will make room for thee until thou call the people of the house to her. shalt have passed to thy seat. 57. And when she saw them she 52. And Joseph returned and came said unto them with a loud voice and to the house, and passed from thence lamentation see what a Hebrew your to the place of his seat, and he sat master has brought to me in the down to do his master s w ork as house, for he came this day to lie usual, and behold Zelicah came to with me. him and stood before him in princely 58. For when you had gone out garments, and the scent from her he came to the house, and seeing clothes was spread to a distance. that there was no person in the 53. And she hastened and caught house, he came unto me, and caught hold of Joseph and his garments, and hold of me, with intent to lie with she said unto him, as tjje king liveth me.
50.
r

came ning, and put off the garments in house which she was dressed, and she put on her other garments.

if

thou wilt not perform my request 59. And I seized his garments thou shalt die this day, and she has and tore them and called out against tened and stretched forth her other him with a loud voice, and when I hand and drew a sword from beneath had lifted up my voice he was afraid her garments, and she placed it upon of his life and left his garment before Joseph s neck, and she said, rise and me, and fled. 60. And the people of her house perform my request, and if not thou diest this day. spoke nothing, but their wrath was 54. And Joseph was afraid of her very much kindled against Joseph, at her doing this thing, and he rose and they went to his master and told up to flee from her, and she seized him the words of his wife.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

61.

141

69. And Potiphar took Joseph Potiphar came home en ordered him to be brought to wife and his to and cried out him, raged, saying, what is tfiis thing that thou justice before the priests, who were hast done unto me in bringing a He judges belonging to the king, in brew servant into my house, for he order to judge him concerning this came unto me this day to sport with affair. me thus did he do unto me this day. 70. And Potiphar and Joseph 62. And Potiphar heard the words came before the priests who were the of his wife, arid he ordered Joseph king s judges, and he said unto to be punished with severe stripes, them, decide I pray you what judg and they did so to him. ment is due to a servant, for thus has 63. And whilst they were smit he done. 71. And the priests said unto ing him, Joseph called out with a loud voice, and he lifted up his eyes Joseph, why didst thou do this thing to heaven, and he said, O Lord God, to thy master ? and Joseph answered thou knowest that I am innocent of them, saying, not so my lords, thus all these things, and why shall I die was the matter; and Potiphar said

And

day through falsehood, by the unto Joseph, surely I entrusted in thy hand of these uncircnmcised wicked hands all that belonged to me, and I withheld nothing from thee but my men, whom thou knowest ? 64. And whilst Potiphar s men wife, and how couldst thou do this were beating Joseph he continued to evil ? 72. And Joseph answered, saying, cry out and weep, and there was a child there eleven months old, and not so my lord, as the Lord liveth, the Lord opened the mouth of the and as thy soul liveth, my lord, the word which thou didst hear from thy child, and he spake these words be fore Potiphar s men, who were wife is untrue, for thus was the
this

smiting Joseph, saying,

What do you want of this man, and why do you do this evil unto
65.
;

day. 73. year has elapsed to me since I have been in thy house ; hast

affair this

him? my mother speaketh falsely thou seen any iniquity in me, or any and uttereth lies thus was the trans thing which might cause thee to de
action.
priests said unto that happened, and all the Potiphar, send, we pray thee, and words of Zelicah to Joseph day after let them bring before us Joseph s torn garment, and let us see the tear day did he declare unto them.
all

66.

And

the child told

them accu

mand my life ? 74. And the

rately

67.

And

all

the

men

heard the

in

it,

and

if it shall

be that the tear

words of the child and they wonder is in front of the garment, then his ed greatly at the child s words, and face must have been opposite to her the child ceased to speak and be and she must have caught hold of came still. him, to come to her, and with deceit 68. And Potiphar was very much did thy wife do all that she has ashamed at the words of his son, and spoken. he commanded his men not to beat 75. And they brought Joseph s Joseph any more, and the men ceas garment before the priests wJto were ed beating Joseph. judges, and they saw and behold the

142

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

her, she left off going to entice

tear was in front of Joseph, and all the judging priests knew that she had pressed him, and they said, the judgment of death is not due to this slave for he has done nothing, but
his
is,

him

and Joseph was still confined in the house of confinement. And Jacob the father of Joseph, and all his
brethren

who were

in the

land of

be placed in Canaan still mourned and wept in judgment the prison house on account of the those days on account of Joseph, for report, which through him has gone Jacob refused to be comforted for his son Joseph, and Jacob cried forth against thy wife. 76. And Potiphar heard their aloud, and wept and mourned all words, and he placed him in the those days.
that he

prison house, the place where the king s prisoners are confined, and Joseph was in the house of confine

CHAPTER XLV.
1.

ment twelve
77.

years.

And

it

was

at that

time

in that

notwithstanding this, his year, which is the year of Joseph s master s wife did not turn from him, going down to Egypt after his bro she did not cease from speaking thers had sold him, that Reuben the to him day after day to hearken to son of Jacob went to Timnah and her, and at the end of three months took unto him for a wife Eliuram., Zelicah continued going to Joseph the daughter of Avii the Canaanite, to the house of confinement day by and he came to her. 2. And Eliuram the wife of Reu day, and she enticed him to hearken to her, and Zelicah said unto Joseph, ben conceived and bare him Hanoch, how long wilt thou remain in this Palu, Chetzron and Carmi, four house? but hearken now to my voice sons and Simeon his brother took and I will bring thee out of this his sister Dinah for a wife, and she bare unto him Memuel, Yamin, house. Jachin and Zochar, five 78. And Joseph answered her, Ohad,
<ind

And

me to remain sons. afterward came to 3. And he hearken to thy words, to sin against God and she Bunah the Canaanitish woman, the said unto him, if thou wilt not per same is Bunah whom Simeon took form my wish, I will pluck out thine captive from the city of Shechem, eyes, add fetters to thy feet, and will and Bunah was before Dinah and at -deliver thee into the hands of them tended upon herr and Simeon came whom thou didst not know before. to her, and she bare unto him Saul, 79. And Joseph answered her and 4. And Judah went at that time said, behold the God of the whole to Adulam, and he came to a man of earth is able to deliver me from all Adulam, and his name was Hirah, that thou canst do unto me, for he and Judah saw there the daughter openeth the eyes of the blind, and of a man from Canaan, and her looseth those that are bound, and name was Aliyath, the daughter of preserveth all strangers who are un Shua, and he took her, and came to her, and Aliyath bare unto Judah, acquainted with the land. 80. And when Zelicah was unable Er, Onan and Shiloh three sons. to persuade Joseph to hearken to 5. And Levi and Issachar went
saying,
in this
it

is

better for
to

house than

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

to the land of the east, themselves for

143

and they took the son of Hadad, the son of Ishwives the mael, for a wife, and he brought her daughters of Jobab the son of Yok- to the land of Canaan. 13. And Adon the wife of Asher and Jobab the tan, the son of Eber she had no off son of Yoktan had two daughters ; died in those days the name of the elder was Adinah, spring and it was after the death of and the name of the younger was Adon that Asher went to the other side of the river and took for a wife Aridah. 6. And Levi took Adina, and Is- Hadurah the daughter of Abimael, sachar took Aridah, and they came the son of Eber, the son of Shem. 14. And the young woman was of to the land of Canaan, to their father s house, and Adinah bare unto a comely appearance, and a woman of sense, and she had been the wife Levi, Gershon, Kehath and Merari three sons. of Malkiel the son of Elam, the son 7. And Aridah bare unto Issachar of Shem. 15. And Hadurah bare a daughter Tola, Puvah, Job and Shomron, four sons and Dan went to the land of unto Malkiel, and he called her name Moab and took for a wife Aphlaleth, Serach, and Malkiel died after this, the daughter of Chamudan the and Hadurah went and remained in Moabite, and he brought her to the her father s house. land of Canaan. 16. And after the death of the of Asher he went and took 8. And Aphlaleth was barren, she wife had no offspring, and God afterward Hadurah for a wife, and brought her remembered Aphlaleth the wife of to the land of Canaan, and Serach Dan, and she conceived and bare her daughter he also brought with a son, and she called his name Chus- them, and she was three years old, him. and the damsel was brought up in 9. And Gad and Naphtali went to Jacob s house. Haran and took from thence the 17. And the damsel was of a come of Amuram the son of Uz, daughters ly appearance, and she went in the
unto
; ; ; ;

the son of Nahor, for wives. sanctified ways of the children of 10. And these are the names of Jacob ; she lacked nothing, and the the daughters of Amuram ; the name Lord gave her wisdom and under
of the elder

was Merimah, and

;

the standing.

name

and 18. And Hadurah the wife of Ash younger Uzith Naphtali took Merimah, and Gad er conceived and bare unto him took Uzith and brought them to the Yimnah, Yishvah, Yishvi and Beland of Canaan, to their father s riah four sons. house. 19. And Zebulun went to Midian, 11. And Merimah bare unto and took for a wife Merishah the Naphtali Yachzeel, Guni, Jazer and daughter of Molad, the son of AbiShalem, four sons and Uzith bare da, the son of Midian, and brought unto Gad Zephion, Chagi, Shuni, her to the land of Canaan. 20. And Merushah bare unto Ze Ezbon, Eri, Arodi and Arali, seven sons. bulun Sered, Elon and Yachleel ; 12. And Asher went forth and three sons. took Adon the daughter of Aphlal, 21. And Jacob sent to Aram, the
of the
;

144

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

28. And Tamar rose up and went and remained in her father s house, and Tamar was in her father s house
for

son of Zoba, the son of Terah, and he took for his son Benjamin Mechalia the daughter of Aram, and she came to the land of Canaan to the house of Jacob and Benjamin was ten years old when he took Me;

some

time.
at the revolution of the

29.

And

chalia the daughter of wife.

Judah died; and Judah was comforted for his wife, and after the death of Aliyath, Judah 22. And Mechalia conceived and went up with his friend Hirah to
year, Aliyath the wife of

Aram

for a

Benjamin Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera and Naaman, five sons and Benjamin went afterward and took for a wife Aribath, the daugh ter of Shomron, the son of Abraham, in addition to his first wife, and he was eighteen years old and Aribath bare unto Benjamin Achi, Vosh,
;
;

bare unto

Timnah to shear their sheep. 30. And Tamar heard that Judah had gone up to Timnah to shear the

sheep, and that Shiloh was grown up, and Judah did not delight in her. 31. And Tamar rose up and put off the garments of her widowhood, and she put a vail upon her, and she she five entirely covered herself, and Mupim, Chupim, and Ord sons. went and sat in the public thorough 23. And in those days Judah went fare, which is upon the road to Tim to the house of Shem and took Ta- nah. mar the daughter of Elam, the son of 32. And Judah passed and saw Shem, for a wife for his first born Er. her and took her and he came to her, 24. And Er came to his wife Ta- and she conceived by him, and at mar, and she became his wife, and the time of being delivered, behold, when he came to her he outwardly there were twins in her womb, and destroyed his seed, and his work he called the name of the first Perez, was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the name of the second Zarah. and the Lord slew him. 25. And it was after the death of XLVI.
;

CHAPTER

Er, Judah s first born, that Judah In those days Joseph was still said unto Onan, go to thy brother s 1 wife and marry her as the next of confined in the prison house in the kin, and raise up seed to thy brother. land of Egypt. 26. And Onan took Tamar for a 2. At that time the attendants of wife and he came to her, and Onan Pharaoh were standing before him, also did like unto the work of his the chief of the butlers and the chief brother, and his work was evil in the of the bakers which belonged to the
.

sight of the Lord, and he slew

also.

him king of Egypt.

3. And the butler took wine and Judah died, placed it before the king to drink, said unto Tamar, remain in thy fa and the baker placed bread before ther s house until my son Shiloh shall the king to eat, and the king drank have grown up, and Judah did no of the wine and ate of the bread, he more delight in Tamarj to give her and his servants and ministers that

27.

And when Onan

unto Shiloh, for he said, peradven- ate at the king s table. lure he will also die like his brothers. 4. And whilst they were eating and

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145

drinking, the butler and the baker sight, that thou shalt remember me remained there, and Pharaoh s minis to Pharaoh when it will be well with ters found many flies in the wine, thee, and do kindness unto me, and which the butler had brought, and get me brought forth from this prison, stones of nitre were found in the ba for I was stolen away from the land of Canaan and was sold for a slave ker s bread.

confinement one year. false, for they placed me in this dun 6. And at the end of the and the butler an year, geon for naught both swered dreamed in dreams one they Joseph, saying, if the king night, in the place of confinement deal well with me as at first, as thou where they were, and in the morning hast interpreted to me, I will do all Joseph came to them to attend upon that thou desirest, and get thee them as usual, and he saw them, and brought out of this dungeon. behold their countenances were de 12. And the baker, seeing that Jo
ficers

the captain of the guard in this place. 1 1 And also that which placed Joseph as an attendant on Pharaoh s officers, and Pharaoh s of thee concerning my master
5.
.

And

was
s

told
is

wife

were

in

jected and sad.

7.

And Joseph asked them, why

are your countenances sad and de jected this day ? and they said unto Joseph. him we dreamed a dream, and there 13. And he said unto him, in is no one to it ; and I saw and behold three white dream interpret Joseph

seph had accurately interpreted the butler s dream, also approached, and related the whole of his dream to

my

upon my head, and I looked, dream unto and God and behold there were in the upper shall me, your give you an answer of peace as you most basket all manner of baked
said unto them, relate, I pray you, baskets
desire.
8.

meats
the butler related his

for

And

unto Joseph, and he said, I my dream, and behold a large vine

dream birds were saw in head.

Pharaoh, and behold the eating them from off my

was saw

14. And Joseph said unto him, the before me, and upon that vine I three baskets which thou didst see three branches, and the vine are three days, yet within three days speedily blossomed and reached a Pharaoh will take off thy head, and great height, and its clusters were ri hang thee upon a tree, and the birds
9.

will eat thy flesh from off thee, as took the grapes and thou sawest in thy dream. 15. In those days the queen was pressed them in a cup, and placed it in Pharaoh s hand and he drank about to be delivered, and upon that and Joseph said unto him, the three day she bare a son unto the king of branches that were upon the vine are Egypt, and they proclaimed that the

pened and became grapes.

And

king had gotten his first born son and all the people of Egypt together with king will order thee to be brought out the officers and servants of Pharaoh and he will restore thee to thy office, rejoiced greatly. and thou shalt give the king his wine 16. And upon the third day of his to drink as at first when thou wast his birth Pharaoh made a feast for his butler; but let me find favor in thy officers and servants, for the hosts of 10
10.

three days.

Yet within three days, the

146

THE BOOK OF JASHER4.

the land of Zoar and of the land of

And

Isaac

said

unto Jacob,

Egypt.

17. And all the people of Egypt and the servants of Pharaoh came to eleven children before his father eat and drink with the king at the Isaac. 5. And Isaac placed his hands up feast of his son, and to rejoice at the on all the sons of Jacob, and he took king s rejoicing. 18. And all the officers of the hold of them and embraced them, king and his servants were rejoic and kissed them one by one, and ing at that time for eight days at Isaac blessed them on that day, and the feast, and they made merry with he said unto them, may the God of all sorts of musical instruments, with your fathers bless you and increase timbrels and with dances in the king s your seed like the stars of heaven for number. house for eight days. 6. And Isaac also blessed the sons 19. And the butler, to whom Jo had of his for dream, Esau, saying, may God cause you interpreted seph got Joseph, and he did not mention to be a dread and a terror to all that him to the king as he had promised, will behold you, and to all your ene for this thing was from the Lord in mies. order to punish Joseph because he 7. And Isaac called Jacob and his had trusted in man. sons, and they all came and sat be 20. And Joseph remained after fore Isaac, and Isaac said unto Jacob, this in the prison house two years, the Lord God of the whole earth said until he had completed twelve years. unto me, unto thy seed will I give this land for an inheritance if thy children keep my statutes and my CHAPTER XLVII. ways, and I will perform unto them 1. And Isaac the son of Abraham the oath which I swore unto thy fa was still living in those days in the ther Abraham.
1

hither thy sons and I will bless them ; and Jacob brought his

bring

me

land of Canaan

he was very aged, one hundred and eighty years old, and Esau his son, the brother of Ja cob, was in the land of Edom, and he and his sons had possessions in it
;

therefore son, teach s chil children and children thy thy dren to fear the Lord, and to go in which will please the the good
8.

Now

my

way

Lord thy God, for if you keep amongst the children of Seir. ways of the Lord and his statutes 2. And Esau heard that his father s Lord will also keep unto you his time was drawing nigh to die, and venant with Abraham, and will he and his sons and household carne well with you and your seed all

the the

co

da
the

unto the land of Canaan, unto his days. father s house, and Jacob and his 9. And when Isaac had finished sons went forth from the place where commanding Jacob and his children, they dwelt in Hebron, and they all he gave up the ghost and died, and came to their father Isaac, and they was gathered unto his people. found Esau and his sons in the tent. 10. And Jacob and Esau fell upon
3. And Jacob and his sons sat be the face of their father Isaac, and fore his father Isaac, and Jacob was they wept, and Isaac was one hun dred and eighty years old when he still mourning for his son Joseph.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

147

18. Now therefore all that our fa died in the land of Canaan, in He bron, and his sons carried him to the ther has left is before thee, and be cave of Machpelah, which Abraham hold all the land is before thee ; had bought from the children of Heth choose thou from them what thou desirest. for a possession of a burial place. 19. If thou desirest the whole land 1 1 And all the kings of the land of Canaan went with Jacob and Esau take it for thee and thy children for to bury Isaac, and all the kings of ever, and I will take this riches, and Canaan showed Isaac great honor at if thou desirest the riches take it unto his death. thee, and I will take this land for me 12. And the sons of Jacob and the and for my children to inherit it for sons of Esau went barefooted round ever. 20. And Nebayoth, the son of Ishabout, walking and lamenting until mael, was then in the land with his they reached Kireath-arba. 13. And Jacob and Esau buried children, and Esau went on that day their father Isaac in the cave of Mach and consulted with him, saying, 21. Thus has Jacob spoken unto pelah, which is in Kireath-arba in Hebron, and they buried him with very me, and thus has he answered me, great honor, as at the funeral of kings. now give thy advice and we will
.

14.

And Jacob and

his sons,

his sons,
all

and hear.
22.

Esau and

and

the kings

And Nebayoth

said,

what

is

a great and heavy this that Jacob hath spoken unto mourning, and they buried him and thee ? behold all the children of Ca mourned for him many days. naan are dwelling securely in their

of Canaan

made

death of Isaac, he land, and Jacob sayeth he will inhe and his possessions and rit it with his seed all the days. all 23. Go now therefore and take all belonging to him to his sons and Esau said unto Jacob, behold I pray thy father s riches and leave Jacob thee, all that our father has left we thy brother in the land, as he has will divide it in two parts, and I will spoken. have the choice, and Jacob said we 24. And Esau rose up and return will do so. ed to Jacob, and did all that Nebay 16. And Jacob took all that Isaac oth the son of Ishmael had advised ; had left in the land of Canaan, the and Esau took all the riches that cattle and the property, and he placed Isaac had^eft, the sonls, the beasts, them in two parts before Esau and the cattle and the property, and all his sons, and he said unto Esau, be the riches he gave nothing to his hold all this is before thee, choose brother Jacob ; and Jacob took all thou unto thyself the half which thou the land of Canaan, from the brook
15.
at the
left his cattle
;

And

wilt take.
17.

of

Egypt unto
it

the river Euphrates,

And Jacob

said unto Esau, and

hear thou I pray thee what I will speak unto thee, saying, the Lord God of heaven and earth spoke unto our fathers Abraham and Isaac, say ing, unto thy seed will I give this land for an inheritance forever.

he took session, and

for an everlasting pos for his children and for

him forever. 25. Jacob also took from his bro ther Esau the cave of Machpelah,
his seed after

which is in Hebron, which Abraham had bought from Ephron for a pos-

148

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

session of a burial place for him and 33. And the whole land of Ca his seed for ever. naan became an inheritance to the 26. And Jacob wrote all these children of Israel for an everlasting things in the book of purchase, and inheritance, and Esau with all his

he signed with four

it,

and he

testified all this children

inherited the mountain of

faithful witnesses.

Seir.

27. And these are the words which Jacob wrote in the book, say ing: The land of Canaan and all the

CHAPTER

XLVIII.

1 . In those cities of the Hittites, the Hivites, the days, after the death Jebusites, the Amorites, the Periz- of Isaac, the Lord commanded and zites, and the Gergashites, all the caused a famine upon the whole

seven nations from the river of Egypt earth. 2. At that time Pharaoh unto the river Euphrates king of 28. And the city of Hebron Kire- Egypt was sitting upon his throne ath-arba and the cave which is in it, in the land of Egypt, and lay in his the whole did Jacob buy from his bed and dreamed dreams, and Pha brother Esau for value, for a posses raoh saw in his dream that he was sion and for an inheritance for his standing by the side of the river of seed after him forever. Egypt. 29. And Jacob took the book of 3. And whilst he was standing he purchase and the signature, the com saw and behdd seven fat fleshed mand and the statutes and the reveal and well favored kine came up out ed book, and he placed them in an of the river. 4. And seven other kine, lean earthen vessel in order that they should remain for a long time, and fleshed and ill favored, came up after he delivered them into the hands of them, and the seven ill favored ones swallowed up the well favored ones, his children. 30. Esau took all that his father and still their appearance was ill as had left him after his death from his at first. brother Jacob, and he took all the 5. And he awoke, and he slept and he dreamed a second time, from man and camel beast, again property, and ass, ox and lamb, silver and and he saw and behold seven ears gold, stones and bdellium, and all the of corn came up upon one stalk, rank riches which had belonge d to Isaac and good, and seven thin ears blast the son of Abraham there was no ed with the east wind sprang up thing left which Esau did not take after them, and the thin ears swal unto himself, from all that Isaac had lowed up the full ones, and Pharaoh left after his death. awoke out of his dream. 31. And Esau took all this, and 6. And in the morning the king
; ;

he and his children went home

to the land of Seir the Horite, away from his brother Jacob and his children. 32. And Esau had possessions amongst the children of Seir, and Esau returned not to the land of Ca naan from that day forward.

remembered his dreams, and his troubled on account spirit was sadly
of his dreams, and the king hastened and sent and called for all the magi cians of Egypt, and the wise men, and they came and stood before Pha raoh.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

149

7. And the king said unto them, pretation of my dreams, that you have dreamed dreams, and there is may not die. 12. And the king commanded af and they none to interpret them said unto the king, relate thy dreams ter this, and he sent and called again to thy servants and let us hear them. for other wise men, and they came 8. And the king related his dreams and stood before the king, and the to them, and they all answered and king related his dreams to them, and said with one voice to the king, may they all answered him according to the king live for ever and this is the first interpretation, and the king s the interpretation of thy dreams. anger was kindled and he was very 9. The seven good kine which thou wroth, and the king said unto them, didst see denote seven daughters that surely you speak lies and utter false will be born unto thee in the latter hood in what you have said. 13. And the king commanded that days, and the seven kine which thou sawest come up after them, and a proclamation should be issued swallowed them up, are for a sign throughout the land of Egpt, saying, that the daughters which will be it is resolved by the king and his born unto thee will all die in the life great men, that any wise man who time of the king. knoweth and understandeth the in 10. And that which thou didst see terpretation of dreams, and will not in the second dream of seven full come this day before the king, he and good ears of corn coming up up shall die. on one stalk, this is their interpre 14. And the man that will declare tation, that thou wilt build unto thy unto the king the proper interpretation self in the latter days seven cities of his dreams, there shall be given throughout the land of Egypt and unto him all that he will require that which thou sawest of the seven from the king. And all the wise men

blasted
after

ears of corn springing up of the land of Egypt came before the them and swallowing them up king, together with all the magicians whilst thou didst behold them with and sorcerers that were in Egypt thine eyes, is for a sign that the and in Goshen, in Raamses, in

Tachpanches, in Zoar, and in all the places on the borders of Egypt, and the life-time of the king. they all stood before the king. 11. And when they spoke these 15. And all the nobles and the words the king did not incline his princes, and the attendants belonging ear to their words, neither did he fix to the king, came together from all his heart upon them, for the king the cities of Egypt, and they all sat knew in his wisdom that they did before the king, and the king related not give a proper interpretation of his dreams before the wise men, and the dreams and when they had the princes and all that sat before finished speaking before the king, the king were astonished at the vi
cities which thou wilt build will be destroyed in the latter days,
all

in

the

them, saying, sion. 16. And all the wise men who thing that you have unto have were me? before the king were greatly spoken surely you uttered falsehood and spoken lies divided in their interpretation of his therefore npw give the proper inter dreams ; some of them interpreted
king
is

answered

what

this

150

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

23. And some of them said these words unto the king, saying, the se ven good kine denote that seven chil dren will be born to thee, and they
will slay seven of thy children s chil dren in the latter days ; and the se

them to the king, saying, the seven good kine are seven kings, who from the king s issue will be raised over Egypt17. And the seven bad kine are seven princes, who will stand up against them in the latter days and and the seven ears of destroy them corn are the seven great princes be
;

ven good ears of corn which thou didst see in the second dream, are those princes against whom seven

longing to Egypt, who will fall in other less powerful princes will fight the hands of the seven less powerful and destroy them in the latter days, princes of their enemies, in the wars and avenge thy children s cause, and of our lord the king. the government will again return to
to the

of them interpreted thy seed. 24. And the king heard all the king in this manner, saying, the seven good kine are the strong words of the wise men of Egypt and cities of Egypt, and the seven bad their interpretation of his dreams, kine are the seven nations of the and none of them pleased the king. land of Canaan, who will come against 25. And the king knew in his wis the seven cities of Egypt in the lat dom that they did not altogether ter days and destroy mem. speak correctly in all these words, 19. And that which thou sawest for this was from the Lord to frus in the second dream, of seven good trate the words of the wise men of and bad ears of corn, is a sign that Egypt, in order that Joseph might go
18.

And some

the government of Egypt will again forth from the house of confinement, return to thy seed as at first. and in order that he should become 20. And in his reign the people of great in Egypt. the cities of Egypt will turn against 26. And the king saw that none the seven cities of Canaan who are amongst all the wise men and magi

stronger than they are, and will de cians of Egypt spoke correctly to kin stroy them, and the government of him, and the king s wrath was burned within him. his and will return seed. to dled, Egypt anger thy 21. And some of them said unto 27. And the king commanded that the king, this is the interpretation of all the wise men and magicians should the seven good kine are go out from before him, and they all thy dreams seven queens, whom thou wilt take for went out from before the king with
;

wives in the latter days, and the seven shame and disgrace. bad kine denote that those women will 28. And the king commanded that be sent throughout all die in the lifetime of the a proclamation king. 22. And the seven good and bad Egypt to slay all the magicians that ears of corn which thou didst see in were in Egypt, and not one of them the second dream are fourteen chil should be suffered to live. 29. And the captains of the guards dren, and it will be in the latter days that they will stand up and fight belonging to the king rose up, and amongst themselves, and seven of each man drew his sword, and they

them will smite more powerful.

the seven that are began

smite the magicians the wise men. and Egypt,

to

of

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

151

30. And after this Merod, chief dered that the wise men of Egypt butler to the king, came and bowed should not be slain. 40. And the king ordered his ser down before the king and sat before

him

vants to bring Joseph before him, and

And the butler said unto the the king said unto them, go to him king, may the king live forever, and and do not terrify him lest he be con his government be exalted in the land. fused and will not know to speak pro 32. Thou wast angry with thy perly. servant in those days, now two years 41. And the servants of the king
31.

and didst place me in the ward, and I was for some time in the ward, I and the chief of the bakers. 33. And there was with us a He
past,

went to Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon, and
s servants shaved him, and he changed his prison garment and he came before the king.

the king

brew servant belonging

to the

cap

tain of the guard, his name was Jo 42. And the king was sitting upon seph, for his master had been angry his royal throne in a princely dress with him and placed him in the house girt round with a golden ephod, and

of confinement, and he attended us the

there.

34. And in some time after we were in the ward, we dreamed

gold which was upon it and the carbuncle and the sparkled, when ruby and the emerald, together with
fine

dreams

all the precious stones that were upon one night, I and the chief the king s head, dazzled the eye, and of the bakers we dreamed, each Joseph wondered greatly at the king. man according to the interpretation 43. And the throne upon which of his dream. the king sat was covered with gold 35. And we came in the morning and silver, and with onyx stones, and

in

to that servant, and he it had seventy steps. us our dreams, to each 44. And it was their custom man according to his dream, did he throughout the land of Egypt, that correctly interpret. every man who came to speak to the 36. And it came to pass as he in king, if he was a prince or one that was estimable in the sight of the terpreted to us, so was the event there fell not to the ground any of king, he ascended to the king s his words. throne as far as the thirty first step, 37. And now therefore my lord and the king would descend to the and king do not slay the people of thirty sixth step, and speak with him. 45. If he was one of the common Egypt for naught ; behold that slave is still confined in the house by the people, he ascended to the third step,
told

and

them

interpreted to

captain of the guard his master, in and the king would descend to the the house of confinement. fourth* and speak to him, and their 38. If it pleaseth the king let him custom was, moreover, that any man send for him that he may come be who understood to speak in all the fore thee and he will make known to seventy languages, he ascended the thee, the correct interpretation of the * From his throne, leaving in this instance a dream which thou didst dream. space of sixty three steps, but in the former 39. And the king heard the words there was only the space of three steps inter of the chief butler, and the king or vening between the king and his favorites.

152

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

seventy steps, and went up and he heard all the words of Joseph. And Joseph said unto the king, do spoke till he reached the king. 46. And any man who could not not imagine that they are two dreams, complete the seventy, he ascended for it is only one dream, for that as many steps as the languages which which God has chosen to do through he knew to speak in. out the land he has shown to the
in those king in his dream, and this is the no one should proper interpretation of thy dream. 54. The seven good kine and ears reign over them, but who understood of corn are seven years, and the to speak in the seventy languages. 48. And when Joseph came before seven bad kine and ears of corn are the king he bowed down to the a/so .seven years it is one dream. 55. Behold the seven years that ground before the king, and he as cended to the third step, and the are coming there will be a great king sat upon the fourth step and plenty throughout the land, and after that the seven years of famine will spoke with Joseph.

47.

And

it

was customary
that

days

in

Egypt

49.
T

And the king said unto Joseph,

is
it

dreamed a dream, and there

I

interpreter to interpret

follow them, a very grievous famine, no and all the plenty will be forgotten properly, from the land, and the famine will con

and

commanded this day that all sume all the inhabitants of the land. the magicians of Egypt and the wise 56. The king dreamed one dream, men thereof, should come before me, and the dream was therefore repeated

50. And after this I this day heard 57. Now therefore I will give concerning thee, that thou art a wise thee counsel and deliver thy soul man, and canst correctly interpret and the souls of the inhabitants of the land from the evil of the famine, every dream that thou hearest. 51. And Joseph answered Pha that thou seek throughout thy king raoh, saying, let Pharoah relate his dom for a man very discreet and dreams that he dreamed surely the wise, who knoweth all the affairs of and government, and appoint him to interpretations belong to God Pharaoh related his dreams to Joseph, superintend* over the land of Egypt. the dream of the kine, and the dream 58. And let the man whom thou of the ears of corn, and the king left placest over Egypt appoint officers off speaking. under him, that they gather in all the 52. And Joseph was then clothed food of the good years that are com with the spirit of God before the ing, and let them lay up corn and king, and he knew all the things that deposit it in thy appointed stores. would befall the king from that day 59. And let them keep that food forward, and he knew the proper for the seven years of famine, that it interpretation of the king s dream, maybe found for thee and thy people and he spoke before the king. and thy whole land, and that thou 53. And Joseph found favor in and thy land be not cut off by the the sight of the king, and the king famine. * inclined his ears and his heart, and Hebrew, to go out and come in.
;
;

and I related my dreams to them, unto Pharaoh because the thing is and no one has properly interpreted established by God, and God will them to me. shortly bring it to pass.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

60. Let all the inhabitants of the land be also ordered that they gather in, every man the produce of his field, of all sorts of food, during the

153

what

the noise and lamentation in the house ? and they told the king that his first born son had died then the king knew
is

that I

have heard

seven good years, and that they place it in their stores, that it may be found for them in the days of the famine and that they may live upon
it.

that all

Joseph s words that he had spoken were correct, and the king

was consoled for his son by the child that was born to him on that
day as Joseph had spoken.

the proper interpreta tion of thy dream, and this is the counsel given to save thy soul and
is

61. This

CHAPTER

XLIX.

all 1. After these thy subjects. things the king the king answered and sent and assembled all his officers said unto Joseph, who sayeth and and servants, and all the princes and who knoweth that thy words are nobles belonging to the king, and correct ? And he said unto the king, they all came before the king.

the souls of
62.

And

this shall

be a sign for thee respect

ing

all

the words of this Hebrew man, and 63. Behold thy wife sitteth this all the signs which he declared day upon the stool of delivery, and would come to pass, and not any of she will bear thee a son and thou his words have fallen to the ground. wilt rejoice with him ; 3. You know that he has when thy

and

my words, that they are true that my advice is good for thee.

2. And the king said unto them, behold you have seen and heard all

given

have gone forth from his mother s womb, thy first born son that has been born these two years back shall die, and thou wilt be comforted in the child that will be born unto thee this day.
child
shall

a proper interpretation of the dream,

and

it

will surely

come

to pass,

therefore

take
will

counsel and

now know

do and how the land from the famine. 4. Seek now and see whether the 64. And Joseph finished speaking like can be found in whose heart these words to the king, and he there is wisdom and knowledge, and bowed down to the king and he went I will appoint him over the land. 5. For out, and when Joseph had gone out you have heard what the from the king s presence, those signs Hebrew man has advised concerning which Joseph had spoken unto the this to save the land therewith from the famine, and I know that the land king came to pass on that day. 65. And the queen bare a son on will not be delivered from the famine that day and the king heard the glad but with the advice of the Hebrew tidings about his son, and he rejoiced, man, him that advised me. and when the reporter had gone forth 6. And they all answered the king from the king s presence, the king s and said, the counsel which the He servants found the first born son of brew has given concerning this is the king fallen dead upon the ground. good now therefore, our lord and 66. And there was great lamenta king, behold the whole land is in thy tion and noise in the king s house, hand, do that which seemeth good in and the king heard it, and he said, thy sight.

what you

will be delivered

254

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

14.

angel roused him from and Joseph rose up and to be wise and capable of delivering stood upon his legs, and behold the the land with his wisdom, him shall angel of the Lord was standing op die king appoint to be under him posite to him and the angel of the over the land. Lord spoke with Joseph, and he
his

7. Him whom thou choosest, and whom thou in thy wisdom knowest

And the

sleep,

the king said to all the of taught him all the languages of man have thought that since God in mat night, and he called his name has made known to the Hebrew man Jehoseph. all that he has 15. And the angel of the Lord spoken, there is none so discreet and wise in the whole went from him, and Joseph returned land as he is if it seem good in your and lay upon his bed, and Joseph
8.
ficers, I
;

And

sight I will place

for

him over

the land,

was astonished

at

the vision

which

he will save the land with his he saw.

16. And it came to pass in the the officers answered morning that the king sent for all his the king and said, but surely it is officers and servants, and they all written in the Jaws of Egypt, and it came and sat before the king, and the should not be violated, that no man king ordered Joseph to be brought,

wisdom.
9.

And

all

reign over Egypt, nor be the and the king s servants went and to the king, but one who has brought Joseph before Pharaoh, 17. And the king came forth and knowledge in all the languages of the sons of men. ascended the steps of the throne, and 10. Now therefore our lord and Joseph spoke unto the king in all
shall

second

king, behold this Hebrew man can languages, and Joseph went up to only speak the Hebrew language, him and spoke unto the king until and how then can he be over us the he arrived before the king in the se

who

second under government, a man not even knoweth our language ? 11. Now we pray thee send for him, and let him come before thee, and prove him in all things, and do as thou seest^. 12. And the king said, it shall be done so to-morrow, and the thing that you have spoken is good and all the officers came on that day be
;

ventieth step, and he sat before the

king. 18.

And the king greatly rejoiced on account of Joseph, and all the king s officers rejoiced greatly with the king when they heard all the
words of Joseph.
19. And the thing seemed good, in the sight of the king and the officers, to appoint Joseph to be second to the king over the whole land of Egypt,

fore the king. 13. And on that night the Lord and the king spoke to Joseph, say sent one of his ministering angels, ing* and he came unto the land of Egypt 20. thou didst give me coun

Now

unto Joseph, and the angel of the sel to appoint a wise man over the Lord stood over Joseph, and behold land of Egypt, in order with his wis Joseph was lying in the bed at night dom to save the land from the famine in his master s house in the dungeon, now therefore, since God has made for his master had put him back into all this known to thee, and all the the dungeon on account of his wife. words which thou hast spoken, there
;

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

is

155
the

not throughout the land a discreet

like unto thee.

left,

and

all

women and

damsels

and wise man

went upon the

streets playing

roofs or stood in the

21. And thy name no more shall be called Joseph, but Zaphnath Paaneah shall be thy name thou shalt be second to me, and according to thy word shall be all the affairs of my government, and at thy word shall my people go out and come
;

and rejoicing at Jo seph, and gazed at the appearance of Joseph and at his beauty. 27. And the king s people went

before him and behind him, perfum ing the road with frankincense and with cassia, and with all sorts of fine

in.

22. Also from under thy hand shall aloes along the road, and twenty men my servants and officers receive their proclaimed these words before him land in a loud voice ; salary which is given to them month throughout the
ly,

perfume, and scattered myrrh and

28. Do you see this man whom all the people of land bow down; only in my the king has chosen to be his second? all the affairs of government shall be throne will I be greater than thou. 23. And the king took off his ring regulated by him, and he that trans from his hand and put it upon the gresses his orders, or that does not hand of Joseph, and the king dressed bow down before him to the ground, Joseph in a princely garment, and shall die, for he rebels against the he put a golden crown upon his head, king and his second. 29. And when the heralds had and he put a golden chain upon his

and to thee shall

the

neck.
24.

ceased proclaiming,

all

the people of

And

said, may the servants, the second chariot belonging to the king live, also may his second live ; of Egypt bow king, that went opposite to the king s and all the inhabitants chariot, and he caused him to ride ed down along the road, and when

commanded his Egypt bowed down and they made him ride in before Joseph and
the king

to

the ground

upon a great and strong horse from the heralds approached them, they the king s horses, and to be conduct bowed down, and they rejoiced with ed through the streets of the land of all sorts of timbrels, mechol and neEgypt.
25.
all

And

the king

commanded that

bal before Joseph. 30. And Joseph

upon

his horse

those that played upon timbrels, lifted up his eyes to heaven, and harps and other musical instruments called out and said, He raiseth the one poor man from the dust, He lifteth should go forth with Joseph thousand timbrels, one thousand Me- up the needy from the dunghill. choloth, and one thousand Nebalim Lord of hosts, happy is the man who
;

went
26.

after

him.
five

trusteth in thee.

31. And Joseph passed through swords glittering in their out the land of Egypt with Pharaoh s hands, and they went marching and servants and officers, and they show and playing before Joseph, and twenty ed him the whole land of Egypt thousand of the great men of the king all the king s treasures. of skin covered with 32. And Joseph returned and girt with girdles hand of on that day before Pharaoh, marched at the came right gold, a Joseph, and twenty thousand at his and the king gave unto Joseph

And

thousand men, with

drawn

156

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

possession in the land of Egypt, a old when he stood before Pharaoh, possession of fields and vineyards, and Joseph went out from before the and the king gave unto Joseph three king, and he became the king s se

thousand talents of silver and one cond in Egypt. 39. And the king gave Joseph a thousand talents of gold, and onyx stones and bdellium and many hundred servants to attend him in his house, and Joseph also sent and gifts. 33. And on the next day the king purchased many servants and they commanded all the people of Egypt remained in the house of Joseph. 40. Joseph then built for himself to bring unto Joseph offerings and and that he that violated the a very magnificent house like unto gifts, command of the king should die the houses of kings, before the court and they made a high place in of the king s palace, and he made in the street of the city, and they the house a large temple, very ele spread out garments there, and who gant in appearance and convenient
;

it

ever brought anything to Joseph put into the high place. 34. And all the people of Egypt cast something into the high place, one man a golden ear-ring, and the other rings and ear-rings, and differ

for

his residence

three years

was

Joseph
41.
self a

in erecting his house.

And Joseph made unto him very elegant throne of abun dance of gold and silver, and he covered it with onyx stones and
and the likeness of
;

ent vessels of gold and silver work, bdellium, and he made upon it the and onyx stones and bdellium did he likeness of the whole land of Egypt,

upon the high place every one gave something of what he possessed. 35. And Joseph took all these and placed them in his treasures, and all the officers and nobles belong ing to the king exalted Joseph, and
cast
;

the river

of

Egypt that watereth the whole land of Egypt and Joseph sat securely upon his throne in his house and the Lord increased Joseph s wisdom.
42.

And

all

the

inhabitants

of

they gave him many gifts, seeing Egypt and Pharaoh s servants and that the king had chosen him to be his princes loved Joseph exceeding
his second.
ly, for this thing was from the Lord to Joseph. to sent Potiking 43. And Joseph had an army that phera, the son of Ahiram priest of On, and he took his young daughter made war, going out in hosts and

36.

And

the

Osnath and gave her unto Joseph

a wife.
37.

for troops to the number of forty thou sand six hundred men, capable of

the damsel was very bearing arms to assist the king and a comely, virgin, one whom man had Joseph against the enemy, besides not known, and Joseph took her for the king s officers and his servants a wife ; and the king said unto and inhabitants of Egypt without

And

Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and beside thee none shall dare to lift up his hand or his foot to regulate* my people throughout the land of Egypt. 38. And Joseph was thirty years * Hebrew, to go out and come in.

number.
44. And Joseph gave unto his mighty men, ana to all his host, shields and javelins, and caps and coats of mail and stones for sling
ing.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

157

CHAPTER L.
1.

years, and they ate and were greatly

satisfied.
8.

At

that time

the children of

And Joseph

at that

time had

sons officers under him, and they collected against of Ishmael, and made war with all the food of the good years, and them, and the children of Tarshish heaped corn year by year, and they the treasuries of Joseph. spoiled the Ishmaelites for a long placed it in 9. And at any time when they time. 2. And the children of Ishmael gathered the food Joseph command were small in number in those days, ed that they should bring the corn and they could not prevail over the in the ears, and also bring with it children of Tarshish, and they were some- of the soil of the field, that it

Tarshish

came

the

sorely oppressed. 3. And the old

should not spoil.

men

of the Ish

10.

And Joseph

did according to

maelites sent a record to of Egypt, saying, send I unto thy servants officers to help us to fight against
ren of Tarshish, for

the king this year by year, and he heaped up pray thee corn like the sand of the sea for and hosts abundance, for his stores were im
the child

mense and could not be numbered

for

we have been

abundance.
.

1 1 And also all the inhabitants of consuming away for a long time. 4. And Pharaoh sent Joseph with Egypt gathered all sorts of food in in the mighty men and host which their stores great abundance were with him, and also his mighty during the seven good years, but men from the king s house. they did not do unto it as Joseph did. 5. And they went to the land of 1 2. And all the food which Joseph Havilah to the children of Ishmael, and the Egyptians had gathered dur to assist them against the children of ing the seven years of plenty, was Tarshish, and the children of Ishmael secured for the land in stores for the

fought with the children of Tarshish, seven years of famine, for the sup and Joseph smote the Tarshishites port of the whole land. and he subdued all their land, and 13. And the inhabitants of Egypt
the children of Ishmael dwelt there
in unto this day.
filled each man his store and his concealed place with corn, to be for the land of Tarshish support during the famine.

6. And when was subdued, all the Tarshishites all 14. And Joseph placed ran away and came on the border of food that he had gathered in all

the the

their brethren the children of Javan, cities of and Joseph with all his mighty men stores

Egypt, and he closed all the and placed sentinels over

and host returned

to

Egypt, not one them.

man

15. And Joseph s wife Osnath the revolution of the daughter of Potiphera bare him two year, in the second year of Joseph s sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, and old reigning over Egypt, the Lord gave Joseph was thirty four

of

them was missing.

at the

7.

And

years

great plenty throughout the land for when he begat them. seven years as Joseph had spoken, 16. And the lads grew up and for the Lord blessed all the produce they went in his ways and in his in of the earth in those days for seven structions, they did not deviate from

158
the

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

way which
their father taught
left.

duce of their
years

fields

during the seven

it

them, either to the right or

17.

of plenty and laid

in

the

Lord was with the stores unto this day. 24. And when the famine prevailed lads, and they grew up and had un derstanding and skill in all wisdom over thy servants we opened our and in all the affairs of government, stores, and behold all our produce was and all the king s officers and his filled with vermin and was not fit for
the

And

great

men

of

the

inhabitants
lads,

of food.

and they 25. And when the king heard all Egypt were brought up amongst the king s that had befallen to the inhabitants of children. Egypt, the king was greatly afraid 18. And the seven years of plenty on account of the famine, and he was that were throughout the land were much terrified and the king an at an end, and the seven years of swered the people of Egypt, saying, famine came after them as Joseph since all this has happened unto you, had spoken, and the famine was go unto Joseph, do whatever he shall
exalted
the
;

throughout the land.

19.

say unto you, transgress not his

com

And

all

the people of

Egypt mands.

in the land

had commenced 26. And all the people of Egypt and all the went forth and came unto Joseph, people of Egypt opened their stores and said unto him, give unto us food of corn for the famine prevailed over and wherefore shall we die before them. thee through hunger ? for we gath

saw

that the famine

of Egypt,

20.
that

And

they found

all

was

in their stores, full

the food ered in our produce during the seven of ver years as thou didst command, and

min and not fit to eat, and the fa we put it in store, and thus has it mine prevailed throughout the land, befallen us. and all the inhabitants of Egypt came 27. And when Joseph heard all and cried before Pharaoh, for the fa the words of the people of Egypt mine was heavy upon them. and what had befallen them, Joseph
21.

And
food

give

they said unto Pharaoh, opened unto thy servants, and and he

all his

stores of the
it

sold

produce unto the people of

we die through hun Egypt28. And the famine prevailed ger before thy eyes, even we and ur little ones ? throughout the land, and the famine 22. And Pharaoh answered them, was in all countries, but in the land saying, and wherefore do you cry of Egypt there was produce for sale. unto me ? did not Joseph command 29. And all the inhabitants of that the corn should be laid up dur Egypt came unto Joseph to buy ing the seven years of plenty for the corn, for the famine prevailed over years of famine? and wherefore did them, and all their corn was spoiled, and Joseph daily sold it to all the you not hearken to his voice ?
wherefore shall
23. And the people of Egypt an people of Egypt. swered the king, saying, as thy soul 30. And all the inhabitants of the liveth, our lord, thy servants have land of Canaan and the Philistines, done all that Joseph ordered, for thy and those beyond the Jordan, and the servants also gathered in all the pro children of the east and all the cities

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

159

of the lands far and nigh heard that brethren should come to Egypt to and Joseph s people caus there was corn in Egypt, and they buy corn
;

all

came

to

Egypt

to

buy

corn, for ed

the famine prevailed over them. 31. And Joseph opened the stores

daily to be proclaimed in Egypt according to these words and statutes

it

which Joseph had commanded.

38. And all the inhabitants of the of corn and placed officers over them, and they daily stood and sold to all east and west country, and of all the that came. earth, heard of the statutes and re 32. And Joseph knew that his gulations which Joseph had enacted brethren also would come to Egypt in Egypt, and the inhabitants of the to buy corn, for the famine prevailed extreme parts of the earth came and throughout the earth. And Joseph they bought corn in Egypt day after commanded all his people that they day, and then went away. should cause it to be proclaimed 39. And all the officers of Egypt throughout the land of Egypt, saying, did as Joseph had commanded, and 33. It is the pleasure of the king, all that came to Egypt to buy corn, of his second and of their great men, the gate keepers would write their

any person who wishes to buy names, and their fathers names, and corn in Egypt shall not send his ser daily bring them in the evening be vants to Egypt to purchase, but his fore Joseph.
that

sons, and also any Egyptian or Canaanite, who shall come from any of the stores from buying corn in Egypt,

CHAPTER
1
.

LI.

and

shall

go and

sell

it

throughout

And Jacob

afterward heard that

the land, he shall die, for no one shall there was corn in Egypt, and he cal buy but for the support of his house led unto his sons to go to Egypt to hold. buy corn, for upon them also did the 34. And any man leading two or famine prevail, and he called unto three beasts shall die, for a man shall his sons, saying, 2. Behold I hear that there is corn only lead his own beast.
at the gates of

placed sentinels in Egypt and all the people of the Egypt, and command earth go there to purchase, now there ed them, saying, any person who fore why will you show yourselves may come to buy corn, suffer him satisfied before the whole earth ? go not to enter until his name, and the you also down to Egypt and buy us a name of his father, and the name of little corn amongst those that come his father s father be written down, there, that we may not die. and whatever is written by day, send 3. And the sons of Jacob hearken their names unto me in the evening ed to the voice of their father, and that I may know their names. they rose up to go down to Egypt in
35.

And Joseph

36. And Joseph placed officers order to buy corn amongst the rest throughout the land of Egypt, and that came there.

he commanded them
things.

to

do

all

these

4.

And Jacob

their father

com

37. And Joseph did all these into the city do not enter together in things, and made, these statutes, in one gate, on account of the inhabi order that he might know when his tants of the land.

manded them, saying, when you come

160
5.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

buy corn, ask his name, and when men of these names shall come before thee, seize them and send
thee to

days, for they thought that Joseph Joseph would come in the walls of the har went down to Egypt, and now we lots, for Joseph was very comely and will seek him where we go, and if well favored, and the sons of Jacob we find him we will take him from sought Joseph for three days, and his master for a ransom, and if not, they could not find him. 14. And the man who was set over by force, and we will die for him. 7. And the sons of Jacob agreed the open store sought for those names to this thing and strengthened them which Joseph had given him, and he selves on account of Joseph, to de did not find them. liver him from the hand of his mas 15. And he sent to Joseph, saying, ter, and the sons of Jacob went to these three days have passed, and Egypt ; and when they came near to those men whose names thou didst Egypt they separated from each other give unto me have not come and and they came through ten gates of Joseph sent servants to seek the Egypt, and the gate keepers wrote men in all Egypt, and to bring them their names on that day, and brought before Joseph.

And the sons of Jacob went and they went to Egypt, and the sons of Jacob did all as their father had commanded them, and Jacob did not send Benjamin, for he said, lest an accident might befall him on the road like his brother and ten of Ja cob s sons went forth. 6. And whilst the sons of Jacob were going on the road, they repent ed of what they had done to Joseph, and they spoke to each other, saying,
forth
;

them, and they did

12.

so.

And when

the sons of Jacob

came into the city, they joined toge ther in the city to seek Joseph before they bought themselves corn.
13. And they went to the walls of the harlots, and they sought Joseph in the walls of the harlots for three

we know

that our brother

them
8.

to

Joseph

in the evening.

And Joseph

16. And Joseph s servants went read the names and came into Egypt and could not

from the hand of the gate-keepers of find them, and went to Goshen and the city, and he found that his breth they were not there, and then went ren had entered at the ten gates of to the city of Raamses and could not the city, and Joseph at that time com find them. manded that it should be proclaimed 17. And Joseph continued to send the land of sixteen servants to seek his brothers, throughout Egypt, saying, 9. Go forth all ye store guards, and they went and spread themselves close all the corn stores and let only in the four corners of the city, and one remain open, that those who four of the servants went into the come may purchase from it. house of the harlots, and they found
10. And all the officers of Joseph the ten men there seeking their bro did so at that time, and they closed ther. all the stores and left 1 8. And those four men took them only one open. And Joseph gave the written and brought them before him, and 11 names of his brethren to him that was they bowed down to him to the
.

set over the open store, and he said ground, and Joseph was sitting upon unto him, whosoever shall come to his throne in his temple, clothed with

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

161

have come to see the na princely garments, and upon his head city ; you was a large crown of gold, and all kedness of the land. 25. Surely every one that cometh the mighty men were sitting around to buy corn goeth his way, and you him. 19. And the sons of Jacob saw are already three days in the land, Joseph, and his figure and comeliness and what do you do in the walls of

and dignity of countenance seemed wonderful in their eyes, and they again bowed down to him to the ground. 20. And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but they knew him not, for Joseph was very great in their eyes, therefore they knew

harlots in

which you have been

for

these three days ? surely spies dolike unto these things. 26. And they said unto Joseph, far be it from our lord to speak thus, for we are twelve brothers, the sons of our father Jacob, in the land of

Canaan, the son of Isaac, the son of

him

not.

Abraham, the Hebrew, and behold

to

them, the youngest is with our father this ? and day in the land of Canaan, and one they all answered and said, thy ser is not, for he was lost from us, and vants have come from the land of we thought perhaps he might be in Canaan to buy corn, for the famine this land, so we are seeking him prevails throughout the earth, and throughout the land, and have come thy servants heard that there was even to the houses of harlots to seek corn in Egypt, so they have come him there. 27. And Joseph said unto them, amongst the other comers to buy corn for their support. and have you then sought him
21.
saying, from

And Joseph spoke

whence come ye

them, throughout the earth, that there only Egypt for you to seek him what also should your bro ten gates of the city ? it can only be ther do in the houses of harlots, al that you have come to spy through though he were in Egypt ? have you the land. not said that you are from the sons 23. And they all together answer of Isaac, the son of Abraham, and ed Joseph, and said, not so my lord, what shall the sons of Jacob do then we are right, thy servants are not in the houses of harlots ? 28. And they said unto him, be spies, but we have come to buy corn, for thy servants are all brothers, the cause we heard that Ishmaelites stole sons of one man in the land of Ca him from us, and it was told unto us naan, and our father commanded us, that they sold him in Egypt, and thy saying, when you come to the city servant, our brother, is very comely do not enter together at one gate on and well favored, so we thought he account of the inhabitants of the would surely be in the houses of har
22.
saying, if you have come to purchase remained as you say, why do you come through in ? And
land.
lots, therefore thy servants went there answered to seek him and give ransom for them and said, that is the thing which him. I spoke unto you, you have come to 29. And Joseph still answered

And Joseph answered

24.

And Joseph

-again

spy through the land, therefore you them, saying, surely you speak false all came through ten gates of the ly and utter lies, to say of yourselves
11

162

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

;

that you are the sons of Abraham as ren shall be confined in the ward Pharaoh liveth you are spies, there whilst you go and take home the fore have you come to the houses of corn for your household to the land harlots that you should not be known. of Canaan, and fetch your youngest 30. And Joseph said unto them, brother and bring him here unto me, and now if you find him, and his that I may know that you are true master requireth of you a great price, men when you do this thing. will you give it for him ? and they 37. And Joseph went out from them and came into the chamber, said, it shall be given. 31. And he said unto them, and if and wept a great weeping, for his his master will not consent to part pity was excited for them, and he with him for a great price, what will washed his face, and returned to you do unto him on his account ? and them again, and he took Simeon from they answered him, saying, if he will them and ordered him to be bound, not give him unto us we will slay but Simeon was not willing to be him, and take our brother and go done so, for he was a very powerful

away.
32.
that
to
is

man And Joseph

to

said unto them,

you

the thing which I have spoken ; you are spies, for you are

come

land, for

we

slay the inhabitants of the heard that two of your

all

brethren smote

the inhabitants of

Canaan, on account of your sister, and you now prison until his brethren come to come to do the like in Egypt on ac him, and Joseph s valiant men count of your brother. hastened and they all laid hold of 33. Only hereby shall I know that Simeon to bind him, and Simeon you are true men ; if you will send gave a loud and terrible shriek and home one from amongst you to fetch the cry was heard at a distance.

Shechem,

in the land of

and they could not bind him. And Joseph called unto his mighty men and seventy valiant men came before him with drawn swords in their hands, and the sons of Jacob were terrified at them. 39. And Joseph said unto them, seize this man and confine him in
38.

40. And all the valiant men of your youngest brother from your fa ther, and to bring him here unto me, Joseph were terrified at the sound of and by doing this thing I will know the shriek, that they fell upon their that you are right. faces, and they were greatly afraid 34. And Joseph called to seventy and fled. of his mighty men, and he said unto 41. And all the men that were them, take these men and bring them with Joseph fled, for they were greatly into the ward. afraid of their lives, and only Joseph 35. And the mighty men took the Manasseh his son remained there, ten men, they laid hold of them and and Manasseh the son of Joseph saw put them into the ward, and they the strength of Simeon, and he was

were

three days. exceedingly wroth. the third 42. And Manasseh the son of day Joseph had them brought out of the ward, Joseph rose up to Simeon, and Manas and he said unto them, do this for seh smote Simeon a heavy blow with

in the

ward

36.

And on

yourselves
that

if

you be true men, so

live,

his fist against the

atnd

back of

you may

one of youjf breth

Simeon was

stilled

his neck, of his rage.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

43. And Manasseh laid hold of Simeon and he seized him violently and he bound him and brought him
50.
is

163
they
s
all said,

And

and where
our

kindness with fathers, with Abraham, Isaac into the house of confinement, and Jacob, that the Lord has this all the sons of Jacob were astonished delivered us into the hands of
the
at the act of the youth. 44. And Simeon said

Lord

and

day

unto his

brethren, none of you must say that this is the smiting of an Egyptian, but it is the smiting of the house of

my
him
the

father.

45.
to

And
be

after this

Joseph ordered
set over

.called

who was

storehouse, to fill their sacks with corn as much as they could

carry,

the king of Egypt to contrive against us I 51. And Judah said unto them, surely we are guilty sinners before the Lord our God in having sold our brother, our own flesh, and where fore do you say, where is the Lord s kindness with our fathers ? 52. And Reuben said unto them, do not sin said I not unto you, against the lad, and you would not
listen

and

to restore

every

man s

to

me? now God

requireth

money
them

sack, and to give provision for the road, and thus

into his

him from us, and how dare you say, where is the Lord s kindness with
our fathers, whilst you have sinned unto the Lord ? 53. And they tarried over night in

that place, and they rose up early in the morning and laded their asses you bring your brother hither unto with their corn, and they led them me, then will I know that you are and went on and came to their true men, and you shall traffick in father s house in the land of Canaan.

did he unto them. 46. And Joseph commanded them, saying, take heed less you transgress my orders to bring your brother as I have told you, and it shall be when

the land, and I will restore unto you 54. And Jacob and his household your brother and you shall return in went out to meet his sons, and Jacob saw and behold their brother Simeon peace to your father. 47. And they all answered and was not with them, and Jacob said
said, according as our lord speaketh unto his sons, where is your brother so will we do, and they bowed down Simeon, whom I do not see ? and his to him to the ground. sons told him all that had befallen 48. And every man lifted his corn them in Egypt.

upon
go

his ass, and they went out to to the land of Canaan to their

CHAPTER

LIL

father,

and they came

to the inn

and

Levi spread his sack to give pro 1. And they entered their house, vender to his ass, when he saw and and every man opened his sack and behold his money in full weight was they saw and behold every man s still in his sack. bundle of money was there, at which 49. And the man was greatly they and their father were greatly afraid, and he said unto his brethren, terrified. my money is restored and lo, it is 2. And Jacob said unto them, even in my sack, and the men were what is this that you have done to greatly afraid, and they said, what is me ? I sent your brother Joseph to this that God hath done unto us ? inquire after your welfare and you

164

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

9. Jacob heard the words of his sons and children, and he wept a great weeping, and his pity was roused for them, and Jacob called unto his sons and they all came and sat before

said unto me, a wild beast did de vour him. 3. And Simeon went with you to buy food and you say the king of Egypt hath confined him in prison, and you wish to take Benjamin to cause his death also, and bring down my grey hairs with sorrow to the grave on account of Benjamin and
his brother Joseph.
4.

him.
10. And Jacob said unto them, and have you not seen how your children have been weeping over me this day, saying, give unto us bread, and there is none ? now therefore re turn and buy for us a little food. 11 And Judah answered and said unto his father, if thou wilt send our brother with us we will go down and buy corn for thee, and if thou wilt not send him then we will not go
.

Now therefore my

son shall not

go down with you, for his brother is dead and he is left alone, and mischief may befall him by the way in which you go, as it befel his brother. 5. And Reuben said unto his father, thou shalt slay my two sons if I do not bring thy son and place him down, for surely the king of Egypt before thee and Jacob said unto his particularly enjoined us, saying, you sons, abide ye here and do not go shall not see my face unless your down to Egypt, for my son shall not brother be with you, for the king of go down with you to Egypt, nor die Egypt is a strong and mighty king, and behold if we shall go to him like his brother. without our brother we shall all be 6. And Judah said unto them, re frain ye from him until the corn is put to death. 12. Dost thou not know and hast finished, and he will then say, take down your brother, when he will find thou not heard that this king is very his own life and the life of his house powerful and wise, and there is not like unto him in all the earth ? behold hold in danger from the famine. 7. And in those days the famine we have seen all the kings of the was sore throughout the land, and earth and we have not seen one like all the people of the earth went and that king, the king of Egypt; surely
;

came

to

Egypt

to

buy

food, for the

famine prevailed greatly amongst them, and the sons of Jacob remained in Canaan a year and two months until their corn was finished.
8. And it came to pass after their corn was finished, the whole house hold of Jacob was pinched with hunger, and all the infants of the sons of Jacob came together and they approached Jacob, and they all sur rounded him, and they said unto him, give unto us bread and wherefore

amongst all the kings of the earth there is none greater than Abimelech
king of the Philistines, yet the king of Egypt is greater and mightier than he, and Abimelech can only be compared to one of his officers. 13. Father, thou hast not seen his palace and his throne, and all his ser vants standing before him thou hast not seen that king upon his throne in his pomp and royal appearance, dressed in his kingly robes with a crown upon his head ; large golden thou hast not seen the honor and glo ry which God has given unto him,
;

shall

we

all

perish through hunger in

?

thy presence

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

for there is not like unto

165

them ? now let thy pity be roused for them and send our brother 1 4. Father, thou hast not seen the with us and we will go. 21. For how will the Lord s kind wisdom, the understanding and the knowledge which God has given in ness to our ancestors be manifested his heart, nor heard his sweet voice to thee when thou sayest that the when he spake unto us. king of Egypt will take away thy know not, father, who son ? as the Lord liveth I will not 15. made him acquainted with our names leave him until I bring him and place and all that befel us, yet he asked him before thee but pray for us unto also after thee, saying, is your father the Lord, that he may deal kindly still living, and is it well with him ? with us, to cause us to be received 16. Thou hast not seen the affairs favorably and kindly before the king

him

in all satisfy

the earth.

We

of the government of Egypt regulat of Egypt and his men, for had we ed by him, without inquiring of Pha not delayed surely now we had re raoh his lord ; thou hast not seen the turned a second time with thy son. awe and fear which he impressed 22. And Jacob said unto his sons, I trust in the Lord God that he may upon all the Egyptians. 17. And also when we went from deliver you and give you favor in the him, we threatened to do unto Egypt sight of the king of Egypt, and in like unto the rest of the cities of the the sight of all his men. 23. Now therefore rise up and go Amorites, and we were exceedingly wroth against all his words which he to the man, and take for him in your spoke considering us as spies, and hands a present from what can be now when we shall again come be obtained in the land and bring it be fore him his terror will fall upon us fore him, and may the Almighty God all, and not one of us will be able to give you mercy before him that he speak to him either a little or great may send Benjamin and Simeon your brethren with you. thing. 18. Now therefore, father, send 24. And all the men rose up, and we pray thee the lad with us, and we they took their brother Benjamin, will go down and buy thee food for and they took in their hands a large our support, and not die through hun present of the best of the land, and ger and Jacob said, why have you they also took a double portion of dealt so ill with me to tell the king silver. 25. And Jacob strictly command you had a brother ? what is this thing that you have done unto me ? ed his sons concerning Benjamin, 19. And Judah said unto Jacob saying, take heed of him in the way his father, give the lad into my care in which you are going, and do not and we will rise up and go down to separate yourselves from him in the Egypt and buy corn, and then return, road, neither in Egypt. and it shall be when we return if the 26. And Jacob rose up from his lad be not with us, then let me bear sons and spread forth his hands and he prayed unto the Lord on account thy blame forever. 20. Hast thou seen all our infants of his sons, Lord God of saying, weeping over thee through hunger heaven and earth, remember thy co and there is no power in thy hand to venant with our father Abraham, re;

166

THE BOOK OF JASHER,

member it with my father Isaac and thee that thou didst interpret Pha deal kindly with my sons and deliver raoh s dream and didst speak truly them not into the hands of the king unto him ? how then dost thou not of Egypt ; do it I pray thee O God know in thy wisdom whether my
sake of thy mercies and re sons are spies or not ? 34. Now therefore, my lord and my children and rescue them from Egyptian power, and send king, behold I have sent my son be fore thee, as thou didst speak unto them their two brothers. I beseech thee to put 27. And all the wives of the sons my sons thy of Jacob and their children lifted up eyes upon him until he is returned their eyes to heaven and they all to me in peace with his brethren. 35. For dost thou not know, or wept before the Lord, and cried unto him to deliver their fathers from the hast thou not heard that which our God did unto Pharaoh when he took hand of the king of Egypt. 28. And Jacob wrote a record to my mother Sarah, and what he did the king of Egypt and gave it into unto Abimelech king of the Philis the hand of Judah and into the hands tines on account of her, and also of his sons for the king of Egypt, what our father Abraham did unto the nine kings of Elam, how he saying, 29. From thy servant Jacob, son smote them all with a few men that of Isaac, son of Abraham the He were with him ? 36. And also what my two sons brew, the prince of God, to the pow erful and wise king, the revealer of Simeon and Levi did unto the eight cities of the Amorites, how they des secrets, king of Egypt, greeting. 30. Be it known to my lord the troyed them on account of their sis king of Egypt, the famine was sore ter Dinah ? 37. And also on account of their upon us in the land of Canaan, and I sent my sons to thee to buy us a lit brother Benjamin they consoled themselves for the loss of his brother tle food from thee for our support. 31. For my sons surrounded me Joseph; what will they then do for him and I being very old cannot see with when they see the hand of any people my eyes, for my eyes have become prevailing over them, for his sake ? 38. Dost thou not know, O king very heavy through age, as well as with
for the

deem

all

daily

who was

my son, for Joseph of Egypt, that the power of God is from before me, and with us, and that also God ever I commanded my sons that they heareth our prayers and forsaketh us
weeping
for
lost

should not enter together the gates not all the days ? of the city when they came to 39. And when my sons told me Egypt, on account of the inhabitants of thy dealings with them, I called of the land. not unto the Lord on account of thee, 32. And I also commanded them for then thou would st have perished to go about Egypt to seek for my with thy men before my son Benja son Joseph, perhaps they might find min came before thee, but I thought him there, and they did so, and thou that as Simeon my son was in thy didst consider them as spies of the house, perhaps thou mightest deal land. kindly with him, therefore I did not 33. Have we not heard concerning this thing unto thee.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

40.

167

coming examine the face of the whole earth for their sake and send them back in peace with their brethren. 42. And Jacob gave the record to his sons into the care of Judah to
ther,

6. And Judah took Benjamin by behold Benjaunto thee with the hand, and they came before Jo my sons, take heed of him and put seph, and they bowed down to him to the ground. thy eyes upon him, and then will 7. And the men gave the present God place his eyes over thee and unto Joseph and they all sat before throughout thy kingdom. 41. Now I have told thee all that him, and Joseph said unto them, is is in my heart, and behold my sons it well with you, is it well with your to thee with their bro children, is it well with your aged are

min

Now therefore my son cometh

father

? and they said it is well, and Judah took the record which Jacob had sent and gave it into the hand of

Joseph.
8.

And Joseph
his
to

read the letter and

writing,

give

it

unto the king of Egypt.

knew
inner

father s

and he

wished

CHAPTER
1
.

LIII.

weep and he went into an room and he wept a great

;

weeping

and he went

out.

9. And he lifted up his eyes and the sons of Jacob rose up and took Benjamin and the whole of beheld his brother Benjamin, and he the presents, and they went and said, is this your brother of whom came to Egypt and they stood before you spoke unto me ? and Benjamin

And

Joseph.
2.

approached

Joseph,

and

Joseph

his brother placed his hand upon his head and Benjamin with them and he saluted he said unto him, may God be gra son. them, and these men came to Jo cious unto thee

And Joseph beheld

house.

seph
3.

10.

And when Joseph saw

my

his

the brother, the son of his mother, he and he enter superintendant of his house to give again wished to weep, to his brethren to eat, and he did so ed the chamber, and he wept there, and he washed his face, and went unto them. 4. And at noon time Joseph sent out and refrained from weeping, and for the men to come before him he said, prepare food. 1 1 And Joseph had a cup from with Benjamin, and the men told the of silver superintendant of Joseph s house which he drank, and it was with silver return that was inlaid the onyx stones, concerning beautifully ed in their sacks, and he said unto and bdellium, and Joseph struck the them, it will be well with you, fear cup in the sight of his brethren

And Joseph commanded

not,

Simeon unto them. 5. And Simeon

and he brought their brother whilst they were sitting to eat with him. said unto his 12. And Joseph said unto the men,

brethren, the lord of the Egyptians I know by this cup that Reuben the has acted very kindly unto me, he first born, Simeon and Levi and Ju did not keep me bound, as you saw dah, Issachar and Zebulun are child with your eyes, for when you wenl ren from one mother, seat yourselves

out from the city he let me free and to eat according to your births. dealt kindly witfi me in his house. 13. And he also placed the others

168

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

vant
is

me, and Joseph said unto Benjamin, look now at this instrument and understand where thy brother Joseph is in 14. And Benjamin went up before Egypt, who you said went down to Joseph and sat upon the throne, and Egypt. the men beheld the acts of Joseph, 20. And Benjamin beheld that in and they were astonished at them strument with the map of the stars and the men ate and drank at that of heaven, and he was wise and look time with Joseph, and he then gave ed therein to know where his brother presents unto them, and Joseph gave was, and Benjamin divided the whole one gift unto Benjamin, and Manas- land of Egypt into four divisions, and seh and Ephraim saw the acts of he found that he who was sitting up their father, and they also gave pre on the throne before him was his sents unto him, and Osnath gave brother Joseph, and Benjamin won him one present, and they were five dered greatly, and when Joseph saw that his brother Benjamin was so presents in the hand of Benjamin. 15. And Joseph brought them out much astonished, he said unto Benja wine to drink, and they would not min, what hast thou seen, and why drink, and they said, from the day art thou astonished ? on which Joseph was lost we have 21. And Benjamin said unto Jo not drunk wine, nor eaten any de seph, I can see by this that Joseph licacies. my brother sitteth here with me upon 16. And Joseph swore unto them, the throne, and Joseph said unto him, and he pressed them hard, and they I am Joseph thy brother, reveal not drank plentifully with him on that this thing unto thy brethren behold day, and Joseph afterward turned to I will send thee with them when they his brother Benjamin to speak with go away, and I will command them him, and Benjamin was still sitting to be brought back again into the upon the throne before Joseph. city, and I will take thee away from 17. And Joseph said unto him, them. hast thou begotten any children ? and 22. And if they dare their lives he said, thy servant has ten sons, and and fight for thee, then shall I know these are their names, Bela, Becher, that they have repented of what they Ashbal, Gera, Naaman, Achi, Rosh, did unto me, and I will make myself Mupim, Chupim and Ord, and I known to them, and if they forsake
father taught
;
;

according to their births, and he said, I know that this your youngest bro ther has no brother, and I, like him, have no brother, he shall therefore sit down to eat with me.

knowing

also in all the wis

dom which my

called their

names

after

whom I

my

brother thee

when

take thee, then shalt thou

remain with me, and I will wrangle to bring with them, and they shall go away, before him his map of the stars, and I will not become known to whereby Joseph knew all the times, them. and Joseph said unto Benjamin, I 23. At that time Joseph com have heard that the Hebrews are ac manded his officer to fill their sacks quainted with all wisdom, dost thou with food, and to put each man s mo know any thing of this ? ney into his sack, and to put the cup 19. And Benjamin said, thy ser in the sack of Benjamin, and to give

have not seen. 18. And he ordered them

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

them provision

169

for the road, and they thereby in what part of the land your brother was. did so unto them. 31. And Judah said, what shall 24. And on the next day the men rose up early in the morning, and we say to our lord, what shall we they loaded their asses with their speak and how shall we justify our corn, and they went forth with Ben selves ? God has this day found the

jamin, and they went to the land iniquity of all thy servants, therefore of Canaan with their brother Ben has he done this thing to us this day. 32. And Joseph rose up and caught jamin. 25. They had not gone far from hold of Benjamin and took him from Egypt when Joseph commanded him his brethren with violence, and he that was set over his house, saying, came to the house and locked the rise, pursue these men before they door at them, and Joseph commanded get too far from Egypt, and say unto him that was set over his house that them, why have you stolen my mas he should say unto them, thus saith ter s cup ? the king, go in peace to your father, 26. And Joseph s officer rose up behold I have taken the man in whose and he reached them, and he spoke hand my cup was found. unto them all the words of Joseph
;

LIV. they became exceedingly wroth, and they 1 And when Judah saw the deal said, he with whom thy master s cup shall be found shall die, and we will ings of Joseph with them, Judah ap
.

and when they heard

this thing

CHAPTER

slaves. proached him and broke open the they hastened and each door, and came with his brethren be man brought down his sack from his fore Joseph. 2. And Judah said unto Joseph, let ass, and they looked in their bags and the cup was found in Benjamin s it not seem grievous in the sight of bag, and they all tore their garments my lord, may thy servant I pray thee and they returned to the city, and speak a word before thee ? and Jo they smote Benjamin in the road, seph said unto him, speak. 3. And Judah spoke before Joseph, continually smiting him until he came into the city, and they stood and his brethren were there standing before Joseph. before them; arid Judah said unto 28. And Judah s anger was kin Joseph, surely when we first came dled, and he said, this man has only to our lord to buy food, thou didst brought me back to destroy Egypt consider us as spies of the land, and we brought Benjamin before thee, this day. 29. And the men came to Joseph s and thou still makest sport of us this house, and they found Joseph sitting day. 4. Now therefore let the king hear upon his throne, and all the mighty men standing at his right and left. my words, and send I pray thee our 30. And Joseph said unto them, brother that he may go along with what is this act that you have done, us to our father, lest thy soul perish that you took away my silver cup this day with all the souls of the in and went away? but I know that habitants of Egypt. 5. Dost thou not know what two you took my cup in order to know

also

become

27.

And

170

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

mother, whom he took away from our father, that he smote him and his household with heavy plagues, that even unto this day the Egyp tians relate this wonder to each other ? so will our God do unto thee on account of Benjamin whom thou hast this day taken from his father, and on account of the evils which thou this day heapest over us in thy land for our God will remember his covenant with our father Abraham and bring evil upon thee, because thou hast grieved the soul of our fa
;

of my brethren, Simeon and Levi, sheathe it again until I shall this day did unto the city of Shechem, and have slain all Egypt, and I will com unto seven cities of the Amorites, on mence with thee and finish with Pha account of our sister Dinah, and also raoh thy master. 11. And Joseph answered and what they would do for the sake of said unto him, surely strength betheir brother Benjamin ? 6. And I with my strength, who longeth not alone 1o thee I am am greater and mightier than both of stronger and mightier than thou ; them, come this day upon thee and surely if thou drawest thy sword I thy land if thou art unwilling to send will put it to thy neck and the necks of all thy brethren. our brother. 12. And Judah said unto him, 7. Hast thou not heard what our God who made choice of us did unto surely if I this day open my mouth Pharaoh on account of Sarah our against thee I would swallow thee up
;

that thou be destroyed from off the earth and perish this day from thy

kingdom.
if

And Joseph

said, surely

thou openest thy mouth I have power and might to close thy mouth with a stone until thou shaft not be
able to utter a

word

see

how many

stones are before us, truly I can take a stone, and force it into thy mouth and break thy jaws. 13. And Judah said, God is wit

ness between us, that we have not hitherto desired to battle with thee, only give us our brother and we will
;

go irom thee and Joseph answered words and said, as Pharaoh liveth, if all unto thee, the kings of Canaan came together that I have this day spoken and send our brother that he may go with you, you should not take him away lest thou and the people of thy from my hand.
ther this day. 8. therefore hear

Now

my

land die by the sword, for you can not all prevail over me.

14. Now therefore go your way to your father, and your brother shall 9. And Joseph answered Judah, be unto me for a slave, for he has saying, why hast thou opened wide robbed the king s house. And Judah thy mouth and why dost thou boast said, what is it to thee or to the char

over us,
thee
?

saying,

strength

is

with acter of the king, surely the king

sendeth forth from his house, through liveth, if I com mand all valiant to fight out the land, silver and gold either in with you, surely thou and these thy gifts or expenses, and thou still talkbrethren would sink in the mire. est about cup which thou didst
as

Pharaoh

my

men

said unto Joseph, place in our brother s bag and sayest surely it becometh thee and thy peo that he has stolen it from thee ? 15. God forbid that our brother ple to fear me ; as the Lord liveth if sword I shall not or any of the seed of AbraI once draw
10.

And Judah

thy

my

Benjamin

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

171

should do this thing to steal from and Judah said, what shall we say from any one else, whether unto our father, when he seeth that our brother cometh not with us, and king, prince, or any man. 16. Now therefore cease this ac will grieve over him ? 22. And Joseph answered and cusation lest the whole earth hear thy words, saying, for a little silver the said, this is the thing which you shall king of Egypt wrangled with the tell unto your father, saying, the rope men, and he accused them and took has gone after the bucket. 23. And Judah said, surely thou their brother for a slave. 1 7. And Joseph answered and said, art a king, and why speakest thou take unto you this cup and go from these things, giving a false judgment? me and leave your brother for a slave, woe unto the king who is like unto for it is the judgment of a thief to be thee. a slave. 24. And Joseph answered and 18. And Judah said, why art thou said, there is no false judgment in the not ashamed of thy words, to leave word that I spoke on account of your our brother and to take thy cup ? brother Joseph, for all of you sold Surely if thou givest us thy cup, or him to the Midianites for twenty a thousand times as much, we will pieces of silver, and you all denied not leave our brother for the silver it to your father and said unto him, which is found in the hand of any an evil beast has devoured him, Jo man, that we will not die over him. seph has been torn to pieces. 25. And Judah said, behold the 19. And Joseph answered, and why did you forsake your brother and sell* fire of Shem burneth in my heart, him for twenty pieces of silver unto now I will burn all your land with and Joseph answered and said, this day, and why then will you not fire do the same to this your brother ? surely thy sister-in-law Tamar, who

ham

thee, or

20. And Judah said, the Lord is killed your sons, extinguished the witness between me and thee that fire of Shechem. 26. And Judah said, if I pluck out we desire not thy battles ; now there fore give us our brother and we will a single hair from my flesh, I will fill all go from thee without quarreling. Egypt with its blood. 21.
said,
if

And Joseph answered and

all

27.

And Joseph answered and

of the land said, such is your custom to do as should assemble they will not be able you did to your brother whom you to take your brother from my hand ; sold, and you dipped his coat in blood
the kings

and brought it to your father in order might say an evil beast de him and here is his blood. And when Judah heard this be remembered that they knew that Joseph was he was exceedingly wroth and thing an interpreter of dreams and a noted magician his anger burned within him, and this may be corroborated by Jacob s letter to Have we not heard there was before him in that place a Joseph, ch. 52, v. 33. concerning thee, that thou didst interpret Pha stone, the weight of which was about raoh s dream, and didst make this famine known four hundred shekels, and Judah s to him before it came, and didst speak truly unto him, how then dost thou not know in thy wis anger was kindled and he took the dom whether my sons are spies or stone in one hand and cast it to the
strange that they were not that he surprised at hearing this declaration from Jovoured seph, how he should become acquainted with 28. what was only known to themselves, but it must
It
;

may seem

"

not?"

172
heavens and caught
hand.
it

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

with his

29. And he placed it under his legs, and he sat upon it with all his strength and the stone was turned into dust from the force of Judah.

go now make haste and gather unto me all the inhabitants of Egypt and afterward all the valiant men together, and let
left

them come
back and on

to

me now upon

horse

and with all sorts (/musical instruments, and Manas seh went and did so.
foot

30. And Joseph saw the act of 36. And Naphtali went as Judah Judah and he was very much afraid, had commanded him, for Naphtali but he commanded Manasseh his was light-footed as one of the swift son and he also did with another stags, and he would go upon the ears stone like unto the act of Judah, and of corn and they would not break Judah said unto his brethren, let not under him. 37. And he went and numbered any of you say, this man is an Egyp tian, but by his doing this thing he all the streets of Egypt, and found is of our father s them to be twelve, and he came family. 31. And Joseph said, not to you hastily and told Judah, and Judah
given, for we are said unto his brethren, hasten you men, and why will you and put on every man his sword up boast over us all? and Judah said un on his loins and we will come over to Joseph, send I pray thee our bro Egypt, and smite them all, and let ther and ruin not thy country this day. not a remnant remain. 32. And Joseph answered and 38. And Judah said, behold, I will said unto them, go and tell your fa destroy three of the streets with my ther, an evil beast hath devoured him strength, and you shall each destroy as you said concerning and when Judah was your brother one street

only

is

strength

also powerful

Joseph.
33.

speaking
to his bro

this thing,

behold the inha

And Judah spoke

bitants of

ther Naphtali, and he said unto him,

haste, go now the streets of Egypt

men

Egypt and all the mighty came toward them with all
and

make
tell

and number all sorts of musical instruments and come and with loud shouting.
;

let

me and Simeon said unto him, 39. And their number was five not this thing be a trouble to thee hundred cavalry and ten thousand in now I will go to the mount and take fantry, and four hundred men who
;

up one
and and

large stone from the

it

mount could
Egypt

fight without

sword or spear,

level

at

every one
are in
it.

in

kill all that

only with their hands and strength. 40. And all the mighty men came

34. And Joseph heard all these words that his brethren spoke before him, and they did not know that Jo seph understood them, for they ima gined that he knew not to speak He brew.
35.
at the

with great storming and shouting, and they all surrounded the sons of Jacob and terrified them, and the ground quaked at the sound of their
shouting. 41. And

when

the sons of Jacob

And Joseph was greatly

words of

afraid

saw these troops they were

greatly

his brethren lest they afraid of their lives, and Joseph did should destroy Egypt, and he com so in order to terrify the sons of Ja manded his son Manasseh, saying, cob to become tranquilized.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

42 And Judah, seeing some of
48.

173
sent word, say

And Pharaoh
is this

his brethren terrified, said unto them, ing, why are you afraid whilst the grace day

of

God

is

with us

and when

thing that has this happened in the land of Egypt ? Judah and they came and told him all the

what

the people of Egypt surround things from beginning to end, and alarmed and he won ing them at the command of Joseph Pharaoh was to terrify them, only Joseph com dered and was greatly afraid. 49. And his fright increased when manded them, saying, do not touch

saw all

any of them
43.

Then Judah hastened and

his

sword, and uttered a loud scream, and he smote with his sword, and he sprang upon the ground, and he still continued to shout against all the people. 44. And when he did this thing the Lord caused the terror of Judah and his brethren to fall upon the

drew
and

bitter

he heard all these things, and he sent unto Joseph, saying, thou hast brought unto me the Hebrews to destroy all Egypt; what wilt thou do with that thievish slave ? send him away and let him go with his brethren, and let us not perish through their evil, even we, you and
all

Egypt.
50.

valiant

men and

all

surrounded them.

45. And they all of the shouting, and they were ter in it, for they will this day destroy rified and fell one upon the other, my whole country and slay all my even all the women of and many of them died as they fell, people and they all fled from before Judah Egypt have miscarried through their
;

And if thou desirest not to the people that do this thing, cast off from thee all my valuable things, and go with fled at the sound them to their land, if thou delightest

screams see what they have done merely by their shouting and speak And whilst they were fleeing ing, moreover if they fight with the Judah and his brethren pursued them sword, they will destroy the land ; unto the house of Pharaoh, and they now therefore choose that which all escaped, and Judah again sat be thou desirest, whether me or the fore Joseph and roared at him like Hebrews, whether Egypt or the land a lion, and gave a great and tremen of the Hebrews. dous shriek at him. 51. And they came and told Jo 47. And the shriek was heard at seph all the words of Pharaoh that a distance, and all the inhabitants of he had said concerning him, and Jo Succoth heard it, and all Egypt seph was greatly afraid at the words quaked at the sound of the shriek, of Pharaoh, and Judah and his bre and also the walls of Egypt and of thren were still standing before Jo the land of Goshen fell in from the seph indignant and enraged, and all shaking of the earth, and Pharaoh the sons of Jacob roared at Joseph, also fell from his throne upon the like the roaring of the sea and its ground, and also all the pregnant waves. women of Egypt and Goshen mis 52. And Joseph was greatly afraid carried when they heard the noise of of his brethren and on account of the shaking, for they were terribly Pharaoh, and Joseph sought a pre afraid. text to make himself known unto his

and

his brethren

and from before Jo

seph. 46.

174

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

all

brethren, lest they should destroy

he
or

Egypt.
53.

And Joseph commanded

his

son Manasseh, and Manasseh went and approached Judah, and placed his hand upon his shoulder, and the

anger of Judah was

54.

stilled.

And Judah

said

unto

his

brethren, let no one of you say that this is the act of an Egyptian youth for this is the work of my father s

house.
55.

And Joseph
Judah
s

seeing and

know
stilled,

ing that

anger was

he approached to speak unto Judah in the language of mildness. 56. And Joseph said unto Judah, surely you speak truth and have this day verified your assertions con cerning your strength, and may your

may have cavalry and infantry an exceeding mighty people, 1 will slay them all and bring the king s head before thee. 60. Dost thou not know or hast thou not heard that our father Abra ham with his servant Eliezer smote all the kings of Elam with their hosts in one night, they left not one remaining ? and ever since that day our father s strength was given unto us for an inheritance, for us and our seed forever. 61. And Joseph answered and said, you speak truth and falsehood
is

not in your mouth, for

that the

told unto us that the

it was also Hebrews have

power and

Lord

their

delighteth then can stand before

much

in

them, and

God who

them
this
if

God who

delighteth in you, increase

;

62.

However on

condition

your welfare but tell me truly why from amongst all thy brethren dost thou wrangle with me on account of the lad, as none of them had spoken one word to me concerning him. 57. And Judah answered Joseph,
saying, surely thou
I

will I send

your brother,

you

will

bring before me his brother the son of his mother, of whom you said that

must know

he had gone from you down to Egypt; and it shall come to pass when you bring unto me his brother I will take that him in his stead, because not one of

was

security for the

lad to his

you was security

for

him

to

your

father, saying, if I brought him not father, and when he shall come unto unto him I should bear his blame me, I will then send with you his

brother for whom you have been 58. Therefore have I approached security. thee from amongst all 63. And Judah s anger was kin brethren, for I saw that thou wast unwilling to dled against Joseph when he spoke suffer him to go from thee ; now this blood thing, and his eyes dropped therefore may I find grace in thy with anger, and he said unto his sight that thou shalt send him to go brethren, how doth this man this
forever.

my

day

with us, and behold I will remain as a substitute for him, to serve thee in whatever thou desirest, for whereso ever thou shalt send me I will go to serve thee with great energy. 59. Send me now to a mighty king who has rebelled against thee and thou shalt know what I will do unto him and unto his land although
;

seek his
all

own
!

destruction and that of

Egypt
64.

And Simeon answered Joseph, not tell thee at first saying, did we that we knew not the particular*
spot to which he went, and whether
* Although they knew he went down to Egypt, they could not tell to what part or what town of Egypt he went.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

he be dead or
speaketh
things 65.
?

175

alive,

and wherefore

my

lord

like unto

73. And the voice was heard in these the house of Joseph that they were

observing the countenance of Judah discerned that his anger began to kindle when he spoke unto him, saying bring unto me your other brother instead of this
brother.

And Joseph

Joseph s brethren, and it pleased Pharaoh exceedingly, for he was afraid of them lest they should de
stroy Egypt. 74. And Pharaoh sent his servants

unto

Joseph

to

congratulate

him

concerning his brethren who had 66. And Joseph said unto his breth come to him, and all the captains of ren, surely you said that your brother the armies and troops that were in was either dead or lost, now if I should Egypt came to rejoice with Joseph, call him this day and he should come and all Egypt rejoiced greatly about
before you, would you give him Joseph s brethren. unto me instead of his brother ? 75. And Pharaoh sent his servants 67. And Joseph began to speak to Joseph, saying, tell thy brethren

and
this

call out,

Joseph, Joseph,

come

Egypt, and they did so. 76. And Joseph commanded him that was set over his house to bring out tohisbrethren gifts and garments, 69. And Joseph observed all their and he brought out to (hem many acts, and said unto them, why do garments being robes of royalty and you look here and there ? I am many gifts, and Joseph divided them

day before me, and appear to thy brethren and sit before them. 68. And when Joseph spoke this thing before them, they looked each a different way to see from whence Joseph would come before them.

belonging to them and let them come unto me and I will place them in the best part of the land of
to fetch all

now

to Egypt, amongst his brethren. not grieve you 77. And he gave unto each of his that you sold me, for as a support brethren a change of garments of during the famine did God send me gold and silver, and three hun before you. dred pieces of silver, and Joseph 70. And his brethren were terrifi commanded them all to be dressed in

Joseph

whom

you sold
it

therefore let

of Joseph, and Judah ingly terrified at him.

.

him when they heard the words these garments and to be brought was exceed before Pharaoh. 78. And Pharaoh seeing that all 71 And when Benjamin heard the Joseph s brethren were valiant men, words of Joseph he was before them and of beautiful appearance, he great
ed
at in

the inner part of the house, and ly rejoiced. 79. And they afterward went out Benjamin ran unto Joseph his brother and embraced him and fell upon his from the presence of Pharaoh to go to the land of Canaan, to their father, neck, and they wept. 72. And when Joseph s brethren and their brother Benjamin was with saw that Benjamin had fallen upon them. his brother s neck and wept with him, 80. And Joseph rose up and gave they also fell upon Joseph and em unto them eleven chariots from Pha braced him, and they wept a great raoh, and Joseph gave unto them his chariot, upon which he rode on the weeping with Joseph.

176

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

his being

day of

crowned

in
;

to fetch his father to

Egypt

Egypt, them to accompany them on the road and Jo unto the borders of Egypt, and he
ther and his household, to

seph sent to all his brothers children, garments according to their numbers, and a hundred pieces of silver to each of them, and he also sent garments to the wives of his brethren from the garments of the king s wives, and he sent them. 81. And he gave unto each of his

commanded them concerning his fa come to

Egypt.
88. And he said unto them, do not quarrel on the road, for this thing was from the Lord to keep a great

people from starvation, for there will be yet five years of famine in the

brethren ten men to go with them to land. the land of Canaan to serve them, to 89. And he commanded them r serve their children and all belonging saying, when you come unto the land to them in coming to Egypt. of Canaan, do not come suddenly be 82. And Joseph sent by the hand fore my father in this affair, but act of his brother Benjamin ten suits of in your wisdom.
90. And Joseph ceased to com garments for his ten sons, a portion above the rest of the children of the mand them, and he turned and went sons of Jacob. back to Egypt, and the sons of Jacob 83. And he sent to each fifty went to the land of Canaan with joy pieces of silver, and ten chariots on and cheerfulness to their father Ja the account of Pharaoh, and he sent cob.
to his father ten asses laden with all 9 1 And they came unto the bor the luxuries of Egypt, and ten she- ders of the land, and they said to asses laden with corn and bread and each other, what shall we do in this nourishment for his father, and to all matter before our father, for if we
.

that

were with him

as provision for

come suddenly

to

him and

tell

him

the road.

the matter, he will be greatly alarmed 84. And he sent to his sister Dinah at our words and will not believe us. 92. And they went along until garments of silver and gold, and

frankincense and myrrh, and aloes they came nigh unto their houses, and women s ornaments in great and they found Serach, the daughter plenty, and he sent the same from of Asher, going forth to meet them, the wives of Pharaoh to the wives and the damsel was very good and of Benjamin. subtle, and knew how to play upon 85. And he gave unto all his bre the harp. 93. And they called unto her and thren, also to their wives, all sorts of onyx stones and bdellium, and from she came before them, and she kiss all the valuable things amongst the ed them, and they took her and gave great people of Egypt, nothing of all unto her a harp, saying, go now be the costly things was left but what fore our father, and sit before him,

Joseph sent of
hold.

to his father s

house

and

strike

upon the harp, and speak

these words.

86. And he sent his brethren 94. And they commanded her to away, and they went, and he sent his bro go to their house, and she took the ther Benjamin with them. harp and hastened before them, and 87. And Joseph went out with she came and sat near Jacob.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

she played well and sang, in the sweetness of her words, Joseph my uncle is living, and he ruleth throughout the land of Egypt, and is not dead. 96. And she continued to repeat and utter these words, and Jacob heard her words and they were agree able to him. 97. He listened whilst she repeat ed them twice and thrice, and joy entered the heart of Jacob at the sweetness of her words, and the spi rit of God was upon him, and he knew all her words to be true. 98. And Jacob blessed Serach when she spoke these words before him, and he said unto her, my daugh ter, may death never prevail over thee, for thou hast revived my spirit only speak yet before me as thou hast spoken, for thou hast gladdened me with all thy words. 99. And she continued to sing these words, and Jacob listened and
95.

177

And

and uttered

had sent him, and all the signs which Joseph had spoken unto them. 104. And they opened out before him, and showed him all that Joseph had sent, they gave unto each what Joseph had sent him, and he knew that they had spoken the truth, and he rejoiced exceedingly on account
of his son.

105.
for

And Jacob

said,

it is

enough
I die.
all

me that my
And

son Joseph

is still liv

ing, I will

go and see him before

his

106.
that

sons told him

had befallen them, and Jacob

my

go down to Egypt to see son and his offspring. 107. And Jacob rose up and put on the garments which Joseph had
said, I will

sent him, and after he had washed, and shaved his hair, he put upon his head the turban which Joseph had
serit

him.

And all the people of Jacob s house and their wives put on the gar ments which Joseph had sent to them, it pleased him, and he rejoiced, and and they greatly rejoiced at Joseph the spirit of God was upon him. that he was still living and that he 100. Whilst he was yet speaking was ruling in Egypt. with her, behold his sons came to 109. And all the inhabitants of him with horses and chariots and Canaan heard of this thing, and they royal garments and servants running came and rejoiced much with Jacob before them. that he was still living. 101. And Jacob rose up to meet 110. And Jacob made a feast for them, and saw his sons dressed in them for three days, and all the kings royal garments and he saw all the of Canaan and nobles of the land treasures that Joseph had sent to ate and drank and rejoiced in the them. house of Jacob. 102. And they said unto him, be informed that our brother Joseph is LV. living, and it is he who ruleth through out the land of Egypt, and it is he 1 And it came to pass after this who spoke unto us as we told thee. that Jacob said, I will go and see my 103. And Jacob heard all the words son in Egypt and will then come of his sons, and his heart palpitated back to the land of Canaan of which God had spoken unto Abraham, for at their words, for he could not be lieve them until he saw all that Jo I cannot leave the land of my birth seph had given them and what he place. 12
108."

CHAPTER

178

THE BOOK OF JASHER,

2. Behold the word of the Lord mighty host, all dressed in garments came unto him, saying, go down to of fine linen and purple and with in Egypt with all thy household and re struments of silver and gold and with main there, fear not to go down to their instruments of war with them. 9. And they all went to meet Ja Egypt for I will there make thee

cob with all sorts of musical instru with drums and timbrels, I will go and see my son whether strewing myrrh and aloes all along the fear of his God is yet in his the road, and they all went after this heart amidst all the inhabitants of fashion, and the earth shook at their
a great nation.
3.

And Jacob

said within himself, ments,

Egypt.
4.

shouting. the

And

Lord

said unto Jacob,

10.

And

all

the

women

of

Egypt

went upon the roofs of Egypt and upon the walls to meet Jacob, and will seem good in thy sight, and Ja upon the head of Joseph was Phara cob rejoiced exceedingly concerning oh s regal crown, for Pharaoh had his son. sent it unto him to put on at the time 5. At that time Jacob commanded of his going to meet his father. his sons and household to go to Egypt 1 1 And when Joseph came within to the of of his father, he alighted word the Lord cubits according fifty unto him and Jacob rose up with from the chariot and he walked to his sons and all his household, and ward his father, and when all the of he went out from the land of Canaan ficers of Egypt and her nobles saw from Beer-sheba, with joy and glad that Joseph had gone on foot toward ness of heart, and they went to the his father, they also alighted and land of Egypt. walked on foot toward Jacob.
fear not about Joseph, for he still retaineth his integrity to serve me, as
.

6. And it came to pass when they 12. And when Jacob approached came near Egypt, Jacob sent Judah the camp of Joseph, Jacob observed before him to Joseph that he might the camp that was coming toward show him a situation in Egypt, and him with Joseph, and it gratified him Judah did according to the word of and Jacob was astonished at it.

his father,

and came

to

and he hastened and ran Joseph, and they as

13.

who

is

And Jacob said unto Judah, that man whom I see in the

signed for them a place in the land camp of Egypt dressed in kingly of Goshen for all his household, and robes with a very red garment upon Judah returned and came along the him and a royal crown upon his head, road to his father. who has alighted from his chariot 7. And Joseph harnessed the cha and is coining toward us ? and Judah

and he assembled all his mighty answered his father, saying, he is thy his servants and all the of son Joseph the king and Jacob re ficers of Egypt in order to go and joiced in seeing the glory of his son. meet his father Jacob, and Joseph s 14. And Joseph came nigh unto mandate was proclaimed in Egypt, his father and he bowed to his father, saying, all that do not go to meet Ja and all the men of the camp bowed cob shall die. to the ground with him before Jacob. 8. And on the next day 15. And behold Jacob ran and Joseph went forth with all Egypt a great and hastened to his son Joseph and fell
riot,

men and

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

179

23. And Joseph answered, saying, \ipon his neck and kissed him, and I have stationed them in the they wept, and Joseph also embraced behold his father and kissed him, and they land of Goshen, for they are shep

wept and all the people of Egypt herds, therefore Goshen to feed wept with them.
16.

let

them remain

in

their flocks

apart

now

said unto Joseph, from the Egyptians. have 24. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, seen thy face, that thou art still liv do with thy brethren all that they and the sons of shall say unto thee ing and with glory.
I will die cheerfully after I
;

And Jacob

17.

And the sons

of Jacob and their Jacob

wives and their children and their servants, and all the household of Jacob wept exceedingly with Joseph, and they kissed him and wept greatly with him. ] 8. And Joseph and all his people
returned afterward

to Pharaoh, and they went forth from him in peace, and Joseph afterward brought his father before Pharaoh.

bowed down

25.

And Jacob came and bowed

to
;

home

to

Egypt,

and Jacob and his sons and all the children of his household came with Joseph to Egypt, and Joseph placed

them

in the best part of Egypt, in the land of Goshen. 19. And Joseph said unto his fa

Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and he then went out and Jacob and all his sons, and all his household dwelt in the land of G oshen. 26. In the second year, that is in the hundred and thirtieth year of the life of Jacob, Joseph maintained his father and his brethren, and all his father s household, with bread

down

ther and unto his brethren, I will go according to their little ones, all the up and tell Pharaoh, saying, my bre days of the famine ; they lacked no

my father s household and thing. 27. And Joseph gave unto them belonging to them have come unto me, and behold they are in the land the best part of the whole land the best of Egypt had they all the days of Goshen. and Joseph also gave 20. And Joseph did so and took of Joseph from his brethren Reuben, Issachar unto them and unto the whole of his Zebulun and his brother Benjamin, father s household, clothes and gar and he placed them before Pharaoh. ments year by year and the sons 21. And Joseph spoke unto Pha of Jacob remained securely in Egypt raoh, saying, my brethren and my all the days of their brother. 28. And Jacob always ate at Jo father s household and all belonging to them together with their flocks seph s table, Jacob and his sons did and cattle have come unto me from not leave Joseph s table day or night, the land of Canaan, to sojourn in besides what Jacob s children con Egypt for the famine was sore up sumed in their houses. 29. And all Egypt ate bread dur on them. 22. And Pharaoh said unto Jo ing the days of the famine from the seph, place thy father and brethren house of Joseph, for all the Egyp in the best part of the land, withhold tians sold all belonging to them on not from them all that is good, and account of the famine. 30. And Joseph purchased all the cause them to eat of the fat of the lands; and fields of Eygpt for bread land.
thren and
all
; ; ; ;

180

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

35.

and his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, remained constantly in the house of Jacob, to gether with the children of the sons which they bought throughout the of Jacob their brethren, to learn the land, and ne accumulated much gold ways of the Lord and his law. and silver, besides an immense 36. And Jacob and his sons dwelt bdellium in the land of Egypt in the land of of stones, quantity onyx and valuable garments which they Goshen, and they took possession in brought unto Joseph from every part it, and they were fruitful and multi

on the account of Pharaoh, and Jo seph supplied all Egypt with bread all the days of the famine, and Jo seph collected all the silver and gold that came unto him for the corn

And Joseph was very

in days,

aged,

advanced

of the land
spent. 31.

when

their

money was

plied in

it.

And Joseph took of all the sil ver and gold that came into his hand, about seventy two talents of gold and silver, and also onyx stones and bdellium in great abundance, and Joseph went and concealed them in four and he concealed one parts, part in the wilderness near the Red sea, and one part by the river Perath, and the third and fourth part he con cealed in the desert opposite to the wilderness of Persia and Media. 32. And he took part of the gold

CHAPTER
1
.

LVI.

And Jacob

lived in the land of

Egypt seventeen years, and the days of Jacob, and the years of his life were a hundred and forty seven
years.

2. At that time Jacob was attack ed with that illness of which he died, and he sent and called for his son Joseph from Egypt, and Joseph his son came from Egypt, and Joseph came unto his father. 3. And Jacob said unto Joseph and silver that was left, and gave it unto all his brothers and unto all his and unto his sons, behold I die, and father s household, and unto all the the God of your ancestors will visit women of his father s household, and you, and bring you back to the land, the rest he brought to the house of which the Lord sware to give unto Pharaoh, about twenty talents of you and unto your children after you; now therefore when I am dead, bury gold and silver. 33. And Joseph gave all the gold me in the cave which is in Machpeand silver that was left unto Pha lah in Hebron in the land of Canaan, raoh, and Pharaoh placed it in the near my ancestors. sons 4. And Jacob made his treasury, and the days of the famine ceased after that in the land, and swear to bury him in Machpelah, in swore unto him they sowed and reaped in the whole Hebron, and his sons land, and they obtained their usual concerning this thing. 5. And he commanded them, say quantity year by year they lacked Lord your God, for he ing, serve the nothing. 34. And Joseph dwelt securely in who delivered your fathers will also all trouble. Egypt, and the whole land was un deliver you from 6. And Jacob said, call all your der his advice, and his father and all his brethren dwelt in the land of children unto me, and all the child of it. ren of Jacob s sons came and sat beGoshen and took
;

possession

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

13. fore him, and Jacob blessed them, and he said unto them, the Lord for he

181

Let not Levi carry with you, and his sons will the
carry

of your fathers shall grant you ark of the covenant of the Lord with a thousand times as much and bless the Israelites in the camp, neither son carry, for as a you, and may he give you the bless let Joseph

God

my

14. Thus shall you do unto me next day Jacob when you carry me away ; do not again called for his sons, and they all neglect any thing of all that I com assembled and came to him and sat mand you ; and it shall come to pass before him, and Jacob on that day when you do this unto me, that the blessed his sons before his death, Lord will remember you favorably each man did he bless according to and your children after you forever. his blessing behold it is written in 15. And you my sons, honor each the book of the law of the Lord ap his brother and his relative, and com

and all king so let his glory be ; howbeit, ing of your father Abraham the children of Jacob s sons went Ephraim and Manasseh shall be in forth on that day after he had blessed their stead.*
;

them.
7.

And on

the

mand your children and your child pertaining to Israel. 8. And Jacob said unto Judah, I ren s children after you to serve the know my son that thou art a mighty Lord God of your ancestors all the man for thy brethren reign over days, 16. In order that you may pro them, and thy sons shall reign over
;

long your days in the land, you and Only teach thy sons the bow your children and your children s and all weapons of war, in order that children for ever, when you do what they may fight the battles of their is good and upright in the sight of brother who will rule over his ene the Lord your God, to go in all his mies.* ways. 10. And Jacob again commanded 17. And thou, Joseph my son, his sons on that day, saying, behold forgive I pray thee the wrongs of thy I shall be this day gathered unto brethren and all their misdeeds in the my people carry me up from Egypt, injury that they heaped upon thee, and bury me in the cave of Mach- for God intended it for thine and thy
their sons forever.
9.
;

pelah as I have
11.

commanded you.
I

children

s benefit.

18. And O my son leave not thy pray you that none of your sons carry me, on brethren to the inhabitants of Egypt, ly yourselves, and this is the manner neither hurt their feelings, for behold you shall do unto me, when you I consign them to the hand of God carry my body to go with it to the and in thy hand to guard them from land of Canaan to bury me. the Egyptians and the sons of Jacob 12. Judah, Issachar and Zebulun answered their father saying, 0, our shall carry my bier at the eastern father, all that thou hast commanded side Reuben, Simeon and Gad at us, so will we do may God only be the south, Ephraim, Manasseh and with us. 19. And Jacob said unto his sons, Benjamin at the west, Dan, Asher and Naphtali at the north. so may God be with you when you

Howbeit take heed

* See II Samuel, ch.

1, v. 18.

* Instead of Levi and Joseph.

182

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

all

keep

his

ways

turn not from his

is

27.

And

also

all

ways
in

either to the right or the left

performing what

good and up

Egypt who knew Jacob came that day when they heard this
and
all

the people
all

of

on

thing,

right in his sight. 20. For I know that

Egypt wept

for

many and

28.

And

many

also

from the

days. land of

grievous troubles will befall you in Canaan did the women come unto the latter days in the land, yea your Egypt when they heard that Jacob children and children s children only was dead, and they wept for him in serve the Lord and he will save you Egypt for seventy days. from all trouble. 29. And it came to pass after this 21. And it shall come to pass that Joseph commanded his servants when you shall go after God to serve the doctors to embalm his father him and will teach your children after with myrrh and frankincense and you, and your children s children, all manner of incense and perfume, to know the Lord, then will the Lord and the doctors embalmed Jacob as raise up unto you and your children Joseph had commanded them. a servant from amongst your chil 30. And all the people of Egypt
;

dren, and the

Lord

will deliver

you and the

of the

elders and

all

the inhabitants

land of Goshen wept and and bring you out of Egypt and mourned over Jacob, and all his sons bring you back to the land of your and the children of his household fathers to inherit it securely. lamented and mourned over their

through his hand from

all affliction,

22. And Jacob ceased command father Jacob many days. 31. And after the days of his ing his sons, and he drew his feet into the bed, he died and was weeping had passed away, at the end of seventy days, Joseph said gathered to his people. 23. And Joseph fell upon his unto Pharaoh, I will go up and bury father and he cried out and wept my father in the land of Canaan as over him and he kissed him, and he he made me swear, and then I will
called out in a bitter voice,
said,

and he return.

32. And Pharaoh sent Joseph, wives and all saying, go up and bury thy father as his household came and fell upon he said, and as he made thee swear ; Jacob, and they wept over him, and and Joseph rose up with all his bre cried in a very loud voice concerning thren to go to the land of Canaan to Jacob. bury their father Jacob as he had 25. And all the sons of Jacob commanded them. rose up together, and they tore their 33. And Pharaoh commanded that garments, and they all put sackcloth it should be proclaimed throughout upon their loins, and they fell upon Egypt, saying, whoever goeth not up their faces, and they cast dust upon with Joseph and his brethren to the their heads toward the heavens. land of Canaan to bury Jacob, shall 26. And the thing was told unto die. Osnath Joseph s wife, and she rose 34. And all Egypt heard of Pha up and put on a sack and she with all raoh s proclamation, and they all rose the Egyptian women with her came up together, and all the servants of and mourned and wept for Jacob. Pharaoh, and the elders of his house,

my

24.

And

father, his sons

my

father.

THE BOOK OF JASHER

183

and all the elders of the land of Egypt aloes, and all manner of perfume, went up with Joseph, and all the of and all the sons of Jacob that carried ficers and nobles of Pharaoh went the bier walked upon the perfumery, up as the servants of Joseph, and and the servants of Jacob went before they went to bury Jacob in the land them strewing the perfume along the
of Canaan. 35. And the sons of Jacob carried the bier upon which he lay accord ing to all that their father commanded them, so did his sons unto him. 36. And the bier was of pure gold,
;

road.

42. And Joseph went up with a heavy camp, and they did after this manner every day until they reached the land of Canaan, and they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which and it was inlaid round about with was on the other side of Jordan, and onyx stones and bdellium and the they mourned an exceeding great and
;

covering of the bier was gold woven heavy mourning in that place. 43. And all the kings of Canaan work, joined with threads, and over them were hooks of onyx stones and heard of this thing and they all went bdellium. forth, each man from his house, thirty37. And Joseph placed upon the one kings of Canaan, and they all head of his father Jacob a large gold came with their men to mourn and en crown, and he put a golden scep weep over Jacob. tre in his hand, and they surrounded 44. And all these kings beheld Ja the bier as was the custom of kings cob s bier, and behold Joseph s crown

during their
38.
all

lives.
all

And

the troops of

was upon it, and they also put their Egypt crowns upon the bier, and encircled
it

went before him

the

in this array, at first

with crowns.

45. And all these kings made in mighty men of Pharaoh and the mighty men of Joseph, and after that place a great, and heavy mourn them the rest of the inhabitants of ing with the sons of Jacob and Egypt Egypt, and they were all girded with over Jacob, for all the kings of Ca swords and equipped with coats of naan knew the valor of Jacob and his mail, and the trappings of war were sons. 46. And the report reached Esau, upon them. 39. And all the weepers and saying, Jacob died in Egypt, and his mourners went at a distance opposite sons and all Egypt are conveying him to the bier, going and weeping and to the land of Canaan to bury him. 47. And Esau heard this thing, lamenting, and the rest of the people went after the bier. and he was dwelling in mount Seir, 40. And Joseph and his household and he rose up with his sons and all went together near the bier barefooted his people and all his household, a and weeping, and the rest of Joseph s people exceedingly great, and they servants went around him each man came to mourn and weep over Jacob. had his ornaments upon him, and they 48. And it came to pass, when were all armed with their weapons of Esau came he mourned for his bro war. ther Jacob, and all Egypt and all 41. And fifty of Jacob s servants Canaan again rose up and mourned went in front of the bier, and they a great mourning with Esau over Ja strewed along the road myrrh and cob in that place.
;

184

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

49. Arid Joseph and his brethren 54. And Esau spoke these things brought their father Jacob from that in order to deceive Joseph with his place, and they went to Hebron to words, for Esau knew that Joseph bury Jacob in the cave by his fathers. was not present in those days when 50. And they came unto Kireath- Esau sold all belonging to him in the

came land of Canaan to Jacob. stood with his sons against Jo 55. And Joseph said unto Esau, seph and his brethren as an hindrance surely my father inserted these things in the cave, saying, Jacob shall not with thee in the record of purchase, be buried therein, for it belongeth to and testified the record with witness us and to our father. es, and behold it is with us in Egypt. 51. And Joseph and his brethren 56. And Esau answered, saying heard the words of Esau s sons, and unto him, bring the record, all that
arba, to the cave, and as they

Esau

they were exceedingly wroth, and Joseph approached unto Esau, say ing, what is this thing which they have spoken ? surely my father Jacob bought it from thee for great riches after the death of Isaac, now* live and twenty years ago, and also all the land of Canaan he bought from thee and from thy sons, and thy seed
after thee.

thou wilt find

in

the record, so will

called unto
said,

we

do.

57.
tali his

And Joseph

Naph

hasten quickly, stay not, and run I pray thee to Egypt and bring all the records ; the record of the purchase, the sealed record and the open record, and also all the first records in which all the

brother, and he

transactions of the birth-right are 52. And Jacob bought it for his written, fetch thou. sons and his seed after him for an in 58. And thou shalt bring them heritance for ever, and why speakest unto us hither, that we may know from

thou these things this day ? them all the words of Esau and his 53. And Esau answered, saying, sons which they spoke this day. thou speakest falsely and utterest 59. And Naphtali hearkened to lies, for I sold not anything belonging the voice of Joseph and he hastened to me in all this land, as thou sayest, and ran to go down to Egypt, and neither did my brother Jacob buy Naphtali was lighter on foot than

aught belonging to
*

me

in this land.

appears that the sale did not take place until two years after Isaac s death, because there were twenty seven years between
this
it

From

any of the stags that were upon the wilderness, for he would go upon ears of corn without crushing them.
60.

Isaac s and Jacob s deaths, for when Isaac died at the age of one hundred and eighty, Jacob was one hundred and twenty, and Jacob died aged

And when Esau saw

that

Naphtali had gone to fetch the re cords he and his sons increased
their resistance against the cave, Esau and all his people rose
battle.

one

hundred

and

forty

seven, consequently
;

and

the purchase of twenty seven years elapsed the cave of Machpelah is also mentioned in the book of Jasher when Jacob bought Esau s birth
right, see ch. 27, but it was all inserted afresh in the new contract mentioned in ch. 47 ; and

up

against Joseph and his brethren to

the sons of Jacob and of Egypt fought with Esau and his men, and the sons of Esau and his people were smitten before the sons of Jacob, and the

this is corroborated in the

57th verse of this chapter, where Joseph tells Naphtali to bring all the records, the records of the purchase, the sealed up one and the open one, also all the first books in which are written all the words
"

61.

And

all

the people

of the

birthright."

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

sons of Jacob slew of

185

people sons of Jacob, and the sons of Esau fought with the sons of Jacob in He forty 62. And Chushim the son of Dan, bron, and Esau was still lying dead, the son of Jacob, was at that time and not buried. 2. And the battle was with Jacob s sons, but he was about a heavy be hundred cubits distant from the place tween them, and the sons of Esau of battle, for he remained with the were smitten before the sons of Ja children of Jacob s sons by Jacob s cob, and the sons of Jacob slew of the sons of Esau eighty men, and not bier to guard it. 63. And Chushim was dumb and one died of the people of the sons of and the hand of Joseph pre deaf, still he understood the voice of Jacob vailed over all the people of the sons consternation amongst the men. 64. And he asked, saying, why do of Esau, and he took Zepho, the you not bury the dead and what is son of Eliphaz, the son of Esau, this great consternation? and they and fifty of his men captive, and he answered him the words of Esau bound them with chains of iron, and and his sons; and he ran to Esau gave them into the hand of his ser in the midst of the battle, and he vants to bring them to Egypt. slew Esau with a sword, and he cut 3. And it came to pass when the off his head, and it sprang to a dis sons of Jacob had taken Zepho and tance, and Esau fell amongst the peo his people captive, all those that re
s

Esau

men.

ple of the battle. 65. And when

Chushim

thing the sons of Jacob over the sons of Esau, and the sons and they all fled with Eliphaz the of Jacob buried their father Jacob son of Esau and his people, with by force in the cave, and the sons of Esau s body, and they went on their road to mount Seir. Esau beheld it.
66.

mained were greatly afraid of their did this lives from the house of Esau, lest prevailed they should also be taken captive,

bron,

4. And they came unto mount Seir He Machpelah and they buried Esau in Seir,butthey which Abraham had bought from the had not brought his head with them sons of Heth for the possession of a to Seir, for it was buried in that burial place, and he was buried in place where the battle had been in Hebron. very costly garments. 67. And no king had such honor 5. And it came to pass when the paid him as Joseph paid unto his fa sons of Esau had fled from before ther at his death, for he buried him the sons of Jacob, the sons of Jacob with great honor like unto the bu pursued them unto the borders of

And Jacob was

the

buried in

in

cave

of

rial of kings.

Seir, but they did not slay a

his brethren

single

68.

And Joseph and

man from amongst them when

they

a mourning of seven days for pursued them, for their father. they carried with

made

Esau s body which them excited their

CHAPTER
1.

LVII.

confusion, so they fled and the sons of Jacob turned back from them and

And

came up
it

to the

place where their

was

after this that the brethren

were

in

Hebron, and they

sons of

Esau waged war with

the remained there on that day, and on

186

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

the next day until they rested from Egypt to the sons of Jacob, and their the battle. pains increased. 13. And when the sons of Esau 6. And it came to pass on the third of and the sons of Seir returned to their sons all the assembled day they Seir the Horite, and they assembled land, the sons of Seir saw that they had all fallen into the hand of the all the clildren of the east, a multi tude of people like the sand of the sons of Jacob, and the people of

account of the battle of Esau. 14. And the sons of Seir said unto brethren, in order to deliver their the sons of Esau, you have seen and brethren. 7. And Joseph and all the sons therefore you know that this camp of Jacob heard that the sons of Esau was on your account, and not one and the children of the east had mighty man or an adept in war recome upon them to battle in order to maineth.
deliver their brethren.
8.

sea, and they went and came down Egypt, on to Egypt to fight with Joseph and his the sons of

15.

Now

therefore go forth from

And Joseph and his brethren our land, go from us to the land of and the strong men of Egypt went Canaan to the land of the dwelling
wherefore shall and fought in the city of of your fathers Raamses, and Joseph and his bre your children inherit the effects of thren dealt out a tremendous blow our children in latter days ? 16. And the children of Esau amongst the sons of Esau and the would not listen to the children of children of the east. 9. And they slew of them six Seir, and the children of Seir con hundred thousand men, and they slew sidered to make war with them. 17. And the children of Esau sent amongst them all the mighty men of the children of Seir the Horite there secretly to Angeas king of Africa, were only a few of them left, and the same is Dinhabah, saying, 18. Send unto us some of thy they slew also a great many of the children of the east, and of the chil men and let them come unto us, and dren of Esau and Eliphaz the son we will fight together with the child of Esau and the children of the east ren of Seir the Horite, for they have all fled before Joseph and his bre resolved to fight with us to drive us thren. away from the land. 10. And Joseph and his brethren 19. And Angeas king of Dinhabah did came unto them until so, for he was in those days pursued they vSuccoth, and they yet slew of them friendly to the children of Esau, and in Succoth thirty men, and the rest Angeas sent five hundred valiant escaped and they fled each to his infantry to the children of Esau, and city. eight hundred cavalry. And Joseph and his brethren 1 1 20. And the children of Seir sent and the mighty men of Egypt turned unto the children of the east and un back from them with joy and cheer to the children of Midian, saying, fulness of heart, for they had smitten you have seen what the children of
forth
; ;

all their

enemies.
still

And Zepho the phaz and his men were

12.

son of Eli

Esau have done unto us, upon whose account we are almost all destroyed, slaves in in their battle with the sons of Jacob.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

21.

187

come unto us Esau again sent to Angeas king of fight them Dinhabah, saying, 29. Send unto us again other men together, and we will drive them from the land and be avenged of the that with them we may fight with the
therefore

Now

and

assist us,

and we will

died for children of Seir, for they have already been heavier than we were. brethren the sons of Jacob. 30. And Angeas again sent to the 22. And all the children of the children of Esau about six hundred east listened to the children of Seir, valiant men, and they came to assist
their sakes in their battle with their twice

cause of our brethren

who

and they came unto them about eight hundred men with drawn swords, and the children of Esau fought with the children of Seir at that time in the wilderness of Paran.
23.

the children of Esau.

31.

And

in

ten

days

time the

children of

Esau again waged war

the children of Seir pre sons of Esau, Seir, and the children of Esau pre and the children of Seir slew on that vailed at this time over the children day of the children of Esau in that of Seir, and the children of Seir
vailed then over the

And

with the children of Seir in the wil derness of Paran, and the battle was very severe upon the children of

two hundred men of the were smitten before the children of people of Angeas king of Dinhabah. Esau, and the children of Esau slew 24. And on the second day the from them about two thousand men. children of Esau came again to fight 32. And all the mighty men of a second time with the children of the children of Seir died in this
battle about

Seir, and the battle was sore upon battle, and there only remained their the children of Esau this second young children that were left in their time, and it troubled them greatly cities. on account of the children of Seir. 33. And all Midian and the child 25. And when the children of ren of the east betook themselves to

Esau saw that the children of Seir flight from the battle, and they left were more powerful than they were, the children of Seir and fled when some men of the children of Esau they saw that the battle was severe turned and assisted the children of upon them, and the children of Esau Seir their enemies. pursued all the children of the east 26. And there fell yet of the peo until they reached their land. 34. And the children of Esau slew ple of the children of Esau in the second battle fifty eight men of the yet of them about two hundred and people of Angeas king of Dinhabah. fifty men and from the people of the
27. And on the third day the child children of Esau there fell in that ren of Esau heard that some of their battle about thirty men, but this evil brethren had turned from them to came upon them their bre

through

fight against them in the second thren turning from them to assist the battle ; and the children of Esau children of Seir the Horite, and the

Esau again heard of the doings of their brethren, and tlo unto our brethren who turned they again mourned on account of from us to assist the children of Seir this thing. our enemies ? and the children of 35. And it came to pass after the
children of
evil

mourned when they heard this thing. 28. And they said, what shall we

188
battle, the

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

children of

Esau turned

back and came home unto Seir, and the children of Esau slew those who had remained in the land of the children of Seir they slew also their wives and little ones, they left
;

40. Therefore the sons of Esau swore, saying, from that day for ward they would not choose a king from their brethren, but one from a strange land unto this day. 41. And there was a man there

young from the people of Angeas king of Dinhabah; his name was Bela the ed to live, and the children of Esau son of Beor, who was a very valiant did not put them to death, and the man, beautiful and comely and wise lads became their slaves, and the in all wisdom and a man of sense and counsel and there was none of damsels they took for wives. 36. And the children of Esau the people of Angeas like unto him. 42. And all the children of Esau dwelt in Seir in the place of the children of Seir, and they inherited took him and anointed him and they crowned him for a king, and they their land and took possession of it. 37. And the children of Esau took bowed down to him, and they said
not a soul alive excepting
lads and damsels
fifty

whom

they suffer

all

belonging in the land to the child unto him, may the king live, may ren of Seir, also their flocks, their the king live. bullocks and their goods, and all 43. And they spread out the sheet, belonging to the children of Seir, and they brought him each man ear did the children of Esau take, and rings of gold and silver or rings or the children of Esau dwelt in Seir bracelets, and they made him very in the place of the children of Seir rich in silver and in gold, in onyx unto this day, and the children of stones and bdellium, and they made Esau divided the land into divisions him a royal throne, and they placed to the five sons of Esau, according a regal crown upon his head, and to their families. they built a palace for him and he 38. And it came to pass in those dwelt therein, and he became king days, that the children of Esau re over all the children of Esau. solved to crown a king over them in 44. And the people of Angeas the land of which they became pos took their hire for their battle from
sessed.

And they said to each other, the children of Esau, and they went not so, for he shall reign over us in and returned at that time to their our land, and we shall be under his master in Dinhabah. counsel and he shall fight our battles, 45. And Bela reigned over the so. of Esau thirty years, and did our and children enemies, against they 39. And all the children of Esau the children of Esau dwelt in the swore, saying that none of their land instead of the children of Seir,
brethren should ever reign over them, and they dwelt securely in their but a strange man who is not of their stead unto this day. brethren, for the souls of all the children of Esau were embittered LVIIL every man against his son, brother and 1. And it came to pass in the friend, on account of the evil they

CHAPTER

sustained from their brethren when thirty second year of the Israelites to Egypt, that is in the they fought with the children of Seir. going down

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

seventy first year of the life of Joseph, in that year died Pharaoh king of Egypt, and Magron his son reigned in his stead.
2.

189

care

of Joseph, and Joseph

made

war with all

and he

his surrounding enemies, subdued them ; also all the

And Pharaoh commanded Jo

land and all the Philistines, unto the borders of Canaan, did Joseph sub
due, and they were
all

seph before his death to be a father to his son Magron, and that Magron should be under the care of Joseph and under his counsel. 3. And all Egypt consented to this thing that Joseph should be

under his

power and they gave a yearly tax

unto Joseph.
9.

And Pharaoh king

upon
his throne

of

Egypt

sat

in his father s

stead, but he was under the control king over them, for all the Egyptians and counsel of Joseph, as he was at loved Joseph as of heretofore, only first under the control of his father. 10. Neither did he reign but in Magron the son of Pharaoh sat upon his father s throne, and he became the land of Egypt only, under the king in those days in his father s counsel of Joseph, but Joseph reign ed over the whole country at that stead. 4. Magron was forty one years time, from Egypt unto the great river old when he began to reign, and forty Perath. 11. And Joseph was successful years he reigned in Egypt, and all

the

Egypt called his name Pharaoh after in all his ways, and the Lord was name of his father, as it was with him, and the Lord gave Joseph their custom to do in Egypt to every additional wisdom, and honor, and glory and love toward him in the king that reigned over them. hearts of the Egyptians and through 5. And it came to pass when Pha

raoh reigned in his father s stead, he out the land, and Joseph reigned over placed the laws of Egypt and all the the whole country forty years.
affairs of

government

in the

hand of

12.

And

all

the countries of the

Joseph, as his father had him.

Canaan and Zidon, on the other side of Jordan, 6. And Joseph became king over brought presents unto Joseph all his Egypt, for he superintended over all days, and the whole country was in Egypt, and all Egypt was under his the hand of Joseph, and they brought care and under his counsel, for all unto him a yearly tribute as it was Egypt inclined to Joseph after the regulated, for Joseph had fought death of Pharaoh, and they loved against all his surrounding enemies him exceedingly to reign over them. and subdued them, and the whole 7. But there were some people country was in the hand of Joseph, amongst them, who did not like him, and Joseph sat securely upon his saying, no stranger shall reign over throne in Egypt. us still the whole government of 13. And also all his brethren the Egypt devolved in those days upon sons of Jacob dwelt securely in the Joseph, after the death of Pharaoh, land, all the days of Joseph, and they he being the regulator, doing as he were fruitful and multiplied exceed liked throughout the land without ingly in the land, and they served the Lord all their days, as their any one interfering. 8. And all was under the Jacob had commanded them. father Egypt

commanded

Philistines and

and

190
14.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

And
it

came

to

pass at the and his brethren, and the people of

the children of Esau and the children of the east were smitten before Jo

end of many days and years, when the children of Esau were dwelling quietly in their land with Bela their king, that the children of Esau were fruitful and multiplied in the land, and they resolved to go and fight with the sons of Jacob and all Egypt, and
to

seph. 20. And of the people of Esau and the children of the east that were slain, there fell before the sons of Ja

deliver their brother Zepho, the son of Eliphaz, and his men, for they
in those

about two hundred thousand men, and their king Bela the son of Beor fell with them in the battle, and

cob

were yet
seph.
15.

days slaves to Jo

when
their

the children of

Esau saw

that

And

the children of

Esau

sent

the children of the east, and made they peace with them, and all the

unto

all

children of the east

to

came unto them go with the children of Esau to

to battle.

Egypt
16.

also unto them of the people of Angeas, king of Dinhabah, and they also sent unto the children of Ishmael and they also

And there came

came unto them.

17.

And

all this

people assembled
to assist the chil
battle,

and came unto Seir

dren of Esau in their

people,
sea,

and

this

camp was very large and heavy with

numerous as the sand of the about eight hundred thousand

men, infantry and cavalry, and all these troops went down to Egypt to fight with the sons of Jacob, and they encamped by Raamses. 18. And Joseph went forth with his

brethren with the mighty men of 25. And all the people of the chil Egypt, about six hundred men, and with of them in land of Esau, and the children of the dren fought they Raamses and the sons of Jacob at the east, returned in shame each unto that time again fought with the chil his the mighty men that city, for all dren of Esau, in the fiftieth year of were with them had fallen in battle. the sons of Jacob going down to 26. And when the children of Egypt, that is the thirtieth year of Esau saw that their king had died in the reign of Bela over the children battle they hastened and took a man of Esau in Seir. from the people of the children of
;

king had fallen in battle and was dead, their hands became weak in the combat. 21. And Joseph and his brethren and all Egypt were still smiting the people of the house of Esau, and all Esau s people were afraid of the sons of Jacob and fled from before them. 22. And Joseph and his brethren and all Egypt pursued them a day s journey, and they slew yet from them about three hundred men, con tinuing to smite them in the road ; and they afterward turned back from them. 23. And Joseph and all his bre thren returned to Egypt, not one man was missing from them, but of the Egyptians there fell twelve men. 24. And when Joseph returned to Egypt he ordered Zepho and his men to be additionally bound, and they bound them in irons and they increas ed their grief.

19. And the Lord gave all the the east his name was Jobab the mighty men of Esau and the children son of Zarach, from the land of of the east into the hand of Joseph Botzrah, and they caused him to
;

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

reign over
king. 27.

191

them instead of Bela their

3.

And

the sons of Rachel were

Joseph and Benjamin.

4. And the sons of Zilpah, the And Jobab sat upon the throne of Bela as king in his stead, and Jo handmaid of Leah, were Gad and bab reigned in Edom over all the Asher. 5. And the sons of Bilhah, the children of Esau ten years, and the children of Esau went no more to handmaid of Rachel, were Dan and
fight with the sons of Jacob that day forward, for the sons of

from Naphtali.

6. And these were their offspring the valor of the sons of Jacob, that were born unto them in the land and they were greatly afraid of them. of Canaan, before they came unto 28. But from that day forward the Egypt with their father Jacob.

Esau

knew

children of Esau hated the sons of Jacob, and the hatred and enmity were very strong between them all the days, unto this day. 29. And it came to pass after this, at the end of ten years, Jobab, the son of Zarach, from Botzrah, died, and the children of Esau took a man

7. The sons of Reuben were Chanoch, Pallu, Chetzron and Carmi. 8*. And the sons of Simeon were

Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zochar and Saul, the son of the Canaanitish

woman.

10. And the sons of Judah were reigned in Edom over all children of Esau for twenty Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez and Zarach. 1 1 And Er and Onan died in the years.

9. And the children of Levi were Gershon, Kehath and Merari, and whose name was Chusham, from the their sister Jochebed, who was born land of Teman, and they made him unto them in their going down to king over them instead of Jobab, and Egypt-

Chusham

the

and the sons of Pe Joseph, king of Egypt, land of Canaan and his brethren, and all the children rez were Chezron and Chamul. of Israel dwelt securely in Egypt in 12. And the sons of Issachar were those days, together with all the chil Tola, Puvah, Job and Shomron. dren of Joseph and his brethren, 13. And the sons of Zebulun were having no hindrance or evil accident; Sered, Elon and Jachleel, and the and the land of Egypt was at that son of Dan was Chushim. time at rest from war in the days of 14. And the sons of Naphtali were
30.
;

And

Joseph and his brethren.

Jachzeel, Guni, Jetzer and Shilam. 15. And the sons of Gad were

CHAPTER
.

LIX.

Ziphion, Chaggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi and Areli.

1 And these are the names of the 16. And the children of Asher sons of Israel who dwelt in Egypt, were Jimnah, Jishvah, Jishvi, Beriah who had come with Jacob, all the and their sister Serach and the sons sons of Jacob came unto Egypt, every of Beriah were Cheber and Malchiel. man with his household. 1 7. And the sons of were
;

2.

The

children

of

Leah were
sister

Benjamin

Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera,

Naaman,

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, char and Zebulun, and their

Dinah.

Issa- Achi,

Rosh, Mupim, Chupim and

Ord.
18.

And

the sons of Joseph, that

192

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

were born unto him in Egypt, were 27. And they put Joseph in a cof fin filled with Manasseh and Ephraim. spices and all sorts of 19. And all the souls that went perfume, and they buried him by the forth from the loins of Jacob, were side of the river, that is Sihor^ and
seventy souls
;

these are they

;

who

his sons

and

all

his brethren,

and the

came with Jacob their father unto whole of his father s household made Egypt to dwell there and Joseph a seven days mourning for him. and all his brethren dwelt securely 28. And it came to pass after the
Egypt, and they ate of the best death of Joseph, all the Egyptians all the days of the life of began in those days to rule over the children of Israel, and Pharaoh, king Joseph.
in

of

Egypt

20.

And Joseph

lived in the land of

Egypt,

who

reigned in his father s

of

Egypt

ninety-three years, and Jo

all

seph reigned over

years. 21.

Egypt and Egypt eighty conducted the whole government of Egypt under his counsel, and he
stead, took all the laws of

the days of Joseph reigned securely over his people. he should die, he sent and called for his brethren and all his LX. father s household, and they all came And when the year came round, 1 together and sat before him. 22. And Joseph said unto his bre being the seventy-second year from thren and unto the whole of his fa the Israelites going down to Egypt, ther s household, behold I die, and after the death of Joseph, Zepho, the God will surely visit you and bring son of Eliphaz, the son of Esau, fled you up from this land to the land from Egypt, he and his men, and which he swore to your fathers to they went away. 2. And he came to Africa, which give unto them. 23. And it shall be when God shall is Dinhabah, to Angeas king of Af visit you to bring you up from here rica, and Angeas received them with to the land of your fathers, then bring great honor, and he made Zepho the up my bones with you from here. captain of his host. 24. And Joseph made the sons of 3. And Zepho found favor in the Israel to swear for their seed after sight of Angeas and in the sight of them, saying, God will surely visit his people, and Zepho was captain you and you shall bring up my bones of the host to Angeas king of Africa with you from here. for many days.

And when
that

drew nigh

CHAPTER

25.

And

it

came

to pass after this

4.

And Zepho

enticed

Angeas king

that Joseph died in that his army to go year, the se of Africa to collect all venty-first year of the Israelites going and fight with the Egyptians, and

down

the sons of Jacob, and to avenge one hundred of them the cause of his brethren. and ten years old when he died in the 5. But Angeas would not listen to land of Egypt, and all his brethren Zepho to do this thing, for Angeas and all his servants rose up and they knew the strength of the sons of Ja embalmed Joseph, as was their cus cob, and what they had done to his tom, and his brethren and all Egypt army in their warfare with the chil mourned over him for seventy days. dren of Esau.
to

Egypt.

>vith

26.

And Joseph was

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

193

6. And Zepho was in those days should give her unto him, and now very great in the sight of Angeas therefore we cannot do this thing to and in the sight of all his people, deprive Angeas of the damsel in or and he continually enticed them to der to give her unto Turnus.

make war
would
7.

against Egypt, but they

it

13.

For we are greatly

afraid of

not.

And

came

to pass in

Angeas lest he come in battle against those us and destroy us, and Turnus your

days there was

a

in the

land of Chittim master will not be able to deliver us

the messengers of generately deified by the children of Turnus heard all the words of the Chittim, and the man died and had children of Chittim, they turned

man in the city of Puzimna, whose from his hand. name was Uzu, and he became de 14. And when

no son, only one daughter whose back to their master and told him all name was Jania. the words of the children of Chittim. 8. And the damsel was 15. And the children of Chittim exceeding and sent a memorial to Angeas, saying, beautiful, ly comely intelligent, there was none seen like unto her behold Turnus has sent for Jania to for beauty and wisdom throughout take her unto him for a wife, and the land. and thus have we answered him 9. And the people of Angeas king we heard that he has collected his of Africa saw her and they came and whole army to go to war against praised her unto him, and Angeas thee, and he intends to pass by the sent to the children of Chittim, and road of Sardunia to fight against thy he requested to take her unto him brother Lucus, and after that he will
;

And the people of come to fight against thee. Chittim consented to give her unto 16. And Angeas heard the words him for a wife. of the children of Chittim which
self for a wife.
1

0.

And when

Angeas were going

the messengers of they sent him in the record, and his forth from the anger was kindled and he rose up

land of Chittim to take their journey, and assembled his whole army and behold the messengers of Turnus came through the islands of the sea, king of Bibentu came unto Chittim, the road to Sardunia, unto his brother for Turnus king of Bibentu also sent Lucus king of Sardunia. his messengers to request Jania for 17. And Niblos, the son of Lucus, him, to take unto himself for a wife, heard that his uncle Angeas was for all his men had also praised her coming, and he went out to meet to him, therefore he sent all his ser him with a heavy army, and he kiss vants unto her. ed him and embraced him, and Nib 11. And the servants of Turnus los said unto Angeas, when thou came to Chittim, and they asked askest my father after his welfare, for Jania, to be taken unto Turnus when I shall go with thee to fight their king for a wife. with Turnus, ask of him to make 12. And the people of Chittim me captain of his host, and Angeas said unto them, we cannot give her, did so, and he came unto his brother because Angeas king of Africa de and his brother came to meet him, sired her to take her unto him for a and he asked him after his welfare. wife before you came, and that we 18. And Angeas asked his brother

13

194

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

after his welfare, and to make commanded his servants that they son Niblos captain of his host, should make a coffin of brass, and and Lucus did so, and Angeas and that they should place therein the his brother Lucus rose up and they body of his son Niblos, and they went toward Turnus to battle, and buried him in that place. there was with them a great army 26. And they built upon it a high tower there upon the highroad, and and a heavy people. 19. And he came in ships, and they called its name after the name they came into the province of Ash- of Niblos unto this day, and they al torash, and behold Turnus came to so buried Turnus king of Bibentu ward them, for he went forth to Sar- there in that place with Niblos. 27. And behold upon the high dunia, and intended to destroy it and afterward to pass on from there to road between Alphanu and Romah the grave of Niblos is on one side Angeas to fight with him. 20. And Angeas and Lucus his and the grave of Turnus on the brother met Turnus in the valley of other, and a pavement between them Canopia, and the battle was strong unto this day. and mighty between them in that 28. And when Niblos was buried Lucus his father returned with his place. 21. And the battle was severe army to his land Sardunia, and An upon Lucus king of Sardunia, and geas his brother king of Africa went all his army fell, and Niblos his son with his people unto the city of Bi

Lucus

his

fell

also in that battle.

22.

And

his uncle

Angeas com

his servants and they made a golden coffin for Niblos and they ly afraid of him, and they went forth put him into it, and Angeas again to meet him with weeping and sup waged battle toward Turnus, and plication, and the inhabitants of Bi Angeas was stronger than he, and he bentu entreated of Angeas not to slew him, and he smote all his people slay them nor to destroy their city; with the edge of the sword, and An and he did so, for Bibentu was in geas avenged the cause of Niblos his those days reckoned as one of the brother s son and the cause of the cities of the children of Chittim ; therefore he did not destroy the city. army of his brother Lucus. 23. And when Turnus died, the 30. But from that day forward hands of those that survived the the troops of the king of Africa battle became weak, and they fled would go to Chittim to spoil and from before Angeas and Lucus his plunder it, and whenever they went

manded

bentu, that is the city of Turnus. 29. And the inhabitants of Bibentu heard of his fame and they were great

brother.

24.
road,

And Angeas and

which
is

Zepho

the captain of the host of

An

Lucus pursued them

it was after this that Alphanu Angeas turned with his army and and Romah, and they slew the whole they came to the city of Puzimna, army of Turnus with the edge of and Angeas took thence Jania the

his brother geas would unto the high 31. And

go with them.

between

the sword.
25.

And Lucus

daughter of Uzu for a wife and king of Sardunia brought her unto his city unto Africa.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

195
to

CHAPTER

LXI.

formed his resolution

to battle.

go

to

Egypt

1. And it came to pass at that time Pharaoh king of Egypt com manded all his people to make for him a strong palace in Egypt. 2. And he also commanded the sons of Jacob to assist the Egyptians in the building, and the Egyptians made a beautiful and elegant palace for a royal habitation, and he dwelt therein and he renewed his govern ment and he reigned securely. 3. And Zebulun the son of Jacob died in that year, that is the seventy second year of the going down of the Israelites to Egypt, and Zebulun died a hundred and fourteen years old, and was put into a coffin and given into the hands of his children.

8. And amongst the servants of Angeas was a youth fifteen years old, Balaam the son of Beor was his name, and the youth was very wise and understood the art of witchcraft.
9. And Angeas said unto Balaam, conjure for us, I pray thee, with the

witchcraft, that we may know who will prevail in this battle to which

we

are

10.

now proceeding. And Balaam ordered

that they

should bring him wax, and he

made

thereof the likeness of chariots and horsemen representing the army of Angeas and the army of Egypt, and

4. And in the seventy fifth year died his brother Simeon, he was a

hundred and twenty years old at his death, and he was also put into a coffin and given into the hands of his
children.
5.

he put them in the cunningly pre pared waters that he had for that purpose, and he took in his hand the boughs of myrtle trees, and he ex ercised his cunning, and he joined them over the water, and there ap peared unto him in the water the resembling images of the hosts of

Angeas falling before the resembling the son of Eliphaz images of the Egyptians and the the son of Esau, captain of the host sons of Jacob. 1 1 And Balaam told this thing to to Angeas king of Dinhabah, was

And Zepho

daily enticing Angeas to prepare Angeas for battle to fight with the sons of did not
still

and Angeas despaired and arm himself to go down to

to battle,

Jacob

in

Egypt, and Angeas was Egypt

and he remained

in

unwilling to do this thing, for his his city. servants had related to him all the 12. And when Zepho the son of might of the sons of Jacob, what Eliphaz saw that Angeas despaired they had done unto them in their of going forth to battle with the battle with the children of Esau. Zepho fled from Angeas

Egyptians, days from Africa, and he went and came to fight with unto Chittim. daily enticing Angeas 13. And all the people of Chittim the sons of Jacob in those days. 7. And after some time Angeas received him with great honor, and hearkened to the words of Zepho they hired him to fight their battles and consented to him to fight with all the days, and Zepho became ex the sons of Jacob in Egypt, and ceedingly rich in those days, and the
6.

And Zepho was

in those

Angeas got all his people in order, troops of the king of Africa still a people numerous as the sand spread themselves in those days, and which is upon the sea shore, and he the children of Chittim assembled

196

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

and water she became ill, and also because in her country she drank only the water which came from Purmah, which her ancestors had
brought up with bridges.
20.

and went to Mount Cuptizia on account of the troops of Angeas king of Africa, who were advancing upon them. 14. And it was one day that Zepho lost a young heifer, and he went to seek it, and he heard it lowing round about the mountain. 15. And Zepho went and he saw and behold there was a large cave at the bottom of the mountain, and
there

And Angeas commanded

his

servants, and they brought unto him in vessels of the waters of Purmah

belonging

to Chittim, and they weighed those waters with all the waters of the land of Africa and they

a great stone there at the found those waters lighter than the the cave, and Zepho waters of Africa. 21. And Angeas saw this thing and he came unto the the stone split cave and he looked and behold, a and he commanded all his officers to large animal was devouring the ox ; assemble the hewers of stone in

was

entrance

of

from the middle upward it resembled thousands and tens of thousands, and a man, and from the middle down they hewed stones without number, ward it resembled an animal, and and the builders came and they built, Zepho rose up against the animal an exceedingly strong bridge, and and slew it with his sword. they conveyed the spring of water 16. And the inhabitants of Chittim from the land of Chittim unto Africa, heard of this thing, and they rejoiced and those waters were for Jania the exceedingly, and they said, what queen and for all her concerns, to shall we do unto this man who has drink from and to bake, wash and slain this animal that devoured our bathe therewith, and also to water therewith all seed from which food cattle ? 17. And they all assembled to can be obtained, and all fruit of the
consecrate one day in the year to ground. 22. And the king commanded that him, and they called the name thereof his and after name, they they should bring of the soil of Chit Zepho brought unto him drink offerings tim in large ships, and they also year after year on that day, and they brought stones to build therewith, and the builders built palaces for brought unto him gifts. 18. At that time Jania the daughter Jania the queen, and the queen be of Uzu wife of king Angeas became came healed of her illness. 23. And at the revolution of the ill, and her illness was heavily felt by Angeas and his officers, and year the troops of Africa continued Angeas said unto his wise men, what coming to the land of Chittim to shall I do to Jania and how shall I plunder as usual, and Zepho son of heal her from her illness ? and his Eliphaz heard their report, and he wise men said unto him, because the gave orders concerning them and he air of our country is not like the air fought with them, and they fled be of the land of Chittim, and our water fore him, and he delivered the land
is

this

not like their water, therefore from of Chittim from them. 24. And the children of Chittim has the queen become ill. 19. For through the change of air saw the valor of Zepho, and the chil-

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

197

dren of Chittim resolved and they his death, and he was placed in a made Zepho king over them, and he coffin in Egypt, and given into the became king over them, and whilst hands of his children. 5. And in the he reigned they went to subdue the eighty-third year children of Tuba], and all the sur died Gad, he was a hundred and
twenty-five years old at his death, king Zepho went at and he was put into a coffin in Egypt, their head and they made war with and given into the hands of his chil Tubal and the islands, and they sub dren. 6. And it came to pass in the dued them, and when they returned

rounding islands.
25.

And

their

from the battle they renewed his go eighty-fourth year, that is the fiftieth vernment for him, and they built for year of the reign of Hadad, son of him a very large palace for his royal Bedad, king of Edom, that Hadad habitation and seat, and they made assembled all the children of Esau, a large throne for him, and Zepho and he got his whole army in readi reigned over the whole land of Chit ness, about four hundred thousand tim and over the land of Italia fifty men, and he directed his way to the land of Moab, and he went to fight years. with Moab and to make them tribu

CHAPTER
1
.

LXIT.

tary to him. 7. And the children of

this thing,
afraid,

In that year, being the seventyninth year of the Israelites going down to Egypt, died Reuben the son of Jacob, in the land of Egypt Reu ben was a hundred and twenty-five
;

Moab heard and they were very much

to the children in fighting

and they sent

of Midian to assist

them

with Hadad, son of Bedad, king of

years old when he died, and they put him into a coffin, and he was given into the hands of his children. 2. And in the eightieth year died his brother Dan ; he was a hundred

Edom. 8. And Hadad came unto of Moab, and Moab and the
of Midian

the land

children

went out

to

meet him, and

they placed themselves in battle ar ray against him in the field of Moab. and twenty years old at his death, 9. And Hadad fought with Moab, and he was also put into a coffin and and there fell of the children of Moab given into the hands of his children. and the children of Midian many slain 3. And in that year died Chusham ones, about two hundred thousand

king of

Edom, and

after

him reigned men.

the son of Bedad, for thirty10. And the battle was very se five years ; and in the eighty-first vere upon Moab, and when the chil year clied Issachar the son of Jacob, dren of Moab saw that the battle was

Hadad

in Egypt, and Issachar was a hun sore upon them, they weakened their dred and twenty-two years old at his hands and turned their backs, and death, and he was put into a coffin in left the children of Midian to carryEgypt, and given into the hands of on the battle. his children. 11. And the children of Midian 4. And in the eighty-second year knew not the intentions of Moab, but died Asher his brother, he was a hun they strengthened themselves in bat dred and twenty-three years old at tle and fought with Hadad and aU

198
his host,

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

and
all

son of Bedad, forth with his 12. And Hadad smote all Midian whole army and went to the land of with a heavy smiting, and he slew Moab to fight with Midian, and Mi them with the edge of the sword, he dian and the children of the east left none remaining of those who fought with Moab in the field of Moab, and the battle was very fierce be came to assist Moab. 13. And when all the children of tween them. 19. And Hadad smote all the chil Midian had perished in battle, and the children of Moab had escaped, dren of Midian and the children of Hadad made all Moab at that time the east with the edge of the sword, tributary to him, and they became un and Hadad at that time delivered der his hand, and they gave a yearly Moab from the hand of Midian, and tax as it was ordered, and Hadad those that remained of Midian and of the children of the east fled before turned and went back to his land.
fell

Midian

before

18.

him.

king of

And Hadad, Edom, went

at the revolution of the Hadad and his army, and Hadad pur the rest of the people of sued them to their land, and smote Midian that were in the land heard them with a very heavy slaughter, that all their brethren had fallen in and the slain fell in the road.

14.

And

year,

when

battle

with

Hadad

for the

sake of

20.

And Hadad

delivered

Moab

Moab, because the children of Moab from the hand of Midian, for all the had turned their backs in battle and children of Midian had fallen by the
Midian to fight, then five of the princes of Midian resolved with the rest of their brethren who remained in their land, to fight with Moab to avenge the cause of their brethren. 15. And the children of Midian
left

edge of the sword, and Hadad turned and went back to his land. 21. And from that day forth, the children of Midian hated the children of Moab, because they had fallen in battle for their sake, and there was sent to all their brethren the children a great and mighty enmity between of the east, and all their brethren, all them all the days. 22. And all that were found of the children of Keturah came to as sist Midian to fight with Moab. Midian in the road of the land of 16. And the children of Moab Moab perished by the sword of Moab, heard this thing, and they were great and all that were found of Moab in
ly afraid that all the children of the the road of the land of Midian, pe east had assembled together against rished by the sword of Midian ; thus

them
of

for battle,

and they the children did Midian unto Moab and Moab unto

Moab

sent a memorial to the land Midian for

of

to pass at that time that Judah the son of Jacob now unto us and assist died in Egypt, in the eighty sixth us and we will smite Midian, for they year of Jacob s going down to Egypt, all assembled together and have come and Judah was a hundred and twenty against us with all their brethren the nine years old at his death, and they children of the east to battle, to embalmed him and put him into a avenge the cause of Midian that fell a coffin and he was given into the
it

Edom to Hadad

many

days.

the son of Bedad,

23.

And

came

saying, 17. Come

in battle.

hands of

his children.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

24. And in the eighty ninth year died Naphtali, he was a hundred and and he was put thirty two years old, into a coffin and given into the hands of his children.

199

yards and fields which Joseph had given unto them, and all the elegant houses in which the people of Israel
lived,

and all the fat of Egypt, the Egyptians took all from the sons of 25. And it came to pass in the Jacob in those days. 3. And the hand of all Egypt be ninety first year of the Israelites go that is in the came more grievous in those days down to Egypt, ing thirtieth year of the reign of Zepho against the children of Israel, and the son of Eliphaz, the son of Esau, the Egyptians injured the Israelites
over the children of Chittim, the children of Africa came upon the children of Chittim to plunder them as usual, but they had not come upon them for these thirteen years.
until

the

children

of

Israel

were

wearied of their lives on account of

the Egyptians.

4. And it came to pass in those days, in the hundred and second year 26. And they came to them in of Israel s going down to Egypt, that that year, and Zepho the son of Eli Pharaoh king of Egypt died, and

his

phaz went out to them with some of men and smote them desperately, and the troops of Africa fled from be fore Zepho and the slain fell before him, and Zepho and his men pursued them, going on and smiting them un til they were near unto Africa.
27.

Melol his son reigned in his stead, and all the mighty men of Egypt and all that generation which knew Jo seph and his brethren died in those
days.
5.

And

another generation rose up

in their stead,

which had not known

all

And Angeas

king of Africa the sons

of Jacob and

the

good

heard the thing which Zepho had which they had done to them, and all done, and it vexed him exceedingly, their might in Egypt. 6. Therefore all Egypt began from and Angeas was afraid of Zepho all
the days.

CHAPTER
1.

LXIII.

day forth to embitter the lives of the sons of Jacob, and to afflict them with all manner of hard labor, be
that

cause they had not known their an

who had delivered them in died Levi the son of Jacob in Egypt, the days of the famine. 7. And this was also from the Lord, and Levi was a hundred and thirty seven years old when he died, and for the children of Israel, to benefit they put him into a coffin and he was them in their latter days, in order
And
in the ninety third year cestors

given into the hands of his children. that all the children of Israel might 2. And it came to pass after the know the Lord their God. 8. And in order to know the signs death of Levi, when all Egypt saw that the sons of Jacob the brethren and mighty wonders which the Lord of Joseph were dead, all the Egyp would do in Egypt on account of his tians began to afflict the children of people Israel, in order that the chil Jacob, and to embitter their lives dren of Israel might fear the Lord from that day unto the day of their God of their ancestors, and walk in going forth from Egypt, and they all his ways, they and their seed af

took from their hands

all

the vine

ter

them

all

the days.

200

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

brother for battle against us, and we are greatly afraid of him, for his

9. Melol was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he

all army is very great, particularly as he Egypt called his name Pharaoh after comes against us with his brother the name of his father, as it was and his army likewise. their custom to do to every king who 18. Now therefore come you also over them in reigned up with me and help me, and we Egypt. 10. At that time all the troops of will fight together against Angeas Angeas king of Africa went forth to and his brother Lucus, and you will

reigned ninety four years, and

spread along the land of Chittim as usual for plunder. 1 1 And Zepho the son of Eliphaz the son of Esau heard their report, and he went forth to meet them with his army, and he fought them there
.

save us out of their hands, but

not,

if

know ye that we shall all die. 19. And the children of Esau sent
to

a letter to the children of Chittim

and

Zepho

their king, saying,

we

in the road.

12. And Zepho smote the troops of the king of Africa with the edge of the sword, and left none remain ing of them, and not even one re turned to his master in Africa. 13. And Angeas heard of this which Zepho the son of Eliphaz had

done

to all his troops, that

he had de

cannot fight against Angeas and his people for a covenant of peace has been between us these many years, from the days of Bela the first king, and from the days of Joseph the son of Jacob king of Egypt, with whom we fought on the other side of Jor dan when he buried his father. 20. And when Zepho heard the words of his brethren the children of

stroyed them, and Angeas assembled Esau he refrained from them, and all his troops, all the men of the land Zepho was greatly afraid of Angeas. of Africa, a people numerous like the 21. And Angeas and Lucus his sand by the sea shore. brother arrayed all their forces, about 14. And Angeas sent to Lucus his eight hundred thousand men, against brother, saying, come to me with all the children of Chittim. 22. And all the children of Chit thy men and help me to smite Zepho and all the children of Chittim who tim said unto Zepho, pray for us to have destroyed my men, and Lucus the God of thy ancestors, peradvencame with his whole army, a very ture he may deliver us from the hand great force, to assist Angeas his bro of Angeas and his army, for we ther to fight with Zepho and the have heard that he is a great God children of Chittim. and that he delivers all who trust in 15. And Zepho and the children him. of Chittim heard this thing, and they 23. And Zepho heard their words, were greatly afraid and a great terror and Zepho sought the Lord and he
fell

upon

their hearts.

said,

16.
to the

And Zepho
land of

also sent a letter

24.

Lord God of Abraham and

Edom to Hadad the son of Bedad king of Edom and to all

the children of Esau, saying, 17. I have heard that Angeas king less. of Africa is coming to us with his 25

Isaac my ancestors, this day I know that thou art a true God, and all the gods of the nations are vain and use

Remember now

this

day un-

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

201

me thy covenant with Abraham our father, which our ancestors re lated unto us, and do graciously with me this day for the sake of Abra ham and Isaac our fathers, and save me and the children of Chittim from
to

the hand of the king of Africa

who

and the battle was very great and strong between them. 32. And from the army of Angeas and Lucus Zepho sent many of the wounded unto his land, about two thousand men, and Sosiphtar the captain of the host of Angeas fell in
that battle.

comes against us
26.

for battle.

Lord hearkened to 33. And when Sosiphtar had fall the voice of Zepho, and he had re en the African troops turned their and An gard for him on account of Abraham sacks to flee, and they fled, and Isaac, and the Lord delivered geas and Lucus his brother were

And

the

Zepho and the children of Chittim with them. 34. And Zepho and the children from the hand of Angeas and his of Chittim pursued them, and they people. 27. And Zepho fought Angeas smote them still heavily on the king of Africa and all his people on road, about two hundred men, and that day, and the Lord gave all the they pursued Azdrubal the son of people of Angeas into the hands of Angeas who had fled with his fa the children of Chittim. ther, and they smote twenty of his 28. And the battle was severe up men in the road, and Azdrubal on Angeas, and Zepho smote all the escaped from the children of Chit men of Angeas and Lucus his bro tim, and they did not slay him. 35. And Angeas and Lucus his ther, with the edge of the sword, and there fell from them until the even brother fled with the rest of their in ing of that day about four hundred men, and they escaped and came thousand men. to Africa with terror and consterna 29. And when Angeas saw that all tion, and Angeas feared all the days his men perished, he sent a letter to lest Zepho the son of Eliphaz should all the inhabitants of Africa to come go to war with him. to him to assist him in the battle, and he wrote in the letter, saying, all who LXIV. are found in Africa let them come 1. And Balaam the son of Beor unto me from ten years old and up ward; let them all come unto me, was at that time with Angeas in the and behold if he comes not he shall battle, and when he saw that Zepho die, and all that he has, with his prevailed over Angeas, he fled from whole household, the king will take. there and came to Chittim. 2. And Zepho and the children of 30. And all the rest of the inhabi tants of Africa were terrified at the Chittim received him with great ho words of Angeas, and there went out nor, for Zepho knew Balaam s wis of the city about three hundred thou dom, and Zepho gave unto Balaam sand men and boys, from ten years many gifts and he remained with him. upward, and they came to Angeas. 3. And when Zepho had returned 31. And at the end of ten days Angeas renewed the battle against from the war, he commanded all the Zepho and the children of Chittim, children of Chittim to be numbered

CHAPTER

202

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

into
battle

with him, fight against them and all Egypt, to avenge the cause of his brethren the 4. And Zepho rejoiced at this children of Esau, whom Joseph with thing, and he renewed his kingdom,* his brethren and all Egypt had smit and he made a feast to all his subjects. ten in the land of Canaan, when they

who had gone

and behold not one was missed.

But Zepho remembered not went up to bury Jacob in Hebron. 10. And Zepho sent messengers Lord and considered not that the Lord had helped him in battle, and to Hadad, son of Bedad, king of that he had delivered him and his Edom, and to all his brethren the people from the hand of the king of children of Esau, saying, 11. Did you not say that you Africa, but still walked in the ways of the children of Chittim and the would not fight against the king of wicked children of Esau, to serve Africa for he is a member of your other gods which his brethren the covenant ? behold I fought with him children of Esau had taught him; and smote him and all his people. 12. Now therefore I have resolved it is therefore said, from the wicked
5.

the

goes forth wickedness.

6.

to fight against

Egypt and

the child

reigned over all the ren of Jacob who are there, and I children of Chittim securely, but will be revenged of them for what knew not the Lord who had deliver Joseph, his brethren and ancestors ed him and all his people from the did to us in the land of Canaan when hand of the king of Africa ; and the they went up to bury their father in troops of Africa came no more to Hebron. Chittim to plunder as usual, for they 13. Now then if you are willing

And Zepho

knew

of the

power

of

Zepho who had

to

come

to

me

to assist

me

in fight

smitten them all at the edge of the sword, so Angeas was afraid of Ze pho the son of Eliphaz, and of the children of Chittim all the days. 7. At that time when Zepho had returned from the war, and when Zepho had seen how he prevailed over all the people of Africa and had smitten them in battle at the edge of the sword, then Zepho advised with the children of Chittim, to go to Egypt

ing against
shall

them and Egypt, then

the cause of our

we avenge
And
to the

brethren.
14.

the children of

Esau hear

kened

words of Zepho, and the

children of
together,

Esau gathered themselves a very great people, and

they went to assist Zepho and the children of Chittim in battle.

15.

And Zepho

sent to

all

the chil

dren of the east and to all the chil to fight with the sons of Jacob and dren of Ishmael with words like unto with Pharaoh king of Egypt. these, and they gathered themselves For Zepho heard that the and came to the assistance of Zepho 8. mighty men of Egypt were dead and and the children of Chittim in the that Joseph and his brethren the sons war upon Egypt. 16. And all these kings, the king of Jacob were dead, and that all their children the children of Israel re of Edom and the children of the east, and all the children of Ishmael, and mained in Egypt. 9. And Zepho considered to to Zepho the king of Chittim went go
forth and * t. t. After the fatigues of war, to attend Hebron. again to domestic government.

arrayed

all

their hosts in

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

17.

203

camp was very heavy, then come you altogether upon them in length a distance of and assist us, and the children of Is extending three days journey, a people nume rael did so. 25. And Zepho the son of Eliphaz rous as the sand upon the sea shore

And

the

which cannot be counted.

18.

the son of

And

all

these kings and their

hosts
all

east, and children a numerous as people gether 19. And all Egypt heard their re sand, encamped together in the val of Pathros opposite Tachpanches. port, and they also gathered them ley 26. And Balaam the son of Beor selves together, all the people of the land of Egypt, and of all the cities the Syrian was there in the camp of belonging to Egypt, about three hun Zepho, for he came with the children of Chittim to the battle, and Balaam dred thousand men. 20. And the men of Egypt sent was a man highly honored in the also to the children of Israel who eyes of Zepho and his men. 27. And Zepho said unto Balaam, were in those days in the land of Goshen, to come to them in order to go try by divination for us that we may know who will prevail in the battle, and fight with these kings.

Egypt

went down and came against the children of the in battle, and encamped to
in the valley of

Esau king of Chittim, and Hadad the son of Bedad king of Edom, and all their camps, and all

Pathros.

of Ishmael,

21. And the men of Israel assem bled and were about* one hundred

we

28.

or the Egyptians. And Balaam rose

up and

tried

and

fifty

men, and they went

was confused and the work was de about three hun stroyed in his hand. 29. And he tried it again but it dred thousand men and one hundred and fifty men, and they went toward did not succeed, and Balaam despair these kings to battle, and they placed ed of it and left it and did not com themselves from without the land of plete it, for this was from the Lord, in order to cause Goshen opposite Pathros. Zepho and his peo
Egypt went
forth,

battle to assist the Egyptians. 22. And the men of Israel and of

into the art of divination, and he was skil ful in the knowledge of it, but he

23. And the Egyptians believed ple to fall into the hand of the chil not in Israel to go with them in their dren of Israel, who had trusted in the camps together for battle, for all the Lord, the God of their ancestors, in

Egyptians said, perhaps the children of Israel will deliver us into the hand of the children of Esau and Ishmael, for they are their brethren. 24. And all the Egyptians said unto the children of Israel, remain you here together in your stand and

their war.

30.

And Zepho and Hadad

in

put
all

their forces

battle array,

and

the Egyptians went alone against them, about three hundred thousand

men, and not one man of

with them.

Israel

was

we

31. And all the will go and fight against the chil Egyptians fought dren of Esau and Ishmael, and if with these kings opposite Pathros these kings should prevail over us, and Tachpanches, and the battle was severe against the Egyptians. * t. e. Those who were willing to go amount 32. And the kings were stronger ed to 150 men, who were nothing in such a see the 23d verse for the cause. than the Egyptians in that battle, and great army
:

204

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

about one hundred and eighty men strong battle, and all Egypt fled, of Egypt fell on that day, and about every man hiding himself from the thirty men of the forces of the kings, arrayed forces, and they hid them and all the men of Egypt fled from selves in the road, and they left the
before the kings, so the children of Israelites to fight. 41. And the children of Israel in the Egyp tians, continuing to smite them unto flicted a terrible blow upon the kings the place where was the camp of the men, and they returned from them

Esau and Ishmael pursued

after they had driven them to the the Egyptians cried border of the land of Gush. unto the children of Israel, saying, 42. And all Israel knew the thing hasten to us and assist us and save which the men of Egypt had done us from the hand of Esau, Ishmael to them, that they had fled from them and the children of Chittim. in battle, and had left them to

children of Israel.

33.

And

all

fight

34.

And
their

the

hundred and
to the

fifty

alone.

men
from

of the children
station

of Israel ran

43.

So

the children of Israel also

camps of acted with cunning, and as the chil these kings, and the children of Is dren of Israel returned from battle, rael cried unto the Lord their God they found some of the Egyptians in to deliver them. the road and smote them there.
the Lord hearkened to 44. And whilst they slew them, and the Lord gave all the they said unto them these words, men of the kings into their hand, 45. Wherefore did you go from and the children of Israel fought us and leave us, being a few people, these kings, and the children to fight against these kings who had against of Israel smote about four thousand a great people to smite us, that you

35.

And

Israel,

men. might thereby deliver your own Lord threw a great souls ? consternation in the camp of the 46. And of some which the Israel kings, so that the fear of the children ites met on the road, they the chil
of the
36.

kings

And

the

dren of Israel spoke to each other, the hosts of the kings saying, smite, smite, for he is an Ishfled from before the children of Is maelite, or an Edomite, or from the children of Chittim, and they stood rael, and the children of Israel
of Israel fell

upon them.

37.

And

all

pur sued them continuing to smite them unto the borders of the land of Gush. 38. And the children of Israel slew of them in the road yet two thousand men, and of the children of Israel not one fell.

over

knew
47.
these

him and slew him, and they that he was an Egyptian.

And

things

the children of Israel did cunningly against the

Egyptians, because they had desertd them in battle and had fled from 39. And when the saw them. Egyptians that the children of Israel had 48. And the children of Israel slew fought with such few men with the kings, of the men of Egypt in the road in and that the battle was so very severe this manner, about two hundred men.
against them, 40. All the Egyptians were greatly afraid of their lives on account of the

49.

And

all

the

men

of

Egypt saw

which the children of Israel bad done to them, so all Egypt fearthe evil

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

205

ed greatly the children of Israel, for of Egypt and said unto them, this is the plan advised against Israel, from they had seen their great power, and that not one man of them had fallen. which we will not depart. 8. Behold in the land are Pithom 50. So all the children of Israel returned with joy on their road to and Rameses, cities unfortified against Goshen, and the rest of Egypt re battle, it behoves you and us to build turned each man to his place. them, and to fortify them. 9. Now therefore go you also and act cunningly toward them, and pro LXV. claim a voice in Egypt and in Goshen

CHAPTER
it

1.

And

came
all

to

pass after these at the

counsellors of

things, that

the

10. All

command of the king, saying, ye men of Egypt, Goshen,

!

and of all the inhabitants of the cities, are willing to build with us, shall 3. Behold the people of the chil each have his wages given to him dren of Israel is greater and mightier daily at the king s order so go you than we are, and thou knowest all first and do cunningly, and gather the evil which they did to us in the yourselves and come to Pithom and road when we returned from battle. Rameses to build. 4. And thou hast also seen their 1 1 And whilst you are building, strong power, for this power is unto cause a proclamation of this kind to them from their fathers, for but a few be made throughout Egypt every men stood up against a people nu day at the command of the king. merous as the sand, and smote them 12. And when some of the chil at the edge of the sword, and of them dren of Israel shall come to build selves not one has fallen, so that if with you, you shall give them their they had been numerous they would wages daily for a few days. then have utterly destroyed them. 13. And after they shall have built 5. Now therefore give us counsel with you for their daily hire, draw what to do with them, until we gra yourselves away from them daily one
ing.
;
.

Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and all the elders of Egypt assembled and came before the king and bowed down to the ground, and they sat before him. 2. And the counsellors and elders of Egypt spoke unto the king, say

Pathros and all their inhabitants the king has commanded us to build Pi thom and Rameses, and to fortify

them
of
all

for battle who amongst you Egypt, of the children of Israel

;

dually destroy them from amongst us, lest they become too numerous for us in the land. 6. For if the children of Israel should increase in the land, they will become an obstacle to us, and if any war should happen to take place, they

by one in secret, and then you shall rise up and become their task-mas ters and officers, and you shall leave them afterward to build without wa
ges, and should they refuse, then force them with all your might to
build.

with their great strength will join our enemy against us, and fight against us, destroy us from the land and go away from it. 7. So the king answered the elders

14.

And

if

you do

this

it

will

be

well with us to strengthen our land against the children of Israel, for on account of the fatigue of the building and the work, the children of Israel

206

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

prive

will decrease, because you will de built with all Israel, and were em them from their wives day by ployed in that work with Israel for

day.
15.

a month.

23. And at the end of the month, heard the counsel of the king, and all the servants of Pharaoh began to the counsel seemed good in their withdraw secretly from the people of eyes and in the eyes of the servants Israel daily. of Pharaoh, and in the 24. And Israel went on with the eyes of all Egypt, and they did according to the work at that time, but they then re word of the king. ceived their daily hire, because some
all

And

the elders of

Egypt

And all the servants went from the king, and they caused away a proclamation to be made in all Egypt, in Tachpanches and in Goshen, and in all the cities which sur rounded Egypt, saying, 17. You have seen what the child ren of Esau and Ishmael did to us, who came to war against us and wish
16.

of the

men

of

Egypt were yet carry

ing on the work with Israel at that time therefore the Egyptians gave
;

their hire in those days, in order that they, the Egyptians their fellow workmen, might also take the

Israel

pay

for their labour.

25.

And

at the
all

end of a year and

four months

ed to destroy us
18.

withdrawn

the Egyptians had from the children of

therefore the king com Israel, so that the children of Israel manded us to fortify the land, to were left alone engaged in the work. build the cities Pithom and Rameses, 26. And after all the Egyptians

Now

and

they had withdrawn from the children of Israel they returned and became op 19. all pressors and officers over them, and Egypt and from the children of some of them stood over the children Israel will come to build with us, of Israel as task masters, to receive he shall have his daily wages given from them all that they gave them by the king, as his command is unto for the pay of their labour.
to fortify

them

for battle, if

should again

come against us. Whosoever of you from

us.

27.

And

the Egyptians did in this

20.

And when Egypt and

all

the

manner

to the children of Israel

day

children of Israel heard all that the by day, in order to afflict the Israel servants of Pharaoh had spoken, ites in their work. there came from the Egyptians and 28. And all the children of Israel the children of Israel to build with were alone engaged in the labor, and the servants of Pharaoh, Pithom and the Egyptians refrained from giving to the children of Israel Rameses, but none of the children

of Levi
build.

came with
all

their brethren to

any pay from that time forward. 29. And when some of the men
of the

21.

And

the servants of

Pha

raoh and his princes came at first with deceit to build with all Israel as daily hired laborers, and they gave to Israel their daily hire at the be

of Israel refused to work on account wages not being given to them, then the exactors and the servants of

ginning. 22. And the servants of Pharaoh their

Pharaoh oppressed them and smote them with heavy blows, and made them return by force, to labor with
brethren
;

thus

did

all

the

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

207

Egyptians unto the children of Israel called Melol the king of Egypt the days. "Meror,* king of Egypt," because 30. And all the children of Israel in his days the Egyptians had em were greatly afraid of the Egyptians bittered their lives with all manner in this matter, and all the children of work. of Israel returned and worked alone 38. And all the work wherein the without pay. Egyptians made the children of 3 1 And the children of Israel built Israel labor, they exacted with rigor, Pithom and Rameses, and all the in order to afflict the children of
all
.

children of Israel did the work,

some

Israel,

but the

more they

afflicted

and some building, them, the more they increased and and the children of Israel built and grew, and the Egyptians were griev fortified all the land of Egypt and ed because of the children of Israel. its walls, and the children of Israel were engaged in work for many CHAPTER LXVI.

making

bricks,

came when the Lord remembered them and brought 1. At that time died Hadad the them out of Egypt. son of Bedad king of Edom, and 32. But the children of Levi were Samlah from Mesrekah, from the not employed in the work with their country of the children of the east,
years, until the time

brethren of Israel, from the beginning reigned in his place. unto the day of their going forth from 2. In the thirteenth year of the Egypt. reign of Pharaoh king of Egypt,
33. For

knew
all

which was the hundred and twenty had fifth spoken Egyptians year of the Israelites going these words with deceit to the down into Egypt, Samlah had reign
all

the children of Levi

that the

Israelites, therefore

the children of ed over

to
3.

Edom

Levi refrained from approaching the work with their brethren.

34.

And when he

eighteen years. reigned, he

drew

And

the

Egyptians did not

direct their

attention to

make

the

children

of Levi

work

afterward,

since they had not been with their brethren at the beginning, therefore the Egyptians left them alone. 35. And the hands of the men of Egypt were directed with continued severity against the children of Israel in that work, and the Egyptians

go and fight against Zepho the son of Eliphaz and the children of Chittim, because they had made war against Angeas king of Africa, and they destroyed his whole army. 4. But he did not engage with him,
forth his hosts to
for the children of

made
with
36.

Esau prevented him, saying he was their brother, so Samlah listened to the voice of the children of Esau, and turned back the children of Israel work with all his forces to the land of

Edom, and did not proceed to fight the Egyptians embittered against Zepho the son of Eliphaz. the lives of the children of Israel 5. And Pharaoh of Egypt
rigor.

And

king

with hard work, in mortar and bricks, heard

this

thing,

and

also in

all

manner of work
children

in the

king of
*

Edom

saying, Samlah has resolved to fight

to embitter.

field.

the children of Chittim, and after-

37.

And

the

of

Israel

nno from TUD

208

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

will

and grow in the land, and be hold the whole country is filled with 6. And when the Egyptians heard them. this matter, they increased the labor 14. Now therefore our lord and
to fight against crease

ward he
Egypt.

come

Israel, lest the king, the eyes of all Egypt are upshould do unto them as on thee to give them advice with thy they did unto them in their war with wisdom, by which they may prevail the children of Esau in the days of over Israel to destroy them, or to Hadad. diminish them from the land ; and 7. So the Egyptians said unto the king answered them, saying, give the children of Israel, hasten and do you counsel in this mattter that we your work, and finish your task, and may know what to do unto them, 15. And an officer, one of the strengthen the land, lest the children of Esau your brethren should come king s counsellors, whose name was to fight against us, for on your ac Job, from Mesopotamia, in the land count will they come against us. of Uz, answered the king, saying,

upon the children of

Israelites

the children of Israel did 16. If it please the king, let nim of the men of Egypt day hear the counsel of his servant and by day, and the Egyptians afflicted the king said unto him, speak. the children of Israel in order to les 17. And Job spoke before the sen them in the land. king, the princes, and before all the 9. But as the Egyptians increased elders of Egypt, saying, the labor upon the children of Israel, 1 8. Behold the counsel of the king so did the children of Israel increase which he advised formerly respect
8.

And

the

work

and multiply, and

all

Egypt was

fill

ed with the children of Israel. 10. And in the hundred and twen

rael is very good,

ty fifth year of Israel s going down into Egypt, all the Egyptians saw selled
that their

ing the labor of the children of Is and you must not remove from them that labor forever. 19. But this is the advice coun

by which you may lessen

counsel did not succeed them, if it seems good to the king to against Israel, but that they increas afflict them. ed and grew, and the land of Egypt 20. Behold we have feared war and the land of Goshen were filled for a long time, and we said, when with the children of Israel. Israel becomes fruitful in the land, 11. So all the elders of Egypt and they will drive us from the land if a its wise men came before the king war should take place. and bowed down to him and sat be 21. If it please the king, let a fore him. royal decree go forth, and let it be 12. And all the elders of Egypt written in the laws of Egypt which and the wise men thereof said unto shall not be revoked, that every male the king, may the king live forever child born to the Israelites, his thou didst counsel us the counsel blood shall be spilled upon the
;

against the children of Israel, and ground. we did unto them according to the 22. And by your doing this, when word of the king. male children of Israel all the 13. But in proportion to the in shall have died, the evil of their crease of the labor so do they in wars will cease ; let the king do so

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

209

and send for all the Hebrew mid- many days no Hebrew woman has wives and order them in this matter brought forth upon us, for all the to execute it so the thing pleased Hebrew women are their own midthe king and the princes, and the wives, because they are hale. 31. And Pharaoh heard their king did according to the word of Job. words and believed them in this mat 23. And the king sent for the He ter, and the midwives went away brew midwives to be called, of from the king, and God dealt well which the name of one was Sheph- with them, and the people multiplied rah, and the name of the other Puah. and waxed exceedingly. 24. And the midwives came be fore the king, and stood in his CHAPTER LXVII. pre
;

sence. 25.

1 There was a man in the land of And the king said unto them, when you do the office of a midwife Egypt of the seed of Levi, whose to the Hebrew women, and see them name was Amram, the son of Ke.

upon the stools, if it be a son, then you shall kill him, but if it be a
daughter, then she shall
26.
live.

hath, the son of Levi, the son of Is

rael.

2. And this man went and took a not do this wife, namely Jochebed the daughter thing, then will I burn you up and of Levi his father s sister, and she all was one hundred and twenty six your houses with fire. 27. But the midwives feared God years old, and he came unto her. and did not hearken to the king of 3. And the woman conceived and Egypt nor to his words, and when bare a daughter, and she called her the Hebrew women brought forth to name Miriam, because in those days the midwife son or the Egyptians had embittered the daughter, then did the midwife do all that was neces lives of the children of Israel. 4. And she conceived again and sary to the child and let it live thus bare a son and she called his name did the midwives all the days. 28. And this thing was told to the Aaron, for in the days of her concep

But

if

you

will

king, and he

sent and called for the tion, Pharaoh began to spill the midwives and he said to them, why blood of the male children of Israel. In those days died have you done this thing and have 5. Zepho

saved the children alive

29.

the midwives answered, and spoke together before the king, saying, 30. Let not the king think that the Hebrew women are as the Egyptian women, for all the children of Israel are hale,* and before the midwife

And

son of Eliphaz, son of Esau, king of Chittim, and Janeas reigned

the
.n

his stead.
6.

And

the time that

ed over the children

Zepho reign of Chittim was

ifty years, and he died and was Buried in the city of Nabna in the
"and

of Chittim.

comes
and as

to

them they are

us

for

delivered, thy handmaids, for

"

7.

And
of

men

Janeas, one of the mighty the children of Chittim,

reigned after *rwn nvn a same as in Exodus, ch. 1, v. 19, where the English version is for they are live ifty years.
ly."

him and he reigned

after the death of

I prefer

my

translation.

8.

And

it

was

14

210

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

the king of Chittim that Balaam the answered the king and said unto him, son of Beor fled from the land of this means nothing else but a great

Chittim, and he went and came to evil that will spring up against in the latter days. Egypt to Pharaoh king of Egypt.
9.

Egypt

19. For a son will be born to Is received him with of his rael who will destroy all Egypt and for heard he had honor, great wisdom, and he gave him presents its inhabitants, and bring forth the and made him for a counsellor, and Israelites from Egypt with a mighty hand. aggrandized him. 10. And Balaam dwelt in Egypt, 20. Now therefore king, take in honor with all the nobles of the counsel upon this matter, that you

And Pharaoh

king, and the nobles exalted him, be may destroy the hope of the children cause they all coveted to learn his of Israel and their expectation, before

wisdom.
1 1
.

this evil arise against

Egypt.

And the king said unto Balaam, tieth year of Israel s going down to and what shall we do unto Israel ? Egypt, Pharaoh dreamed that he was surely after a certain manner did we
f

And

in the

hundred and

thir--

21

kingly throne, and at first counsel against them and eyes and saw an old could not prevail over them. man standing before him, and there 22. Now therefore give you also were scales in the hands of the old advice against them by which we man, such scales as are used by mer may prevail over them. chants. 23. And Balaam answered the 12. And the old man took the king, saying, send now and call thy scales and hung them before Pha two counsellors, and we will see raoh. what their advice is upon this matter 13. And the old man took all the and afterward thy servant will speak. elders of Egypt and all its nobles 24. And the king sent and called and great men, and he tied them to his two counsellors Reuel the Midianite and Job the Uzite, and they gether and put them in one scale. 14. And he took a milk kid and came and sat before the king. 25. And the king said to them, put it into the other scale, and the kid preponderated over all. behold you have both heard the dream 15. And Pharaoh was astonished which I have dreamed, and the in at this dreadful vision, why the kid terpretation thereof; now therefore should preponderate over all, and give counsel and know and see what Pharaoh woke and behold it was a is to be done to the children of Is dream. rael, whereby we may prevail over
sitting upon his lifted up his

16. And Pharaoh rose up early in them, before their evil shall spring the morning and called all his ser up against us. vants and related to them the dream, 26. And Reuel the Midianite an and the men were greatly afraid. swered the king and said, may the 17. And the king said to all his me live forever. live,

king

may

king

wise men, interpret I pray you the dream which I dreamed, that I may

know

it.

18.

And Balaam

the son of

seem good to the king, let him desist from the Hebrews and leave them, and let him not stretch Beor forth his hand against them.
27. If
it

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

211

28. For these are they whom the and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Lord chose in days of old, and took Pichol the captain of his host, went as the lot of his inheritance from to him and they bent and bowed amongst all the nations of the earth down before him to the ground, and the kings of the earth and who 36. And they requested of him to
;

is

there

that

stretched

his

hand supplicate

for

them with impunity, of whom to the Lord for them, and the Lord their God was not avenged ? was intreated of him and he healed 29. Surely thou knowest that them. when Abraham went down to Egypt, 37. Jacob also, the plain man, was Pharaoh, the former king of Egypt, delivered through his integrity from saw Sarah his wife, and took her for the hand of his brother Esau, and a wife, because Abraham said, she is the hand of Laban the Syrian his my sister, for he was afraid, lest the mother s brother, who had sought his men of Egypt should slay him on life likewise from the hand of all account of his wife. the kings of Canaan who had come 30. And when the king of Egypt together against him and his children had taken Sarah then God smote him to destroy them, and the Lord deliv and his household with heavy plagues, ered them out of their hands, that until he restored unto Abraham his they turned upon them and smote wife Sarah, then was he healed. them, for who had ever stretched 31. And Abimelech the Gerarite, forth his hand against them with im
against
;

them, and he prayed

king of the Philistines, God punished punity ? on account of Sarah wife of Abraham, 38. Surely Pharaoh the former, in stopping up every womb from thy father s father, raised Joseph man to beast. the son of Jacob above all the prin 32. When their God came to ces of the land of Egypt, when he Abimelech in the dream of night and saw his wisdom, for through his wis terrified him, in order that he might dom he rescued all the inhabitants of restore to Abraham Sarah whom he the land from the famine. had taken, and afterward all the peo 39. After which he ordered Jacob ple of Gerar were punished on ac and his children to come down to count of Sarah, and Abraham prayed Egypt, in order that through their to his God for them, and he was in- virtue, the land of Egypt and the treated of him, and he healed them. land of Goshen might be delivered 33. And Abimelech feared all this from the famine. evil that came upon him and his 40. Now therefore if it seem good peo ple, and he returned to Abraham his in thine eyes, cease from destroying wife Sarah, and gave him with her the children of Israel, but if it be not thy will that ^ they shall dwell in many gifts. 34. He did so also to Isaac when Egypt, send them forth from here, he had driven him from Gerar, and that they may go to the land of Ca God had done wonderful things to naan, the land where their ancestors him, that all the water courses of sojourned. Gerar were dried up, and their pro 41. And when Pharaoh heard the ductive trees did not bring forth. words of Jethro he was very angry 35. Until Abimelech of Gerar, with him, so that he rose with shame

212
from the king
s

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

presence, and went thrown into the water, for by this and took Joseph s canst thou wipe away their name, for none of them, nor of their fathers, 42. And the king said to Job the were* tried in this manner. 50. And the king heard the words Uzite, what sayest thou Job, and what is thy advice respecting the of Balaam, and the thing pleased the
to Midian, his land, stick with him.

king and the princes, and the king said to the king, behold did according to the word of Balaam. all the inhabitants of the land are in 51. And the king ordered a pro
clamation to be issued and a law to be made throughout the land of 44. And the king said unto Ba Egypt, saying, every male child laam, what dost thou say, Balaam, born to the Hebrews from this day speak thy word that we may hear it. forward shall be thrown into the

Hebrews ? 43. So Job

thy power,

let

the

king do as

it

seems good

in his eyes.

45.

And Balaam

said to the king, water.

that the king has counselled 52. And Pharaoh called unto all against the Hebrews will they be his servants, saying, go now and seek

of

all

delivered, and the king will not be throughout the land of Goshen where able to prevail over them with any the children of Israel are, and see

counsel.
46.

that every son born to the Hebrews thou thinkest to lessen shall be cast into the river, but every them by the flaming fire, thou canst daughter you shall let live. not prevail over them, for surely 53. And when the children of their God delivered Abraham their Israel heard this thing which Pha father from Ur* of the Chaldeans ; raoh had commanded, to cast their and if thou thinkest to destroy them male children into the river, some with a sword, surely Isaac their of the people separated from their father was delivered from it, and a wives and others adhered to them.

For

if

ram was placed

47.

in his stead. 54. And from that day forward, with hard and rigor when the time of delivery arrived to ous labor thou thinkest to lessen those Women of Israel who had re them, thou wilt not prevail even in mained with their husbands, they this, for their father Jacob served went to the field to bring forth there, Laban in all manner of hard work, and they brought forth in the field,

And

if

and prospered.
48.

and

left their

my

therefore, King, hear and returned home. 55. And the Lord who had sworn words, for this is the counsel which is counselled against them, by to their ancestors to multiply them, which thou wilt prevail over them, sent one of his ministering angels

Now

children upon the field

and from which thou should st not which are

depart.

in

heaven

to

wash each

child in water, to anoint and swathe

49. If it please the king let him it and to put into its hands two order all their children which shall smooth stones from one of which it be born from this day forward, to be sucked milk and from the other * honey, and he caused its hair to
It

was

stated before

that TIN

was

a fire in

which Abraham was put, and from which God

delivered him.

grow
*

to his knees, by which it might Had any miraculous escape from water.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

cover itself, to* comfort it and to cleave to it, through his compassion
for
it.

213

CHAPTER
1.

LXVIII.

56.

And when God had compas

of

And it was at that time the spirit God was upon Miriam the daugh

sion over them and had desired to multiply them upon the face of the land, he ordered his earth to receive them to be preserved therein till the time of their growing up, after which

ter of

Amram

the sister of Aaron,

and she went forth and prophecied

about the house, saying, behold a son will be born unto us from my
father and
will save

he had driven her away at the time ordered every male child of the house of Jacob to be thrown into the water. 3. So Amram took Jochebed his the herb of the field, through God s three years after he had driven them. to wife, grace 58. And when all the Egyptians her away, and he came to her and saw this thing, they went forth, each she conceived. 4. And at the end of seven months to his field with his yoke of oxen and his ploughshare, and they ploughed from her conception she brought it up as one ploughs the earth at seed forth a son, and the whole house was filled with great light as of the light time. 59. And when they ploughed they of the sun and moon at the time 01 were unable to hurt the infants of the their shining.

opened its mouth and vomited them forth andf they sprout ed forth from the city like the herb of the earth and the grass of the forest, and they returned each to his family and to his father s house, and they remained with them. 57. And the babes of the children of Israel were upon the earth like
the
earth

Israel

mother this time, and he from the hands of

the

Egypt.
2.

And when Amram heard

words of

his daughter, he went and took his wife back to the house, after

when Pharaoh

children of Israel, so the people in

5.

And when
it

creased and waxed exceedingly 60. And Pharaoh ordered

officers

child that his to

the woman saw the was good and pleasing

daily to go to Goshen to seek for the babes of the children of

Israel.

months

the sight, she hid it for three in an inner room. 6. In those days the Egyptians
all

conspired to destroy

the

Hebrews

they had sought there. 7. And the Egyptian women went and found one, they took it from its mother s bosom by force, and threw to Goshen where the children of it into the river, but the female child Israel were, and they carried their thus did young ones upon their shoulders, they left with its mother the Egyptians do to the Israelites their babes who could not yet speak.
61.
;

And when

all

the days.
i.

e.

That the angel was

it.

to comfort

it

and

cleave to

t pwi Wy3 TJ7O w*) ; the same sentence is to be found in Psalm 2, v. 16, upon which the tians, that the Egyptians might Rabbins formed this fable, and which has no of their bringing forth, connexion with it.

8. And in those days, when the women of the children of Israel brought forth, each woman had hid den her son from before the Egyp

not

know

and

might not destroy them from the land.

214
9.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

And

to

Goshen and

could

the Egyptian women came 18. And Bathia lifted up her eyes their children who to the river, and she saw the ark up not speak were upon their on the water, and sent her maid to

shoulders,

and when an Egyptian fetch

child,

it.

And she opened it and saw the and behold the babe wept, and she had compassion on him, and she that was in the inner room answered said, this is one of the Hebrew chil it, so the Egyptian women went and dren. told it at the house of Pharaoh. 20. And all the women of Egypt 11. And Pharaoh sent his officers walking on the river side desired to to take the children and slay them give him suck, but he would not suck, thus did the Egyptians to the Hebrew for this thing was from the Lord, in women all the days. order to restore him to his mother s
19.
;

woman came into the house of a Hebrew woman her babe began to cry. 10. And when it cried the child

12.

And

it

was

at that time,
s

about breast.

con 21. And Miriam his sister was at cealment of her son, that the thing that time amongst the Egyptian wo was known in Pharaoh s house. men at the river side, and she saw 13. And the woman hastened to this thing and she said to Pharaoh s take away her son before the officers daughter, shall I go and fetch a nurse came, and she took for him an ark of the Hebrew women, that she may of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime nurse the child for thee ? and with pitch, and put the child 22. And Pharaoh s daughter said therein, and she laid it in the flags to her, go, and the young woman went and called the child s mother. by the river s brink.
three

months from Jochebed

And Pharaoh s daughter said Jochebed, take this child away to him, and what would become of and suckle it for me, and I will pay her words * thee thy wages, two bits of silver 15. And God sent forth at that daily and the woman took the child time a terrible heat in the land of and nursed it. 24. And at the end of two years, Egypt, which burned up the flesh of man like the sun in his circuit, and when the child grew up, she brought it him to the daughter of Pharaoh, and greatly oppressed the Egyptians. 16. And all the Egyptians went he was unto her as a son, and she down to bathe in the river, on account called his name Moses, for she said, of the consuming heat which burned because I drew him out of the water
14.

afar off to

And his sister Miriam stood know what would be done

23.

to

up

25. And* Amram his father called Bathia, the daughter of his name Chabar, for he said, it was *These different names arise from a Rabbinical Pharaoh, went also to bathe in the river, owing to the consuming heat, torture of a genealogical account in 1 Chroni
their flesh.

17.

And

and her maidens walked at the river side, and all the women of Egyptf
as well.
*
t

cles, ch. 4, v. 18,

which has nothing to do with the birth of Moses, only a woman s name, Ba thia, daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered took, and by a similarity of name to the great Pharaoh

Her prophecy, mentioned in v. 1. Walked about in respectful attendance on

king of Egypt, as if no private person could be called so, they imagined it must have been Mo ses the adopted son of king Pharaoh s daughter.

Bathia.

The same

story

is in

the Talmud.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

for

215

2. And the children of Esau sent he associated with his to Pethor, which is he had turned away. upon the river, 26. And Jochebed his mother and they fetched from there a young called his name Jekuthiel, because, man of beautiful eyes and comely she said, I have hoped for him to the aspect, whose name was Saul, and Almighty, and God restored him un they made him king over them in the to me. place of Samlah. 3. And Saul reigned over all the 27. And Miriam his sister called him Jered, for she descended after children of Esau in the land of Edom

him

that

wife

whom

him

to

the river to

know what

end would be.

28.
his

his for forty years. 4. And when

Pharaoh king of

And Aaron

his brother called

name Abi Zanuch,

saying,

my

Egypt saw that the counsel which Balaam had advised respecting the

father left
to

mother and returned children of Israel did not succeed, her on his account. but that still they were fruitful, mul 29. And Kehath the father of Am- tiplied and increased throughout the

my

land of Egypt, 5. Then Pharaoh commanded in on his account did God repair the breach of the house of Jacob, that those days that a proclamation should they could no longer throw their male be issued throughout Egypt to the children of Israel, saying, no man children into the water.
30.

ram called his name Abigdor, because

And

their

nurse called him shall diminish any thing of his daily

labor.
6.

Abi Socho, saying, in his tabernacle was he hidden for three months, on
account of the children of Ham.* 31 And allf Israel called his name Shemaiah, son of Nethanel, for they said, in his days has God heard their cries and rescued them from their
.

And

the

man who

shall

be found

deficient in his labor

which he per

forms daily, whether in mortar or in

bricks, then his youngest son shall be put in their place.
7.

And the labor of Egypt strength

oppressors. 32. And

Moses was

in

Pharaoh

ened upon the children of Israel in those days, and behold if one brick

house, and was unto Bathia, Pha was deficient in any man s daily la raoh s daughter, as a son, and Moses bor, the Egyptians took his youngest grew up amongst the king s children. boy by force from his mother, and

CHAPTER
1
.

LXIX.

put him into the building in the place of the brick which his father had left
wanting.

the king of Edom died in 8. And the men of Egypt did so those days, in the eighteenth year of to all the children of Israel day by his reign, and was buried in his tem day, all the days for a long period. 9. But the tribe of Levi did not at ple which he had built for himself as his royal residence in the land of that time work with the Israelites

And

Edom.
*
t

their brethren, for the

called
;

from the beginning,

The Egyptians. They must have

children of Levi

knew

the

him

so after the ex-

<jdus,

or about the time

but

I conjecture the

whole of this part a spurious from the Rabbinical works.

addition, extracted

cunning of the Egyptians which they exercised at first toward the Israel
ites.

216

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

CHAPTER LXX.
1
.

their nobles, to do all these things cunningly, in order to make the

in the third year from the kings of the earth and their men Moses, Pharaoh was sitting tremble. at a banquet, when Alparanith the 9. Surely thouknowest that Abra queen was sitting at his right and ham their father acted thus, who de Bathia at his left, and the lad Moses ceived the army of Nimrod king of was lying upon her bosom, and Ba Babel, and Abimelech king of Gerar, laam the son of Beor with his two and that he possessed himself of the sons, and all the princes of the king land of the children of Heth and all dom were sitting at table in the king s the kingdoms of Canaan. 10. And that he descended into presence. 2. And the lad stretched forth his Egypt and said of Sarah his wife, hand upon the king s head, and took she is my sister, in order to mislead the crown from the king s head and Egypt and her king. 1 1 His son Isaac also did so when placed it on his own head. 3. And when the king and princes he went to Gerar and dwelt there, saw the work which the boy had and his strength prevailed over the done, the king and princes were ter army of Abimelech king of the Phi rified, and one man to his neighbor listines.

And

birth of

expressed astonishment. 4. And the king said unto the princes who were before him at table, what speak you and what say you, O ye princes, in this matter, and what is to be judgment against the boy on account of this act ? 5. And Balaam the son of Beor the magician answered before the

12.

He

the

kingdom

also thought of making of the Philistines

stumble, in saying that Rebecca his wife was his sister. 13. Jacob also dealt treacherous ly with his brother, and took from
his

hand

his birthright

and his bless

ing. 14. to the

He went

then to Padan-aram

king and princes, and he said, re

house of Laban his mother s member now, O my lord and king, brother, and cunningly obtained from the dream which thou didst dream him his daughter, his cattle, and all many days since, and that which thy belonging to him, and fled away and
servant interpreted unto thee. returned to 6. Now therefore this is a child his father.
the land of

Canaan

to

from the Hebrew children, in whom 15. His sons sold their brother is the spirit of God, and let not my Joseph, who went down into Egypt lord the king imagine that this young and became a slave, and was placed ster did this thing without knowledge. in the prison house for twelve years. 7. For he is a Hebrew 16. Until the former Priaraoh boy, and wisdom and understanding are with dreamed dreams, and withdrew him him, although he is yet a child, and from the prison house, and magnified with wisdom has he done this and him above all the princes in Egypt chosen unto himself the kingdom of on account of his interpreting his dreams to him. Egypt. 8. For this is the manner of all 17. And when God caused a fa the Hebrews to deceive kings arid mine throughout the land he sent for

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

and brought

217

his father and all his stone, then shall we know that with brothers, and the whole of his fa wisdom has the youth done all that ther s household, and supported them he has done, and we must slay him. 26. But if he stretch forth his without price or reward, and bought hand upon the coal, then shall we the Egyptians for slaves.

my lord king has risen up in their stead in Egypt, to do according to their deeds and to trifle with every king, prince and judge. 19. If it please the king, let us now spill his blood upon the ground, lest he grow up and take away the
18.

Now

therefore

know that
that
live.

it

was not with knowledge

this thing,

behold

this child

he did

and he shall

27.
in

And

the thing

seemed good

eyes of the king and the princes, so the king did according to the word of the angel of the Lord. 28. And the king ordered the government from thy hand, and the onyx stone and coal to be brought hope of Egypt perish after he shall and placed before Moses. 29. And they placed the boy be have reigned. 20. And Balaam said to the king, fore them, and the lad endeavored to let us moreover call for all the judges stretch forth his hand to the onyx of Egypt and the wise men thereof, stone, but the angel of the Lord took
the

and

let

us

know

if

death

is

due

to this

the judgment of his hand and placed it upon the coal, boy as thou didst and the coal became extinguished in

his hand, and he lifted it up and put say, and then we will slay him. 21. And Pharaoh sent and called it into his mouth, and burned part

wise men of Egypt and of his lips and part of his tongue, they came before the king, and an and he became heavy in mouth and angel of the Lord came amongst tongue. 30. And when the king and princes them, and he was like one of the wise saw this, they knew that Moses had men of Egypt. 22. And the king said to the wise not acted with wisdom in taking off men, surely you have heard what this the crown from the king s head. 31. So the king and princes reHebrew boy who is in the house has done, and thus has Balaam judged in frained from slaying the child, so Moses remained in Pharaoh s house, the matter. 23. Now judge you also and see growing up, and the Lord was with what is due to the boy for the act him. 32. And whilst the boy was in which he has committed. 24. And the angel, who seemed the king s house, he was robed in like one of the wise men of Pharaoh, purple and he grew amongst the chil answered and said as follows, before dren of the king. 33. And when Moses grew up in all the wise men of Egypt and be the king s house, Bathia the daugh fore the king and the princes. 25. If it please the king let the ter of Pharaoh considered him as a king send for men who shall bring son, and all the household of Pha before him an onyx stone and a coal raoh honored him, and all the men of fire, and place them before the of Egypt were afraid of him. 34. And he daily went forth and child, and if the child shall stretch forth his hand and take the onyx came into the land of Goshen, where
for all the

218

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

come
to

his brethren the children of Israel were, and Moses saw them daily in shortness of breath and hard labor. 35. And Moses asked them, say ing, wherefore is this labor meted out unto you day by day ?

seek a small request from

thee, turn not

away my

face

empty

and Pharaoh said unto him, speak. 44. And Moses said unto Pharaoh, let there be given unto thy servants
the
children

of Israel

who

are in

they told him all that had Goshen, one day to rest therein from befallen them, and all the injunctions their labor.
36.

And

which Pharaoh had put upon them

before his birth.

45.

And

the king answered

Mo^

ses and said, behold I have lifted up 37. And they told him all the thy face in this thing to grant thy re counsels which Balaam the son of quest.

Beor had counselled against them, 46. And Pharaoh ordered a pro and what he had also counselled clamation to be issued throughout against him in order to slay him when Egypt and Goshen, saying, he had taken the king s crown from 47. To you, all the children of
Israel, thus says the king, for six heard these days you shall do your work and la things his anger was kindled against bor but on the seventh day you shall Balaam, and he sought to kill him, rest, and shall not perform any work, and he was in ambush for him day thus shall you do all the days, as the by day. king and Moses the son of Bathia 39. And Balaam was afraid of have commanded. 48. And Moses rejoiced at this Moses, and he and his two sons rose up and went forth from Egypt, and thing which the king had granted to

off his head.

38.

And when Moses

they fled and delivered their souls him, and all the children of Israel and betook themselves to the land did as Moses ordered them. of Cush to Kikianus, king of Gush. 49. For this thing was from the
40. And Moses was in the king s house going out and coming in, the Lord gave him favor in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants, and in the eyes of all the people of Egypt, and they loved

Lord

to

the children

the Lord had

begun

to

children of Israel to

remember save them

of Israel, for the

for

the sake of their fathers. 50. And the Lord was with
ses

Mo

Moses exceedingly.
41.

and his fame went throughout Egypt.

And

the
to

day arrived when

to

Moses went
brethren, that
bor, and

Goshen he saw the

51. And Moses became great in see his the eyes of all the Egyptians, and in children of the eyes of all the children of Israel,
la

Israel in their burdens

and hard

Moses was grieved on

Moses returned
to

their

seeking good for his people Israel and speaking words of peace regard
ing

account. 42. And

them to the

king.

Egypt

and came to the house of Pharaoh, and came before the king, and Moses

CHAPTER
.

LXXI.

bowed down before 43. And Moses

raoh,
I

the king.
said

pray thee

my

1 And when Moses was eighteen years old, he desired to see his father lord, I have and mother and he went to them to

unto

Pha

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

219

9. And Pharaoh heard of this af Goshen, and when Moses had come near Goshen, he came to the place fair, and he ordered Moses to be where the children of Israel were en slain, so God sent his angel, and he gaged in work, and he observed their appeared unto Pharaoh in the like burdens, and he saw an Egyptian ness of a captain of the guard. 10. And the angel of the Lord smiting one of his Hebrew brethren. took the sword from the hand of the 2. And when the man who was bea ten saw Moses he ran to him for captain of the guard, and took his help, for the man Moses was greatly head off with it, for the likeness of respected in the house of Pharaoh, and the captain of the guard was turned he said to him, my lord attend to me, into the likeness of Moses.

11. And the angel of the Lord Egyptian came to my house in bound me, and came to took hold of the right hand of Moses, my wife in my presence, and now he and brought him forth from Egypt, seeks to take my life away. and placed him from without the bor 3. And when Moses heard this ders of Egypt, a distance of forty wicked thing, his anger was kindled days journey. 12. And Aaron his brother alone against the Egyptian, and he turned this way and the other, and when he remained in the land of Egypt, and saw there was no man there he smote he prophecied to the children of Is the Egyptian and hid him in the rael, saying, 13. Thus says the Lord God of sand, and delivered the Hebrew from the hand of him that smote him. your ancestors, throw* away, each 4. And the Hebrew went to his man, the abominations of his eyes, house, and Moses returned to his and do not defile yourselves with the home, and went forth and came back idols of Egypt.
this

the night,

to the
5.

king

house.
the

14.

And

the children of Israel re

And when
it

man had

return

belled and
15.

would not hearken

to

Aa

ed home, he thought of repudiating ron at that time.

his wife, for

was not

right in the

house of Jacob, for any man to come to his wife after she had been defiled. 6. And the woman went and told her brothers, and the woman s bro thers sought to slay him, and he fled to his house and escaped. 7. And on the second day Moses went forth to his brethren, and saw, and behold two men were quarreling, and he said to the wicked one, why dost thou smite thy neighbor ? 8. And he answered him and said to him, who has set thee for a prince and judge over us ? dost thou think to slay me as thou didst slay the Egyptian ? and Moses was afraid and he said, surely the thing is known
!

the Lord thought to de were it not that the Lord remembered the covenant which he had made with Abraham, Isaac and
stroy them,

And

Jacob.

In those days the hand of continued to be severe against the children of Israel, and he crushed and oppressed them until the time when God sent forth his word and took notice of them.
16.

Pharaoh

CHAPTER
1
.

LXXII.

there

it was in those days that was a great war between the children of Cush and the children of

And

*This

is

demonstrated in Ezekiel, ch. 20,

v.

30.

220

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

the east and Aram, and they rebelled incantations and enchantments, and against the king of Cush in whose they fortified the city and dwelt there hands they were. in, and no one went out or in before 2. So Kikianus king of Cush went them. And Kikianus fought against forth with all the children of Cush, 1 1
.

a people numerous as the sand, and

to fight against Aram and the children of the east, to bring them

Aram and

the children of the east

and he subdued them as before, and they gave him their usual tribute, under subjection. and he went and returned to his land. 3. And when Kikianus went out, 12. And when Kikianus the king he left Balaam the magician, with his of Cush approached his city and all two sons, to guard the city, and the the captains of the forces with him, lowest sort of the people of the land. they lifted up their eyes and saw that 4. So Kikianus went forth to Aram the walls of the city were built up and the children of the east, and he and greatly elevated, so the men were fought against them and smote them, astonished at this. and they all fell down wounded be 13. And they said one to the other, fore Kikianus and his people. it is because they saw that we were de 5. And he took in of them the battle, and were greatly cap layed, many tives and he brought them under sub afraid of us, therefore have they jection as at first, and he encamped done this thing and raised the city upon their land to take tribute from walls and fortified them so that the

he went

them
6.

as usual.

kings of Canaan might not

come

in

the son of Beor, battle against them. when the king of Cush had left him 14. So the king and the troops ap to guard the city and the poor of the proached the city door and they look city, he rose up and advised with the ed up and behold, all the gates of the people of the land to rebel against city were closed, and they called out

And Balaam

king Kikianus, not to let him enter to the sentinels, saying, open unto the city when he should come home. us, that we may enter the city.
7. And the people of the land 15. But the sentinels refused to hearkened to him, and they swore to open to them by the order of Balaam him and made him king over them, the magician their king, they suffer and his two sons for captains of the ed them not to enter their city. 16. So they raised a battle with army. 8. So rose raised and the them they up opposite the city gate, and one walls of the city at the two corners, hundred and thirty men of the army and they built an exceeding strong of Kikianus fell on that day. 17. And on the next day they con building. 9. And at the third corner they tinued to fight and they fought at the dug ditches without number, between side of the river they endeavored the city and the river which surround to pass but were not able, so some ed the whole land of Cush, and they of them sank in the pits and died. made the waters of the river burst 18. So the king ordered them to
;

forth there.

cut

down

trees to

make
to

rafts,

upon

10.

lected

At the fourth corner they col which they might pass numerous serpents by their they did so.

them, and

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

19. And when they came to the place of the ditches, the waters re volved* by mills, and two hundred men upon ten rafts were drowned. 20. And on the third day they came to fight at the side where the ser pents were, but they could not ap proach there, so the serpents slew of

221
they built over him an

27.

And

elegant strong and high building, and they placed great stones below. 28. And the king s scribes engrav

ed upon those stones

their
tles

all the might of king Kikianus, and all his bat which he had fought, behold they

them one hundred and seventy men, and they ceased fighting against Cush, and they besieged Cush for nine years, no person came out or in. 21. At that time that the war and the siege were against Cush, Moses fled from Egypt from Pharaoh who sought to kill him for having slain the
Egyptian.
22.

are written there at this day. after the death of Kikian 29.

Now

us king of Cush it grieved his men and troops greatly on account of the war. 30. So they said one to the other, give us counsel what we are to do at
this

time, as

we have

resided in the

wilderness nine years

away from our

homes.

31. If we say we will fight against And Moses was eighteen years the city many of us will fall wound old when he fled from Egypt from ed or killed, and if we remain here the presence of Pharaoh, and he fled in the siege we shall also die. 32. For now all the kings of Aram and escaped to the camp of Kiki-

anus, which at that time

was besieg

and of the children of the east will

hear that our king is dead, and they will attack us suddenly in a hostile manner, and they will fight against us and leave no remnant of us. 33. Now therefore let us go and make a king over us, and let us re main in the siege until the city is de

ing Cush.
23.

the

And Moses was nine years in camp of Kikianus king of Cush,

all the time that they were besieging Cush, and Moses went out and came in with them. 24. And the king and princes and all the fighting men loved Moses, for livered up to us. 34. And they wished to choose on he was great and worthy, his stature was like a noble lion, his face was like that day a man for king from the the sun, and his strength was like that army of Kikianus, and they found no of a lion, and he was counsellor to the object* of their choice like Moses to reign over them. king. 25. And at the end of nine years 35. And they hastened and stripped Kikianus was seized with a mortal off each man his garments and cast disease, and his illness prevailed over them upon the ground, and they him, and he died on the seventh day. made a great heap and placed Moses

26.

and

carried

So his servants embalmed him thereon. him and buried him 36. And they rose up and blew

opposite the city gate to the north of with trumpets and called out before the land of Egypt. him, and said, may the king live, * These water mills must have been erected may the king live
!

with a design of setting the water going if the enemy should attempt a passage, but o^rvi in
scripture
is

only

applied to

mill stones

for

grinding corn.

* nina besides a young man, denotes also a choice man, see 1 Samuel, ch. 8, v. 16, and ch, 9, v. 2 ; Proverbs, ch. 20, v. 29.

222

THE BOOK OF JASHER,

37. And all the people and nobles reign, all the children of Cush as swore unto him to give him for a sembled and came before Moses and wife Adoniah the queen, the Cushite, bowed down to him to the ground. 5. And all the children spoke to wife of Kikianus, and they made

gether in the presence of the king, saying, give us counsel that we may sued a proclamation on that day, say see what is to be done to this city. 6. For it is now nine years that ing, every man must give something we have been besieging round about to Moses of what is in his posses the city, and have not seen our chil sion. 39. And they spread out a sheet dren and our wives.
that day.

Moses king over them on

38.

And

all

the people of

Gush

is

upon the heap, and every man cast into it something of what he had, one a gold ear ring and the other a
coin.

7.

So the king answered them, say

voice ing, if you will hearken to in all that I shall command you, then will the Lord give the city into our

my

40. Also of onyx stones, bdellium, hands and we shall subdue it. 8. For if we fight with them as in pearls and marble did the children of Cush cast unto Moses upon the heap, the former battle which we had with also silver and gold in great abun them before the death of Kikianws,

dance. 41.

many
And Moses
took
all

of us will fall

down wounded

the silver as before.

all the vessels, and the 9. Now therefore behold here is bdellium and onyx stones, which all counsel for you in this matter ; if you the children of Cush had given to will hearken to my voice, then will him, and he placed them amongst his the city be delivered into our hands.

and gold,

10. So all the forces answered the reigned over the king, saying, all that our lord shall children of Cush on that day, in the command that will we do. 11. And Moses said unto them, place of Kikianus king of Cush. pass through and proclaim a voice in the whole camp unto all the people, LXXIII.

treasures.

42.

And Moses

CHAPTER

saying,
12. Thus says the king, go into year of the reign of Pharaoh king of Egypt, the forest and bring with you of the that is in the hundred and fifty seventh young ones of the stork, each man a year of the Israelites going down into young one in his hand. 13. And any person transgressing fegypt, reigned Moses in Cush. 2. Moses was twenty seven years the word of the king, who shall not old when he began to reign over bring his young one, he shall die, and Cush, and forty years did he reign. the king will take all belonging to 3. And the Lord granted Moses him. favor and grace in the eyes of all the 14. And when you shall bring children of Cush, and the children of them they shall be in your keeping, Cush loved him exceedingly, so Mo you shall rear them until they grow ses was favored by the Lord and by up, and you shall teach them to dart
1.

In the

fifty fifth

"

men.
4.

upon, as

is

the

way

of the

young

And

in the seventh

day of

his ones of the

hawk.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

223

saying,

15. So all the children of Cush and the young storks ran upon the heard the words of Moses, and they serpents and they devoured them all rose up and caused a proclamation and destroyed them out of that place, 24. And when the king and people to be issued throughout the camp, had seen that all the serpents were

16. Unto you, all the children of destroyed in that place, all the people Cush, the king s order is, that you go set up a great shout. 25. And they approached and all together to the forest, and catch there the young storks each man his fought against the city and took it young one in his hand, and you shall and subdued it, and they entered the city. bring them home.

26. And there died on that day 17. And any person violating the order of the king shall die, and the one thousand and one hundred men king will take all that belongs to of the people of the city, all that in habited the city, but of the people him. 18. And all the people did so, and besieging not one died. 27. So all the children of Cush they went out to the wood and they climbed the fir trees and caught, each went each to his home, to his wife

man a young one in his hand, all the and children and to all belonging to young of the storks, and they brought him. 28. And Balaam the magician, them into the desert and reared them was taken, when he saw that the and of order the taught they king, by city them to dart upon, similar, to the he opened the gate and he and his two sons and eight brothers fled and young hawks. 19. And after the young storks returned to Egypt to Pharaoh king were reared, the king ordered them of Egypt.
be hungered for three days, and the people did so. 20. And on the third day, the king said unto them, strengthen yourselves and become valiant men, and put on each man his armour and gird on his sword upon him, and ride each man his horse and take each his young stork in his hand. 21. And we will rise up and fight
to
all

They are the sorcerers and magicians who are mentioned in the
29.

book of the law, standing against Moses when the Lord brought the
plagues upon Egypt. 30. So Moses took the city by his

wisdom, and the children of Cush placed him on the throne instead of Kikianus king of Cush.

31. And they placed the royal against the city at the place where crown upon his head, and they gave the serpents are ; and all the people him for a wife Adoniah the Cushite did as the king had ordered. queen, wife of Kikianus. 32. And Moses feared the Lord 22. And they took each man his

young one in his hand, and they God of his fathers, so that he came went away, and when they came to not to her, nor did he turn his eyes
the place of the serpents the king to her. said to them, send forth each man 33. For
his his

young stork upon

the serpents.

Moses remembered how Abraham had made his servant

shalt

23.

And they

sent forth each

at the

man

young stork

king

s order,

Eliezer swear, saying unto him, thou not take a woman from the

224
daughters
Isaac.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

of

the war was severe the children of the east, so against 34. Also what Isaac did when the Lord gave all the children of the Jacob had fled from his brother, east into the hand of Moses, and when he commanded him, saying, about three hundred men fell down

Canaan

for

my

son

42.

And

followed them and subdued them and put a tax upon them, as was their custom. 44. So Moses and all the people with him passed from there to the them for slaves, forever. 36. Therefore Moses turned not land of Aram for battle. his heart nor his eyes to the wife of 45. And the people of Aram alsoKikianus all the days that he reigned went to meet them, and they fought over Cush. against them, and the Lord delivered 37. And Moses feared the Lord his them into the hand of Moses, and

thou shalt not take a wife from the daughters of Canaan, nor make alli ance with any of the children of Ham. 35. For the Lord our God gave Ham the son of Noah, and his child ren and all his seed, as slaves to the children of Shem and to the children of Japheth, and unto their seed after

slain.

43.

And

all

the children of the

children
of

east turned

back and retreated, so

the

Moses and

Cush

God

all

his

life,

before the Lord in truth, with all his heart and soul, he turned not from the right way all the days of his life he declined not from the way either to the right or to the left, in which Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had
;

and Moses walked many of the men of wounded.

46.

Aram

fell

down

And Aram

also

were subdued
Cush,

by Moses and
and also gave
47.

the people of their usual tax.

And Moses brought Aram and

the children of the east under sub

jection to the children of Cush, and all the people who were

walked.
38.
self in the

And Moses strengthened him Moses and

kingdom of the children with him, turned to the land of Cush. of Cush, and he guided the children 48. And Moses strengthened him of Cush with his usual wisdom, and self in the kingdom of the children Moses prospered in his kingdom. of Cush, and the Lord was with him, 39. And at that time Aram and the and all the children of Cush were children of the east heard that Kiki afraid of him. anus king of Cush had died, so Aram
and the children of the east rebelled
against Cush in those days. 40. And Moses gathered
.

CHAPTER

LXXIV.

In the end of years died Saul 1 all the Cush, a people very king of Edom, and Baal Chanan the mighty, about thirty thousand men, son of Achbor reigned in his place. 2. In the sixteenth year of the and he went forth to fight with Aram over Cush, Baal and the children of the east. reign of Moses
children
of

41. And they went at first to the Chanan the son of Achbor reigned children of the east, and when the in the land of Edom over all the children of the east heard their report, children of Edom for thirty eight

they went to meet them, and engaged years. 3. In in battle with them.

his

days

Moab

rebelled

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

against the

225

been under

Edom

power of Edom, having of Azdrubal strengthened themselves, since the days o\ and their hearts were filled with envy,

Hadad

the son of Bedad,

who smote and

them and Midian, and brought Moab engaged

under subjection
4.

they courted death, and again in battle with Latinus king

of Chittim. to Edom. And when Baal Chanan the son 13. And the battle was severe up of Achbor reigned over Edom, al on all the men of Africa, and they the children of Moab withdrew their all fell wounded before Latinus and his people, and Azdrubal the king allegiance from Edom. 5. And Angeas king of Africa died also fell in that battle. in those days, and Azdrubal his son 14. And the king Azdrubal had a reigned in his stead. very beautiful daughter, whose name 6. And in those days died Janeas was Ushpezena, and all the men of

king of the children of Chittim, and they buried him in his temple which he had built for himself in the plain of Canopia for a residence, and Latinus reigned in his stead. 7. In the twenty-second year of the reign of Moses over the children of Gush, Latinus reigned over the children of Chittim forty-five years. 8. And he also built for himself a great and mighty tower, and he built therein an elegant temple for his re sidence, to conduct his government, as was the custom.

Africa embroidered her likeness on their garments, on account of her

great beauty and comely appearance. 15. And the men of Latinus saw Ushpezena, the daughter of Azdru
bal,

and praised her unto Latinus

ordered her to

their king. 16. And Latinus

be brought to him, and Latinus took Ushpezena for a wife, and he turned back on his way to Chittim. 1 7. And it was after the death of

Azdrubal son of Angeas, when Lati nus had turned back to his land from

9. In the third year of his reign the battle, that all the inhabitants of he caused a proclamation to be made Africa rose up and took Anibal the to all his skilful men, who made many son of Angeas, the younger brother of Azdrubal, and made him king in ships for him. 1 0. And Latinus assembled all his stead of his brother over the whole forces, and they came in ships, and .and of Africa. went therein to fight with Azdrubal 18. And when he reigned, he re son of Angeas king of Africa, and solved to go to Chittim to fight with they came to Africa and engaged in the children of Chittim, to avenge the battle with Azdrubal and his ;ause of Azdrubal his brother, and army. 11. And Latinus prevailed over he cause of the inhabitants of Africa, Azdrubal, and Latinus took from Az and he did so. drubal the aqueduct which his fa 19. And he made many ships, and ther had brought from the children ic came therein with his whole army, of Chittim, when he took Janiah the nd he went to Chittim. 20. So Anibal fought with the daughter of Uzi for a wife, so Latinus overthrew the bridge of the aqueduct, children of Chittim, and the children and smote the whole army of Azdru f Chittim fell wounded before Anibal a severe blow. )al and his army, and Anibal avenged

12.

And

the remaining strong

men
15

lis

brother s cause.

226
21.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

And
Anibal continued the war could rout ten
thousand, so

they

for eighteen years with the children trusted to their strength of Chittim, and Anibal dwelt in the gether as they were.

and went to

land of Chittim and encamped there for a long time. 22. And Anibal smote the children of Chittim very severely, and he slew their great men and princes, and of
the rest of the people he smote about

6.

And

they directed their course

toward the land of Gath, and they went down and found the shepherds
of Gath feeding the cattle of the chil dren of Gath.

7. And they said to the shepherds, give us some of the sheep for pay, eighty thousand men. 23. And at the end of days and that we may eat, for we are hungry, years, Anibal returned to his land of for we have eaten no bread this day, 8. And the shepherds said, are Africa, and he reigned securely in the place of Azdrubal his brother. they our sheep or cattle that we should give them to you even for LXXV. pay ? so the children of Ephraim ap proached to take them by force. 1. At that time, in the hundred 9. And the shepherds of Gath shout and eightieth year of the Israelites ed over them that their cry was heard going down into Egypt, there went at a distance, so all the children of forth from Egypt valiant men, thirty Gath went out to them. thousand on foot, from the children 10. And when the children of Gath of Israel, who were all of the tribe saw the evil doings of the children of Joseph, of the children of Ephraim of Ephraim, they returned and as the son of Joseph. sembled the men of Gath, and they 2. For they said the period was put on each man his armour, and completed which the Lord had ap came forth to the children of Ephraim pointed to the children of Israel in for battle. the times of old, which he had spo 1 1 And they engaged with them in the valley of Gath, and the ken to Abraham.

CHAPTER

selves,

girded them each man his put they sword at his side, and every man his armour upon him, and they trusted to their strength, and they went out together from Egypt with a mighty hand.
3.

And

these

men

and

battle was severe, and they smote from each other a great many on that

day.
12.

And

on the second day the

children of

Gath sent

to all the cities

of the Philistines that they should

come

to their help, saying,

But they brought no provision 13. Come up unto us and help us, for the road, only silver and gold, not that we may smite the children of even bread for that day did they bring Ephraim who have come forth from in their hands, for they thought of Egypt to take our cattle, and to fight
4.

getting their provision for pay from against us without cause. the Philistines, and if not they would 14. the souls of the children

Now

take

it

by

force.

of

5. And these men were very hunger and thirst, for they had eaten mighty and valiant men, one man no bread for three days. And forty could pursue a thousand and two thousand men went forth from the

Ephraim were exhausted with

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

cities of the Philistines to the assist

227

those days, and he prospered in his kingdom, and he conducted the 15. And these men were engaged government of the children of Cush in battle with the children of Ephraim, in justice, in righteousness and in and the Lord delivered the children tegrity. of Ephraim into the hands of the 2. And all the children of Cush Philistines. loved Moses all the days that he 16. And they smote all the child reigned over them, and all the inha ren of Ephraim, all who had gone bitants of the land of Cush were forth from Egypt, none were re greatly afraid of him. 3. And in the fortieth year of the maining but ten men who had run away from the engagement. reign of Moses over Cush, Moses 17. For this evil was from the was sitting on the royal throne whilst Lord against the children of Ephraim, Adoniah the queen was before him, for they transgressed the word of the and all the nobles were sitting around Lord in going forth from Egypt, be him. fore the period had arrived which 4. And Adoniah the queen said the Lord in the days of old had ap before the king and the princes, what

ance of the

men

of Gath.

is this thing which pointed to Israel. you, the children 18. And of the Philistines also of Cush, have done for this long there fell a great many, about twen time?

ty thousand men, and their brethren carried them and buried them in
their cities.

5.

Surely you

years that this

know that for forty man has reigned over

Cush he has not approached me, the slain of the children nor has he served the gods of the of Ephraim remained forsaken in the children of Cush. therefore hear, 6. valley of Gath for many days and ye child
19.

And

Now

years, and were not brought to burial, ren of Cush, and let this man no and the valley was filled with men s more reign over you as he is not of

bones.
20.

our flesh.

And

the

men who had escaped

came
to

7.

Behold Menacrus
let
is

my

son

is

from the

battle

Egypt, and grown up,

it

told all the children of Israel all that for had befallen them. son

him reign over you, better for you to serve the

of your lord, than to serve a 21. And their father Ephraim stranger, a slave of the king of Egypt. mourned over them for many days, 8. And all the people and nobles and his brethren came to console of the children of Cush heard the him. words which Adoniah the queen had 22. And he came unto his wife spoken in their ears. and she bare a son, and he called his 9. And all the people were pre name Beriah, for she was unfortunate paring until the evening, and in the in his house. morning they rose up early and made Menacrus son of Kikianus king over

CHAPTER LXXVI.
1
.

them.
10.

And
afraid

all

the children of
stretch
forth
for the

Cush
their

And Moses
still

the son of

Amram were
Cush
in

to

was

king

in

the land of

hand against Moses,

Lord

228

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

was with Moses, and the children of and that they afterward had taken Cush remembered the oath which the government from him, and had they swore unto Moses, therefore sent him away in peace with honor and with presents. they did no harm to him. 1 1 But the children of Cush gave 22. And when Reuel had heard
.

many

presents

to

Moses, and sent the words

of

Moses, Reuel

said

him from them with great honor. within himself, I will put this man 12. So Moses went forth from the into the prison house, whereby I land of Cush, and went home and shall conciliate the children of Cush,
ceased to reign over Cush, and Mo ses was sixty six years old when he went out of the land of Cush, for the thing was from the Lord, for the period had arrived which he had ap
for

he has fled from them. And they took and put him into the prison house, and Moses was in prison ten years, and whilst
23.

Moses was in the prison house, Zippointed in the days of old, to bring porah the daughter of Reuel took forth Israel from the affliction of the pity over him, and supported him children of Ham. with bread and water all the time. 13. So Moses went to Midian, for 24. And all the children of Israel he was afraid to return to Egypt on were yet in the land of Egypt serv account of Pharaoh, and he went and ing the Egyptians in all manner of sat at a well of water in Midian. hard work, and the hand of Egypt 14. And the seven daughters of continued in severity over the child Reuel the Midianite went out to feed ren of Israel in those days. their father s flock. 25. At that time the Lord smote 15. And they came to the well and Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he af drew water to water their father s flicted him with the plague of lepro flock. sy from the sole of his foot to the 16. So the shepherds of Midian crown of his head; owing to the came and drove them away, and cruel treatment of the children of Moses rose up and helped them and Israel was this plague at that time watered the flock. from the Lord upon Pharaoh king of
17.

And
And

they came

home

to their

father Reuel, and told ses did for them.

18.

him what

Mo

Egypt. 26. For the Lord had hearkened

to the prayer of his people the child an Egyptian ren of Israel, and their cry reach man has delivered us from the hands ed them on account of their hard of the shepherds, he drew up water work. for us and watered the flock. 27. Still his anger did not turn 19. And Reuel said to his daugh from them, and the hand of Pharaoh wherefore was still stretched out against the ters, and where is he ? have you left the man ? children of Israel, and Pharaoh har 20. And Reuel sent for him and dened his neck before the Lord, and fetched him and brought him home, he increased his yoke over the child and he ate bread with him. ren of Israel, and embittered their 21. And Moses related to Reuel lives with all manner of hard work. that he had fled from Egypt and that 28. And when the Lord had in he reigned forty years over Cush, flicted the plague upon Pharaoh king

they

said,

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

229

of Egypt, he asked his wise men kindled against the children of Israel and sorcerers to cure him. exceedingly, for he was greatly 29. And his wise men and sor grieved at his bodily pain. 39. And he answered and said, cerers said unto him, that if the blood of little children were put into now that the children of Israel know the wounds he would be healed. that I am ill, they turn and scoff at 30. And Pharaoh hearkened to us, now therefore harness my chariot them, and sent his ministers to Go- for me, aad I will betake myself to shen to the children of Israel to take Goshen and will see the scoff of the their little children. children of Israel with which they so his servants har 31. And Pharaoh s ministers went are deriding me and took the infants of the children nessed the chariot for him. of Israel from the bosoms of their 40. And they took and made him mothers by force, and they brought ride upon a horse, for he was not them to Pharaoh daily, a child each able to ride of himself. 41. And he took with him ten day, and the physicians killed them and applied them* to the plague thus horsemen and ten footmen, and went did they all the days. to the children of Israel to Goshen. 32. And the number of the child 42. And when they had come to ren which Pharaoh slew was three the border of Egypt, the king s horse hundred and seventy five. passed into a narrow place, elevated 33. But the Lord hearkened not in the hollow part of the vineyard, to the physicians of the king of fenced on both sides, the low, plain Egypt, and the plague went on in country being on the other side.
; ;

43. And the horses ran rapidly in ten years that place and pressed each other, afflicted with that plague, still the and the other horses pressed the heart of Pharaoh was more hardened king s horse.

creasing mightily.
34.

And Pharaoh was

44. And the king s horse fell into against the children of Israel. 35. And at the end of ten years the low plain whilst the king was the Lord continued to afflict Pharaoh riding upon it, and when he fell the chariot turned over the king s face with destructive plagues.
36. And the Lord smote him with a bad tumor and sickness at the stomach, and that plague turned to a severe boil. 37. At that time the two minis
ters of

and the horse lay upon the king, and the king cried out, for his flesh was
very sore.
45.

And

the flesh of the king

was

of

Pharaoh came Goshen where all the children of thing was from the Lord to him, for Israel were, and went to the house the Lord had heard the cries of his of Pharaoh and said to him, we have people the children of Israel and
seen the children of Israel slacken their
in their
affliction.

torn from him, and his bones were from the land broken and he could not ride, for this

work and negligent

in their

46.

And

his servants carried

little

him
at

labor.

upon

their shoulders, a

the time, and they brought him back to words of his ministers, his anger was Egypt, and tne horsemen who were
38.
*
i. e.

And when Pharaoh heard

Their blood.

with him came also back to Egypt.

230

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

vailed over the king, and his flesh stank like the flesh of a carcase cast

47. And they placed him in his bed, and the king knew that his end was come to die, so Aparanith the queen his wife came and cried before the king, and the king wept a great

upon the field

58.

in

summer

time, during

the heat of the sun.

And when

the king

saw

that

weeping with
48.

her.
his

And

all

nobles and ser

his sickness had greatly strengthened itself over him, he ordered his son

vants

came on

that

king in that

affliction,

day and saw the Adikam to be brought to him, and and wept a they made him king over the land in

his place. great weeping with him. 49. And the princes of the king 59. And at the end of three years, and all his counsellors advised the the king died, in shame, disgrace and

king to cause one to reign

stead
in

in

his disgust,

and his servants carried him

in the

the land,

whomsoever he and buried him

sepulchre of

the kings of Egypt in Zoan Miz50. And the king had three sons raim. and two daughters which Aparanith 60. But they embalmed him not the queen his wife had borne to him, as was usual with kings, for his flesh

should choose from his sons.

besides the king

bines.

children of concu

was

these were their names, born Othri, the second Adikam and the third Morion, and their sisters, the name of the elder Bathia and of the other Acuzi. 52. And Othri the first born of the king was an idiot, precipitate and hurried in his words.
51. the
first

And

proach

putrid, and they could not ap to embalm him on account of

the stench, so haste. 61.

they buried him in

evil

For
to

this

was from
which

the
in

Lord
quited
his

him, for the Lord had re

evil for the evil

him

days he had done to Israel. 62. And he died with terror and with shame, and his son Adikam

But Adikam was a cunning reigned in his place. man and knowing in all the wisdom of Egypt, but of un CHAPTER LXXVII.
53.

and a wise

seemly aspect, thick

very short in stature one cubit.
54.
;

in

flesh,

and

his height

was

1 Adikam was twenty years old when he reigned over Egypt, he

.

kam

the king saw Adi reigned four years. son intelligent and wise in 2. In the two hundred and sixth all things, the king resolved that he year of Israel s going down to Egypt should be king in his stead after his did Adikam reign over Egypt, but he
his

And when

death. 55.

continued not so long in his reign took for him a wife over Egypt as his fathers had con Gedudah daughter of Abilot, and he tinued in their reigns. was ten years old, and she bare unto 3. For Melol his father reigned him four sons. in but he ninety four years

And he

afterward went and was ten years sick and died, for he took three wives and begat eight sons had been wicked before the Lord. and three daughters. 4. And all the Egyptians called
56. 57.

And he

Egypt,

And

the disorder greatly pre

the

name

of

Adikam Pharaoh

like

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

the

231
your young child

name
to

of his fathers, as

was

custom
5.

do
all

in

Egypt.

their bricks, I will put ren in their stead.

And

raoh called

the wise men of Pha the name of Adikam

15.

Egypt
16.

And the task masters of did so in those days as Pha

And whenever any
in

measure of their daily bricks, the task masters of Pharaoh would go reached to the soles of his feet. to the wives of the children of Israel 7. And Pharaoh sat upon his fa and take infants of the children of ther s throne to reign over Egypt, Israel to the number of bricks de and he conducted the government of ficient, they would take them by

Ahuz, for short is called Ahuz in the Egyptian language. 6. And Adikam was exceedingly ugly, and he was a cubit and a span and he had a great beard which

raoh had ordered them.

was found

deficiency the children of Israel s

Egypt
8.

in his

wisdom.

whilst he reigned he ex ceeded his father and all the preced

And

force from their mother s laps, arid put them in the building instead of
;

the bricks 17. Whilst their fathers and mo ing kings in wickedness, and he in creased his yoke over the children thers were crying over them and of Israel. weeping when they heard the weep 9. And he went with his servants ing voices of their infants in the wall
to

Goshen

to the children of Israel,

and he strengthened the labor over them and he said unto them, complete your work, each day s task, and let not your hands slacken from our work from this day forward as you
did in the days of
10.

of the building. 18. And the task masters prevail ed over Israel, that the Israelites

should

place their children in the

placed officers over and his tears ran down upon his them from amongst the children of child. 19. And the task masters of Egypt Israel, and over these officers he placed taskmasters from amongst his did so to the babes of Israel for many servants. days, and no one pitied or had com 11 And he placed over them a passion over the babes of the children measure of bricks for them to do ac of Israel. 20. And the number of all the cording to that number, day by day, and he turned back and went to children killed in the building was two hundred and seventy, some Egypt. 12. At that time the taskmasters of whom they had built upon instead of Pharaoh ordered the officers of the the bricks which had been left de

my

father.

building, so that a man placed his son in the wall and put mortar over him, whilst his eyes wept over him,

And he

children of Israel according to the ficient by their fathers, and some command of Pharaoh, saying, whom they had drawn out dead from 13. Thus says Pharaoh, do your the building. work each day, and finish your task, 21 And the labor imposed upon and observe the daily measure of the children of Israel in the days of bricks ; diminish not any thing. Adikam exceeded in hardship that
.

14.
if

And

it

shall

come

to pass that

which they performed

his father ^

in the

days of

you are

deficient in

your daily

232

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

shut up in a prison without food for ten years, and that he should live ? 32. And Zipporah answered her
father, saying, surely thou hast heard that the God of the Hebrews is great

22. And the children of Israel sighed every day on account of their heavy work, for they had said to themselves, behold when Pharaoh shall die, his son will rise up and lighten our work 23. But they increased the latter work more than the former, and the
!

and awful, and does wonders

for

them
33.

at all times.

He

it

was who

delivered

children of Israel sighed at this and

their cry ascended to God of their labor. ther, and Jacob from the angel of the 24. And God heard the voice of Lord who wrestled with him at the the children of Israel and their cry, ford of Jabbuk. in those days, and God remembered 34. Also with this man has he to them his covenant which he had done many things, he delivered him made with Abraham, Isaac and Ja from the river in Egypt and from the cob sword of Pharaoh, and from the 25. And God saw the burden of children of Cush, so also can he de the children of Israel, and their liver him from famine and make him heavy work in those days, and he live. determined to deliver them. 35. And the thing seemed good 26. And Moses the son of Am- in the sight of Reuel, and he did ac
still confined in the dungeon cording to the word of his daughter, days, in the house of Reuel and sent to the dungeon to ascertain the Midianite, and Zipporah the what became of Moses. 36. And he saw, and behold the daughter of Reuel did support him with food secretly day by day. man Moses was living in the dun 27. And Moses was confined in geon, standing upon his feet, praising the dungeon in the house of Reuel and praying to the God of his ances for ten tors. years.

of the Chaldeans, on account and Isaac from the sword of his fa

Abraham from Ur*

rarn

was

in those

28. And at the end of ten years, 37. And Reuel commanded Mo which was the first year of the reign ses to be brought out of the dungeon, of Pharaoh* over Egypt, in the place so they shaved him and he changed

of his father, 29. Zipporah said to

his prison

garments and ate bread.

her father 38. And afterward Moses went in Reuel, no person inquires or seeks to the garden of Reuel which was after the Hebrew man, whom thou behind the house, and he there pray didst bind in prison now ten ed to the Lord his God, who had years. 30. Now therefore, if it seem good done mightv wonders for him. in thy sight, let us send and see 39. And it was that whilst he whether he is living or dead, but her prayed he looked opposite to him, father knew not that she had support and behold a sapphire stick was placed ed him. in the ground, which was planted in 31. And Reuel her father answer the midst of the garden. ed and said to her, has ever such a * -\!N means also a fire and this alludes (ac to a story in this book) to the oven in thing happened that a man should be
* Adikam.

cording

which Abraham was

put.

THE BOOK OF JASHER

233

40. And he approached the stick the nobles of Egypt came into the and he looked, and behold the name house of Joseph, and the stick came of the Lord God of hosts* was en into the hand of Reuel the Midianite, graved thereon, written and develop and when he went out of Egypt, he took it in his hand and planted it in ed upon the stick. 41. And he read it and stretched his garden. 49. And all the mighty men of the forth his hand and he plucked it like a forest tree from the thicket, and the Kinites tried to pluck it when they

endeavored to get Zipporah his the stick with daughter, but they were unsuccess which all the worksf of our God ful. were performed, after he had created 50. So that stick remained plant
stick
in his

was

hand,

42.

And

this

was

heaven and earth, and all the host of them, seas, rivers and all their fishes. 43. And when God had driven Adam from the garden of Eden, he took the stick in his hand and went and tilled the ground from which he

ed
it.

in the

came who had a

51.

garden of Reuel, until he right to it and took

the

And when Reuel saw

was

taken, 44. And the stick

hand of Moses, he won dered at it, and he gave him his daughter Zipporah for a wife.
stick in the

came down

to

Noah and ,was

given to
it

Shem

and
.

CHAPTER

LXXVIII.

came into the 1 At that time died Balchannan Hebrew. 45. And when Abraham had given son of Achbor, king of Edom, and all he had to his son Isaac, he also was buried in his house in the land of Edom. gave to him this stick, 2. And after his death the children 46. And when Jacob had fled to Padan-aram, he took it into his hand, of Esau sent to the land of Edom, and when he returned to his father he and took from there a man who was in Edom, whose name was Hadad, had not left it behind him. 47. Also when he went down to and they made him king over them
his descendants, until hand of Abraham the

Egypt he took
gave
his
it

it

into his

hand and

in

the

place of Balchannan,

their

to Joseph, one portion above king. 3. brethren, for Jacob had taken it

And Hadad

reigned over the

by

force from his brother Esau.J children of Edom forty eight years. 48. And after the death of Joseph, 4. And when he reigned he re

the children * Meaning that the full name, what the He solved to fight against brews call tne ineffable name of Jehovah, was of Moab, to bring them under the written upon the stick. (See Talmud.) In of the children of Esau as one edition I find niN3X nSN Q& and in another power they were before, but he was not able, nwa* o^nSic 00. t Meaning the works of man influenced by because the children of Moab heard God, as he enumerates. this thing, and they rose up and has J The author of this book wishes here to to elect a king over them from tened that obscure in the
Bible, Genesis, part explain ch. 48, v. 22, "Moreover I have given to thee

amongst

their brethren.

a portion above thy brethren which I took out 5. they of the hands of the Amorite, &c." calling Esau, a great from his conduct, an Amorite ; but it never al together the children of luded to this tale.

And

afterward gathered sent to people, and Ammon their brethren

234
for help to fight against

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

Hadad king 15. And the Lord heard the cries Edom. of the children of Israel, and saw the 6. And Hadad heard the thing oppression with which the Egyptians which the children of Moab had done, oppressed them. and was greatly afraid of them, and 16. And the Lord was jealous of
of
refrained from righting against them. his people and his inheritance,* and 7. In those days Moses, the son heard their voice, and he resolved to of Amram, in Midian, took Zipporah, take them out of the affliction of the daughter of Reuel the Midian- Egypt, to give them the land of Ca
ite,

for a wife.

naan for a possession.

in

8.

And Zipporah walked

the

ways of the daughters of Jacob, she was nothing short of the righteous
ness of Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and

CHAPTER LXXIX.

1. And in those days Moses was feeding the flock of Reuel the Midi9. And Zipporah conceived and anite his father-in-law, beyond the bare a son and he called his name wilderness of Sin, and the stick which Gershom, for he said, I was a stran he took from his father-in-law was in ger in a foreign land but he circum his hand. cised not his foreskin, at the com 2. And it came to pass one day mand of Reuel his father-in-law. that a kid of goats strayed from the

Leah.

10. And she conceived again and flock, and Moses pursued it and came bare a son, but circumcised his fore to the mountain of God to Horeb.

and called his name Eliezer, for 3. And when he came to Horeb, said, because the God of my the Lord appeared there unto him in fathers was my help, and delivered the bush, and he found the bush burn me from the sword of Pharaoh. ing with fire, but the fire had no 1 1 And Pharaoh king of Egypt power over the bush to consume it.
skin,

Moses

4. And Moses was greatly asto greatly increased the labor of the children of Israel in those days, and nished at this sight, wherefore the

continued to

upon the children of

yoke heavier bush was not consumed, and he ap proached to see this mighty thing, 12. And he ordered a proclama and the Lord called unto Moses out tion to be made in Egypt, saying, of the fire and commanded him to go give no more straw to the people to down to Egypt, to Pharaoh king of make bricks with, let them go and Egypt, to send the children of Israel
his
Israel.

make

gather themselves straw as they can

find
it.

from his service.

13. Also the tale of bricks

they shall make let them day, and diminish nothing from them, thou shalt speak unto Pharaoh to send for they are idle in their work. forth the children of Israel from his
14.

5. And the Lord said unto Moses, whicli go return to Egypt, for all those men give each who sought thy life are dead, and

And
this,

the

children of Israel

[and.
6.

heard

and they mourned and

And

the

Lord showed him

to

sighed, and they cried unto the Lord do signs and wonders in Egypt be on account of the bitterness of their fore the eyes of Pharaoh and the eyes * Israel was called God s inheritance. souls.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

of his subjects, in order that they
16.

235
said to him, they

And Moses

might believe that the Lord had sent are my wife and sons, which God him. gave to me in Midian and the thing 7. And Moses hearkened to all grieved Aaron on account of the wo that the Lord had commanded him, man and her children. 17. And Aaron said to Moses, and he returned to his father-in-law and told him the thing, and Reuel send away the woman and her chil
;

said to him, go in peace. 8. And Moses rose up to

Egypt, and he took his 18. And Zipporah returned with with him, and he was at an inn in the road, and an angel of God came her children, and they went to the down, and sought an occasion against house of Reuel, and remained there until the time arrived when the Lord .him. 9. And he wished to kill him on had visited his people, and brought account of his first born son, because them forth from Egypt from the hand he had not circumcised him, and had of Pharaoh. 19. And Moses and Aaron came transgressed the covenant which the Lord had made with Abraham. to Egypt to the community of the 10. For Moses had hearkened to children of Israel, and they spoke to

dren that they may go to her father s go to house, and Moses hearkened to the wife and sons words of Aaron, and did so.

them all the words of the Lord, he had spoken to him, not to circum and the people rejoiced an exceed cise his first born son, therefore he ing great rejoicing. circumcised him not. 20. And Moses and Aaron rose 1 1 And Zipporah saw the angel up early on the next day, and they of the Lord seeking an occasion went to the house of Pharaoh and against Moses, and she knew that they took in their hands the stick of this thing was owing to his not hav God. 21. And when they came to the ing circumcised her son Gershom. 12. And Zipporah hastened and king s gate, two young lions were took of the sharp rock stones that confined there with iron instruments, were there, and she circumcised her and no person went out or came in son, and delivered her husband and from before them, unless those whom her son from the hand of the angel the king ordered to come, when the of the Lord. conjurors came and withdrew the 13. And Aaron the son of Amram, lions by their incantations, and thus
the words of his father-in-law which
.

the brother of Moses, was in Egypt brought them to the king. 22. And Moses hastened and lifted walking at the river side on that day. 14. And the Lord appeared to him up the stick upon the lions, and he
in that place,

now toward Moses

him, go loosed them, and Moses and Aaron came into the king s house. and he went and met 23. The lions also came with them mountain of God, and he kissed him. in joy, and they followed them and 15. And Aaron lifted up his eyes, rejoiced as a dog rejoices over his and saw Zipporah the wife of Moses master when he comes from the and her children, and he said unto field. 24. And when Pharaoh saw this Moses, who are these unto thee ?

and he said
in the

to

wilderness, him in the

236
thing he

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

was astonished
at
it,

33. Thus said the Lord God of of the God. the of children! Hebrews, send my people that appearance 25. And Pharaoh said to Moses, they may serve me.

greatly terrified at the report, for their* appearance was like the

was

and he rpd of God, and came to the king and spoke to him, saying,

what do you require ? and they an 34. And the king said to them, swered him, saying, the Lord God of but who will believe you that you the Hebrews has sent us to thee, to are the messengers of God and that
therefore give a wonder 26. And when Pharaoh heard their or sign in this matter, and then the words he was greatly terrified before words which you speak will be be them, and he said to them, go to day lieved.

say, send forth may serve me.

my

people that they you

come

to

35.

Now

me by

his order

and come back to me and they did according

to

to the

of the king. 27. And when they had gone Pha rod turned into a serpent. raoh sent for Balaam the magician 37. And the sorcerers

36. And Aaron hastened and threw morrow, word the rod out of his hand before Pha raoh and before his servants, and the

saw

this

and to Jannes arid Jambres his sons, and they cast each man his rod and to all the magicians and conjurors upon the ground and they became and counsellors which belonged to serpents. the king, and they all came and sat 38. And the serpent of Aaron s before the king. rod lifted up its head and opened its 28. And the king told them all mouth to swallow the rods of the the words which Moses and his bro magicians. ther Aaron had spoken to him, and 39. And Balaam the magician an the magicians said to the king, but swered and said, this thing has been how came the men to thee, on account from the days of old, that a serpent of the lions which were confined at should swallow its fellow, and that the gate ? living things devour each other. 29. And the king said, because 40. Now therefore restore it to a they lifted up their rod against the rod as it was at first, and we will lions and loosed them, and came to also restore our rods as they were at me, and the lions also rejoiced at first, and if thy rod shall swallow

them

as a dog rejoices to meet his master. 30. And Balaam the son of Beor the magician answered the king, saying, these are none else than ma

our rods, then shall

spirit

we know

that the
if not,

of

God

is

in thee,

and

thou art only an

ourselves.

artificer like

unto

hastened and 41. And Aaron stretched forth his hand and caught gicians like ourselves. 31. therefore send for them, bold of the serpent s tail and it be and let them come and we will try came a rod in his hand, and the sor cerers did the like with their rods, them, and the king did so. 32. And in the morning Pharaoh and they got hold, each man of the

Now

Moses and Aaron to come tail of his serpent, and they became before the king, and they took the rods as at first. * Moses and Aaron. 42. And when they were restored fAngelic form.
sent for

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

to rods, the rod of up their rods.

237

earth, the seas and he formed the light, 43. And when the king saw this created the darkness, caused rain thing, he ordered the book of records upon the earth and watered it, and that related to the kings of Egypt, made the herbage and grass to sprout, to be brought, and they brought the he created man and beast and the book of records, the chronicles of animals of the forest, the birds of the kings of Egypt, in which all the air and the fish of the sea, and the idols of Egypt were inscribed, by his mouth they live and die. for they thought of finding therein 50. Surely he created thee in thy the name of Jehovah, but they found mother s womb, and put into thee it not. the breath of life, and reared thee and 44. And Pharaoh said to Moses placed thee upon the royal throne of and Aaron, behold I have not found Egypt, and he will take thy breath the name of your God written in this and soul from thee, and return thee thou wast to the ground whence book, and his name I know not. 45. And the counsellors and wise taken. men answered the king, we have 51 And the anger of the king was heard that the God of the Hebrews kindled at their words, and he said is a son of the wise,* the son of an to them, but who amongst all the cient kings. Gods of nations can do this ? my* 46. And Pharaoh turned to Moses river is mine own, and I have made and Aaron and said to them, I know it for myself. not the Lord whom you have declar 52. And he drove them from him, and he ordered the labor upon Israel ed, neither will I send his people. 47. And they answered and said to be more severe than it was yester to the king, the Lord God of Gods day! and before. is his name, and he 53. And Moses and Aaron went proclaimed his name over us from the days of our out from the king s presence, and ancestors, and sent us, saying, go to they saw the children of Israel in an Pharaoh and say unto him, send my evil condition for the task masters had made their labor exceedingly people that they may serve me. 48. Now therefore send us, that heavy.
all their fishes,
.

Aaron swallowed heaven and the

we may take a journey for

in

three days and there may sacrifice to him, for from the days of our going down to Egypt, he has not taken from our hands, either

54.

the wilderness,

Lord and

And Moses returned to the said, why hast thou ill treat

burnt offering, oblation or sacrifice, and if thou wilt not send us, his an ger will be kindled against thee, and he will smite Egypt either with the plague or with the sword. 49. And Pharaoh said to them, tell

ed thy people ? for since I came to speak to Pharaoh what thou didst send me for, he has exceedingly ill used the children of Israel.
55. And the Lord said to Moses, behold thou wilt see that with an

outstretched hand and heavy plagues, Pharaoh will send the children of Israel from his land.
* See Ezekiel, ch. 29, v. 3. t Literally, from yesterday and the day be
fore,
i.

me now

his

power and
to him,

and they said

his might he created the

;

* See the same, Isaiah, ch. 19,

v. 11.

e. lately.

238
56.

THE BOOK OF JASHER. And Moses and Aaron

dwelt and cooking water turned to frogs, when they lay in their beds their perspiration bred frogs.

amongst

their brethren the children also

of Israel in Egypt. 9. Notwithstanding all this the 57. And as for the children of Israel the Egyptians embittered their anger of the Lord did not turn from lives, with the heavy work which them, and his hand was stretched out against all the Egyptians to smite they imposed upon them.

them with every heavy plague.

CHAPTER LXXX.
1.

10.

And he
lice,

dust to
the

sent and smote their and the lice became in

And at the end of two years, Egypt to the height of two cubits Lord again sent Moses to Pha upon the earth. raoh to bring forth the children of 11. The lice were also very Israel, and to send them out of the numerous, in the flesh of man and
land of Egypt.
2.

And Moses went and came

beast, in all the inhabitants of Egypt, to also upon the king and queen the

the house of Pharaoh, and he spoke to him the words of the Lord who

Lord sent the

lice.

lice,

and

it

Egypt exceedingly on account

grieved of the

had sent him, but Pharaoh would not hearken to the voice of the Lord, and God roused his might in Egypt upon Pharaoh and his subjects, and God smote Pharaoh and his people with very great and sore plagues. 3. And the Lord sent by the hand of Aaron and turned all the waters of

12. Notwithstanding this, the an ger of the Lord did not turn away, and his hand was still stretched out over Egypt. 13. And the Lord sent all kinds of beasts of the field into Egypt,

Egypt
4.

into

blood,

with

all

their

streams and rivers.

And when an Egyptian came

and they came and destroyed all Egypt, man and beast, and trees, and all things that were in Egypt.
14.

And

the

Lord sent

fiery ser

to drink

and draw water, he looked pents, scorpions, mice, weazles, into his pitcher, and behold all the toads, together with others creeping and in dust. water was turned into blood when he came to drink from his cup 15. Flies, hornets, fleas, bugs* and the water in the cup became blood. gnats, each swarmt according to its 5. And when a woman kneaded kind. her dough and cooked her victuals, 16. And all reptiles and winged
;

their

appearance was turned

of blood.
6.

And

caused all all the frogs came into the frogs, and houses of the Egyptians.
7.

animals according to their kind came to Egypt and grieved the Egyptians the Lord sent again and exceedingly. their waters to bring forth 17. And^ the fleas and flies came
to that
*
Bible, but in the bug and a gnat.

And when

the Egyptians drank,

filled

their bellies

were

with frogs

K^C^ fi are not found in the Hebrew Mishnah and Talmud mean a See Bux. Rabb. Lex. t See Parkhurst s Hebrew Lexicon upon
B>irv

and they danced they dance when

8.

in their bellies as any.

in the river.
flies,

In the Bible it is translated swarrn of but this book explains the swarm to be a mixture of all sorts of animals, birds and insects,
as any

And

all

their

drinking water

means

to mix.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

into the
tians.

239
there

eyes and ears of the

Egyp

26.

And

cattle of the
ten,

remained of the Egyptians only one in

cattle

18. And the hornet came upon them and drove them away, and they removed from it into their inner

and of the

belonging to
died.

Israel in

Goshen not one

pursued them. the Egyptians hid tians, which burst their skins, and it themselves on account of the swarm became a severe itch in all the of animals, they locked their doors Egyptians from the soles of their feet after them, and God ordered the to the crowns of their heads. Sulanuth* which was in the sea, to 28. And many boils were in their come up and go into Egypt. flesh, that their flesh wasted away 20. And she had long arms, ten until they became rotten and putrid. cubits in length of the cubit of a man. 29. Notwithstanding this the an 21. And she went upon the roofs ger of the Lord did not turn away, and uncovered the rafteringt and and his hand was still stretched out flooring and cut them, and stretched over all Egypt. forth her arm into the house and re 30. And the Lord sent a very moved the lock and the bolt, and heavy hail, which smote their vines and broke their fruit trees and dried opened the houses of Egypt. 22. Afterward came the swarm of them up that they* fell upon them. animals into the houses of Egypt, 31 Also every green herb became and the swarm of animals destroyed dry and perished, for a minglingt the Egyptians, and it grieved them fire descended amidst the hail, there fore the hail and the fire consumed exceedingly.
it

rooms, and
19.

sent a burning in flammation in the flesh of the Egyp

27.

And God

And when

23. Notwithstanding this the an ger of the Lord did not turn away from the Egyptians, and his hand

all

was

yet stretched forth against them. 24. And God sent the pestilence, and the pestilence pervaded Egypt, in the horses and asses, and in the

camels, in herds of oxen and sheep

and

in

man.

up

And when the Egyptians rose early in the morning to take their maining. * The trees became cattle to pasture they found all their decayed and
25.
cattle dead.
the Egyptians.
t

men and beasts that were found abroad perished of the flames of fire and of the hail, and all the young \ lions were exhausted. 33. And the Lord sent and brought numerous locusts into Egpyt, the Chasel, Salom Chargol, and Chagole,$ locusts each of its kind, which devoured all that the hail had left re
fell

things. 32. Also

upon

See Exodus,

find

* mxSit) the name of a sea modern t iK nJ on pDn monster, I cannot it in any of the Hebrew books. edition, but in the Venice edition it is onc3n t naMjw n, these two words are not which -may mean villages, and the verb vr\3 found in the Bible, but are joined together in means likewise to extirpate, root up, that all the the Talmud, page 116, of Bava Metziah, where villages were destroyed see Psalms, ch. 9, v. but I prefer the there is a rabbinical dispute what these words 7 Jeremiah, ch. 31, v. 40 mean mpn comes from mp to contigmte, and first. four species of locusts 3jn, V.nn, opSo, i3Tp\ Nehemiah, n3Mj? comes from o^Wn^ n ch. 3, v. 8, which some Jewish commentators mentioned in scripture and each translated lo The oySo is see Buxton, Gesenius and custs see Joel, 1, 4, and 2, 25. give, to build up

ch. 9, v. 24. Soi it is thus in the

mpm

^>Dn,

Parkhurst.

only found once.

Levit. ch. 11, v. 22.

240
34.

THE BOOK OF J^SHER.

Then

caught them in abundance and salted make your passover, for behold I come in the midst of the night for food.* 35. And the Lord turned a mighty amongst all the Egyptians, and I will wind of the sea which took away all smite all their first born, from the first the locusts, even those that were born of a man to the first born of a salted, and thrust them into the Red beast, and when I see your passover, Sea not one locust remained within I will pass over you. 42. And the children of Israel did the boundaries of Egypt. 36. And God sent darkness upon according to all that the Lord had Egypt, that the whole land of Egypt commanded Moses and Aaron, thus and Pathros became dark for three did they in that night. 43. And it came to pass in the days, so that a man could not see his hand when he lifted it to his mouth. middle of the night, that the Lord 37. At that time died many of went forth in the midst of Egypt, and the people of Israel who had rebelled smote all the first born of the Egyp against the Lord and who would not tians, from the first born of man to hearken to Moses and Aaron, and the first born of beast.

the Egyptians rejoiced passed away, and the Lord sent although they consum ses and Aaron to the children of Is ed the produce of the field, and they rael, saying, celebrate your feast and
at the locusts,

Mo

them

believed not in them that sent them.

38.

God had

44.
night,

And Pharaoh
he and
all

rose

up

in the

his servants

and

all

And who had

not go forth from

ish with

said, Egypt lest

we we

will the Egyptians,

and there was a great

per

cry throughout

Egypt

in that night,

hunger in a desolate wil for there was not a house in which derness, and who would not hearken there was not a corpse. 45. Also the likenesses of the first to the voice of Moses. 39. And the Lord plagued them born of Egypt, which were carved in in the three days of darkness, and the walls of their houses, were de the Israelites buried them in those stroyed and fell to the ground. 46. Even the bones of their first days, without the Egyptians know born who had died before this and ing of them or rejoicing over them. 40. And the darkness was very whom they had buried in their houses, great in Egypt for three days, and were raked up by the dogs of Egypt any person who was standing when on that night and dragged before the the darkness came, remained stand Egyptians and cast before them. 47. And all the Egyptians saw ing in his place, and he that was sit ting, remained sitting, and he that this evil which had suddenly come was lying continued lying in the upon them, and all the Egyptians same state, and he that was walking cried out with a loud voice. 48. And all the families of Egypt remained sitting upon the ground in the same spot and this thing hap wept upon that night, each man for pened to all the Egyptians, until the his son, and each man for his daugh darkness had passed away. ter, being the first born, and the tu 41. And the days of darkness mult of Egypt was heard at a dis
;
fl

See Parkhurst upon

locusts under the

root

nm

tance on that night. 49. And Bathia the daughter of

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

Pharaoh* went forth with the kin^ on that night to seek Moses anc Aaron in their houses, and they found them in their houses, eating and drinking and rejoicing with all Is
rael.
first

241

born,* yet fear not, for thou wilt not die, for the Lord has command ed that thou shalt live, in order to show thee his great might and strong
stretched out arm.
58. And Pharaoh ordered the children of Israel to be sent away,

50.

And

Bathia said to Moses,

is

reward for the good which I and all the Egyptians strengthened have done to thee, who have reared themselves to send them, for they thee and stretched thee out, and thou said, we are all perishing. 59. And all the Egyptians sent hast brought this evil upon me and the Israelites forth, with great riches, my father s house ? 51. And Moses said to her, surely sheep and oxen and precious things, ten plagues did the Lord bring upon according to the oath of the Lord Egypt ; did any evil accrue to thee between him and our father Abra from any of them ? did one of them ham. 60. And the children of Israel de affect thee ? and she said, no. 52. And Moses said to her, al layed going forth at night, and when
this the

though thou art the first born to thy the Egyptians came to them to bring mother, thou shalt not die, and no them out, they said to them, are we evil shall reach thee in the midst of thieves, that we should go forth at
night ? 61. And the children of Israel she said, what advantage asked of the Egyptians, vessels of is it to me, when I see the king, my brother, and all his household and silver, and vessels of gold, and gar subjects in this evil, whose first born ments, and the children of Israel perish with all the first born of Egypt? stripped the Egyptians. 62. And Moses hastened and rose 54. And Moses said to her, surely thy brother and his household, and up and went to the river of Egypt, and brought up from thence the cof subjects, the families of Egypt, would not hearken to the words of the fin of Joseph and took it with him.

Egypt.
53.

And

Lord, therefore did this

evil

come

63.

The

children of Israel also

upon them.

brought up, each man his father s 55. And Pharaoh king of Egypt coffin with him, and each man the approached Moses and Aaron, and coffins t of his tribe.

some of the children of Israel who were with them in that place, and he
prayed
them, saying, 56. Rise up and take your bre
to
1
.

CHAPTER LXXXI.
And the
children of Israel jour

thren, all the children of Israel who neyed from Raamses to Succoth, are in the land, with their sheep and about six hundred thousand men on oxen, and all belonging to them, they *
shall leave nothing remaining, only was the first born, but an idiot, I suppose there fore Adikam assumed the birth right with the pray for me to the Lord your God.
In chapter 75,
v. 50,

we are

told that Othri

57.

And Moses

said to Pharaoh, crown.

art

behold though thou * The former Pharaoh.

thy mother

t I cannot understand this, only in the sense s of all the Hebrew bodies being taken with them, unless it means the ark of his tribe.

16

242

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

.

1 1 And all the nobles of Pharaoh foot, besides the little ones and their wives. rose up in the morning, and with 2. Also a mixed multitude went them about seven hundred thousand

up with them, and

even
3.

flocks

dren

much cattle. on that day, and came to the place And the sojourning of the child- where the children of Israel were. of Israel, who dwelt in the land 12. And all the Egyptians saw
and behold Moses and Aaron and
the

and herds, men, and they went forth from Egypt

of Egypt in hard labor, was two hun dred and ten years. 4. And at the end of two hundred and ten years, the Lord brought forth the children of Israel from Egypt

all

children of Israel were sitting before Pi-hahiroth, eating and drink ing and celebrating the feast of the

Lord.
13. And all the Egyptians said to the children of Israel, surely you said, we will go a journey for three days
sacrifice to

with a strong hand.

5.

And

the children of Israel tra

velled from

Egypt and from Goshen and from Raamses, and encamped in in the wilderness arid Succoth on the fifteenth day of the God, and return. first month. 14. Now therefore
6.

our

this

the Egyptians buried all five days since you went, why do their first born whom the Lord had you not return to your masters ? 15. And Moses and Aaron an smitten, and all the Egyptians buried

And

day makes

swered them, saying, because the Lord our God has testified in us, say velled from Succoth and encamped ing, you shall no more return to in Ethom, at the end of the wilder Egypt, but we will betake ourselves ness. to a land flowing with milk and ho 8. And on the third day after the ney, as the Lord our God had sworn Egyptians had buried their first born, to our ancestors to give to us. 16. And when the nobles of Egypt many men rose up from Egypt and went after Israel to make them return saw that the children of Israel did to Egypt, for they repented that they not hearken to them, to return to had sent the Israelites away from Egypt, they girded themselves to
their slain for three days.
7.

And

the children of Israel tra

their servitude.
9.

And one man

said to his neigh

fight with Israel. 17. And the

Lord strengthened

bor, surely Moses and Aaron spoke the hearts of the children of Israel to Pharaoh, saying, we will go a over the Egyptians, that they gave three journey in the wilderness them a severe beating, and the battle

days

and
1

sacrifice to the
0.

Lord our God.

was

sore

the Egyptians fled from before the children of Israel, for many of them early in the to return, and it shall be that if they perished by the hand of Israel. return with us to Egypt to their mas 18. Ancl the nobles of Pharaoh

Now

upon the Egyptians, and

all

up morning and cause them

therefore let us rise

ters,

then shall

we know

that there

went

to

Egypt and

told

Pharaoh, say

them, but if they will not return, then will we fight with them, and make them come back with great power and a strong hand.
is faith in

of Israel have fled, ing, the children and will no more return to Egypt,

and in this manner did Moses and Aaron speak to us.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

19.

243

21. And the Lord strengthened tians. the hearts of all the Egyptians to pur 30. And Moses said to them, fear sue the Israelites, for the Lord de not, for as you have seen the Egyp sired to overthrow the Egyptians in tians this day, so shall you see them the Red Sea. no more for ever.
22. And Pharaoh rose up and har 31. The third division was of the nessed his chariot, and he ordered all children of Judah and Joseph, and the Egyptians to assemble, not one they resolved to go to meet the Egyp man was left excepting the little ones tians to fight with them. and the women. 32. And Moses said to them, stand
23.
forth

heard this thing, sachar, and they resolved to cast all themselves into the sea, for they his subjects were turned against Is were exceedingly afraid of the Egyp rael, and they repented that they had tians. 28. And Moses said to them, fear sent Israel; and all the Egyptians advised Pharaoh to pursue the chil not, stand still and see the salvation dren of Israel to make them come of the Lord which he will effect this back to their burdens. day for you. 20. And they said each man to his 29. The second division was of brother, what is this which we have the children of Zebulun, Benjamin done, that we have sent Israel from and Naphtali, and they resolved to our servitude ? go back to Egypt with the Egyp

And Pharaoh

and

his

heart and the hearts of

And all the Egyptians went in your places, for the Lord will fight with Pharaoh to pursue the for you, and you shall remain silent.
camp
of
large and of

children of Israel, and the

Egypt was an exceedingly

heavy camp, about ten hundred thou sand men. 24. And the whole of this camp went and pursued the children of Is rael to bring them back to Egypt, and they reached them encamping

And the fourth division was the children of Levi, Gad and Asher, and they resolved to go into
33.
in

the midst of the Egyptians to con found them, and Moses said to them,

remain

your stations and fear not,

by

the 25.

Red Sea. And the children

of Israel

lift

only call unto the Lord that he may save you out of their hands. 34. After this Moses rose up from amidst the people, and he prayed to

ed up their eyes, and beheld all the the Lord and said, 35. O Lord God of the whole Egyptians pursuing them, and the children of Israel were greatly terri earth, save now thy people whom fied at them, and the children of Is thou didst bring forth from Egypt, rael cried to the Lord. and let not the Egyptians boast that 26. And on account of the Egyp power and might are theirs.
36. So the Lord said to Moses, tians, the children of Israel divided themselves into four divisions, and dost thou cry unto ? speak they were divided in their opinions, to the children of Israel that they

why

me

for they

were

afraid of the Egyptians, shall proceed,

to

and do thou stretch

and Moses spoke

27.

each of them.

The

first

division

was

out thy rod upon the sea and divide of the it, and the children of Israel shall
Is-

children of

Reuben, Simeon and

pass through

it.

244
37.
lifted

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

And Moses
up
it.

his rod

did so, and he rael proceeded on their journey, and upon the sea and di encamped in Marah, and the Lord

gave to the children of Israel statutes waters of the sea and judgments in that place in Marah, were divided into twelve parts, and and the Lord commanded the chil the children of Israel passed through dren of Israel to walk in all his ways on foot, with shoes, as a man would and to serve him. 46. And they journeyed from Ma pass through a prepared road. 39. And the Lord manifested to rah and came to Elim, and in Elim the children of Israel his wonders were twelve springs of water and in Egypt and in the sea by the hand seventy date trees, and the children of Moses and Aaron. encamped there by the waters.
vided
38.

And

the

40.
Israel

And when
had

the

children
sea,

entered

the

Egyptians came after them, waters of the sea returned month after their departure from upon them, and they all sank in Egypt. 48. At that time the Lord gave the water, and not one man was left excepting Pharoah, who gave thanks the manna to the children of Israel to the Lord and believed in him, to eat, and the Lord caused food to therefore the Lord did not cause him rain from heaven for the children of Israel day by day. to perish at that time with the Egyp
the
tians.

of 47. And they journeyed from Elim the and came to the wilderness of Sin, and on the fifteenth day of the second

49.

And

the children of Israel ate

Lord ordered an an the manna for forty years, all the gel to take him from amongst the days that they were in the wilderness, Egyptians, who cast him upon the until they came to the land of Ca land of Ninevah and he reigned over naan to possess it.
41.
the
it

And

50. And they proceeded from the day the Lord wilderness of Sin and encamped in saved Israel from the hand of Egypt, Alush. And they proceeded from 51. and all the children of Israel saw that the Egyptians had perished, and Alush and encamped inRephidim. 52. And when the children of Is they beheld the great hand of the Lord, in what he had performed in rael were in Rephidim, Amalek the son of Eliphaz, the son of Esau, the Egypt and in the sea. 43. Then sang Moses and the chil brother of Zepho, came to fight with
for a long time. 42. And on that

dren of Israel this song unto the Israel. 53. And he brought with him eight Lord, on the day when the Lord caused the Egyptians to fall before hundred and one thousand men, ma and he prepar them. gicians and conjurers, 44. And all Israel sang in concert ed for battle with Israel in Rephi to the Lord for he dim. saying, I will sing the horse and his is 54. And they carried on a great greatly exalted, rider has he cast into the sea behold and severe battle against Israel, and it is written in the book of the law the Lord delivered Amalek and his and of God. people into the hands of Moses 45. After this the children of Is the children of Israel, and into the
;

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

245

hand of Joshua the son of Nun, the camped in the wilderness of Sinai, in the third month from their Ephrathite, the servant of Moses. going 55. And the children of Israel forth from Egypt. smote Amalek and his people at the 2. At that time came Reuel the edge of the sword, but the battle was Midianite, the father in law of Mo very sore upon the children of Israel. ses, with Zipporah his daughter and 56. And the Lord said to Moses, her two sons, for he had heard of the write this thing as a memorial for thee wonders of the Lord which he had in a book, and place it in the hand of done to Israel, that he had delivered Joshua the son of Nun thy servant, them from the hand of Egypt. and thou shalt command the children 3. And Reuel came to Moses to of Israel, saying, when thou shalt the wilderness where he was en come to the land of Canaan, thou camped, where was the mountain of shalt utterly efface the remembrance God. of Amalek from under heaven. 4. And Moses went forth to meet 57. And Moses did so, and he took his father in law with great honor, the book and wrote upon it these and all Israel was with him. 5. And Reuel and his children re words, saying, 58. Remember what Amalek has mained amongst the Israelites for done to thee in the road when thou many days, and Reuel knew the wentest forth from Egypt. Lord from that day forward. 59. Who met thee in the road and 6. And in the third month from smote thy rear, even those that were the children of Israel s departure feeble behind thee when thou wast from Egypt, on the sixth day thereof, faint and weary. the Lord gave to Israel the ten com 60. Therefore it shall be when the mandments on mount Sinai. Lord thy God shall have given thee 7. And all Israel heard all these rest from all thine enemies round commandments, and all Israel rejoiced about in the land which the Lord thy exceedingly in the Lord on that day. of the Lord rest God giveth thee for an inheritance, 8. And the glory to possess it, that thou shalt blot out ed upon mount Sinai, and he called the remembrance of Amalek from un to Moses, and Moses came in the
der heaven, thou shalt not forget it. midst of a cloud and ascended the 61. And the king who shall have mountain. 9. And Moses was upon the pity on Amalek, or upon his memory or upon his seed, behold I will re mount forty days and forty nights quire it of him, and I will cut him he ate no bread and drank no water,
;

and the Lord instructed him in the these statutes and judgments in order to things in a book, and he enjoined the teach the children of Israel. 10. And the Lord wrote the ten children of Israel respecting all these
off

from amongst

his people.

62.

And Moses wrote

all

matters.

commandments which he had com manded the children of Israel upon

CHAPTER
1
.

LXXXII.

to

two tablets of stone, which he gave Moses to command the children of

Israel.
1 1
.

And

the children of Israel pro

ceeded from Rephidim and they en

And

at the

end of forty days

246

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

it

and forty nights, when the Lord had water and gave finished speaking to Moses on drink.

to the Israelites to

mount Moses
12.
rael

Sinai, then the Lord gave to the tablets of stone, written

20.

And

by the swords
the calf.
21.

there died of the people of each other about

with the finger of God.

three thousand

men who had made

the

And when

the children of Is

morrow Moses go up to the round Aaron, and said, as for this Lord, peradventure I may make man Moses we know not what has atonement for your sins which you lave sinned to the Lord. become of him. 13. Now therefore rise up, make 22. And Moses again went up ta
said to the people, I will

saw that Moses tarried to come down from the mount, they gathered

And on

unto us a god who shall go before us, the Lord, and he remained with the so that thou shalt not die. Lord forty days and forty nights. 14. And Aaron was greatly afraid 23. And during the forty days did of the people, and he ordered them Moses intreat the Lord in behalf to bring him gold and he made it in of the children of Israel, and the to a molten calf for the Lord hearkened to the prayer of people.
15. And the Lord said to Moses, Moses, and the Lord was intreated before he had come down from the of him in behalf of Israel. 24. Then spake the Lord to Mo mount, get thee down for thy people

whom

thou didst bring forth from ses to hew two stone tablets and to Egypt have corrupted themselves. bring them up to the Lord, who 16. They have made to themselves would write upon them the ten com a molten calf, and have bowed down mandments. to it, now therefore leave me, that I 25. Now Moses did so, and he consume them down and hewed the two tab from off came the may a stifTnecked lets and went up to mount Sinai to earth, for they are
people.
17. the Lord, and the Lord wrote the ten besought the commandments upon the tablets. countenance of the Lord, and he 26. And Moses remained yet with prayed to the Lord for the people on the Lord forty days and forty nights, account of the calf which they had and the Lord instructed him in sta made, and he afterward descended tutes and judgments to impart to Is from the mount and in his hands rael.

And Moses

were the two tablets of stone, which 27. And the Lord commanded him God had given him to command the respecting the children of Israel that
Israelites.

18.

the

therein, and the Lord showed him people had made, the anger of Mo the likeness of the sanctuary and the ses was kindled and he broke the likeness of all its vessels. tablets under the mount. 28. And at the end of the forty

And when Moses approached camp and saw the calf which the

they should make a sanctuary for the Lord, that his name might rest

19. And Moses came to the camp days, Moses came down from the and he took the calf and burned it mount and the two tablets were in with fire, and ground it till it became his hand. fine dust, and strewed it upon the 29. And Moses came to the child-

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

247

ren of Israel and spoke to them all behold they did it as the Lord had the words of the Lord, and he taught commanded him, so Moses blessed them laws, statutes and judgments them. which the Lord had taught him.
30. ^nd Moses told the children of Israel the word of the Lord, that a sanctuary should be made for him,

CHAPTER

LXXXIII.

1. And in the twelfth month, in the twenty third day of the month, Mo rael. ses took Aaron and his sons, and he 31. And the people rejoiced great dressed them in their garments, and ly at all the good which the Lord had anointed them and did unto them as spoken to them, through Moses, and the Lord had commanded him, and they said, we will do all that the Moses brought up all the offerings Lord has spoken to thee. which the Lord had on that day

to dwell

amongst the children of

Is

32.

took Aaron sanctuary of the and his sons and said to them, for Lard, and each man brought the of seven days shall you remain at the fering of the Lord for the work of the door of the tabernacle, for thus am I
offerings
to

one

And the people rose up like commanded him. man and they made generous 2. Moses afterward
the

commanded. sanctuary, and for all its service. 33. And all the children of Israel 3. And Aaron and his sons did all brought each man of all that was that the Lord had commanded them found in his possession for the work through Moses, and they remained of the sanctuary of the Lord, gold, for seven days at the door of the ta
silver

was

and brass, and every thing that bernacle. serviceable for the sanctuary. 4. And on the eighth day, being 34. And all the wise men who the first day of the first month, in the

in work came and second year from the Israelites de the sanctuary of the Lord, ac parture from Egypt, Moses erected cording to all that the Lord had com the sanctuary, and Moses put up all manded, every man in the work in the furniture of the tabernacle and all which he had been practised and the furniture of the sanctuary, and all the wise men in heart made the he did all that the Lord had com

were practised

made

sanctuary, and its furniture and all manded him. the vessels for the holy service, as 5. And Moses called to Aaron and the Lord had commanded Moses. his sons, and they brought the burnt 35. And the work of the sanctu offering and the sin offering for them ary of the tabernacle was completed selves and the children of Israel, as at the end of five months, and the the Lord had commanded Moses. children of Israel did all that the 6. On that day the two sons of

Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, took strange and brought it before the Lord and all its furniture to Moses who had not commanded them, and ary like unto the representation which the a fire went forth from before the Lord had shown to Moses, so did Lord, and consumed them, and they the children of Israel. died before the Lord on that day. 37. And Moses saw the work, and 7. Then on the day when Moses
36.

Lord had commanded Moses.

And

they brought the sanctu

fire

248

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

had completed to erect the sanctuary, came with the twelve princes of Is the princes of the children of Israel rael, and they numbered the cMldren began to bring their offerings before of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. the Lord for the dedication of the 20. And the numbers of the chil altar. dren of Israel by the houses ^f their 8. And they brought up their of fathers, from twenty years old and
ferings each prince for one day, a upward,

were

six

hundred and three

fifty.

prince each day for twelve days.

9.

thousand, five hundred and

the offerings which they 21. But the children of Levi were brought, each man in his day, one not numbered amongst their brethren silver charger weighing one hundred the children of Israel.
all

And

and thirty shekels, one silver bowl 22. A.nd the number of all the of seventy shekels after the shekel males of the children of Israel from of the sanctuary, both of them full one month old and upward, was of fine flour, mingled with oil for a twenty-two thousand, two hundred

meat
10.

offering.

and seventy -three.

23.

spoon, weighing ten she kels of gold, full of incense.

One

And

the

number

of the chil

dren of Levi* from one month old 11. One young bullock, one ram, and above, was twenty-two thousand. one lamb of the first year for a burnt 24. And Moses placed the priests and the Levites each man to his ser offering. 1 2. And one kid of the goats for a vice and to his burden to serve the sin offering. sanctuary of the tabernacle, as the
for a sacrifice of peace Lord had commanded Moses. two oxen, five rams, five 25. And on the twentieth day of the month, the cloud was taken away he-goats, five lambs of a year old. 14. Thus did the twelve princes from the tabernacle of testimony. of Israel day by day, each man in 26. At that time the children of his day. Israel continued their journey from 15. And it was after this, in the the wilderness of Sinai, and they took

13.

And

offering,

thirteenth

day of the month, that Moses commanded the children of

Israel to observe the Passover.

a journey of three days, and the cloud resled upon the wilderness of Paran; there the anger of the Lord was kin

16. And the children of Israel kept dled against Israel, for they had pro the Passover in its season in the four voked the Lord in asking him for teenth day of the month, as the Lord meat, that they might eat.

had commanded Moses, so did the

children of Israel.
17.

27.

And

the

And
day

in the

second month, on

their voice, and gave them they ate for one month.

Lord hearkened to meat which

the

unto Moses, saying,

28. But after this the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and 18. Number the heads of all the he smote them with a great slaugh males of the children of Israel from ter, and they were buried there in
first

thereof, the

Lord spoke

twenty years old and upward, thou that place. and thy brother Aaron and the twelve 29. And the children of Israel called that place Kebroth Hattaavah, princes of Israel. * See 19. And Moses did so, and Aaron Numbers, ch. 3, v. 39.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

because there they buried the people

249

39. But the children of Israel would not hearken to them, and they 30. And they departed from Ke- hearkened to the words of the ten broth Hattaavah and pitched in Ha- men who had brought up an evil zeroth, which is in the wilderness of report of the land. 40. And the Lord heard the murParan.
that lusted flesh.

And whilst the children of Is murings of the children of Israel were in Hazeroth, the anger of and he was angry and swore, saying, the Lord was kindled against Miriam 41. Surely not one man of this on account of Moses, and she became wicked generation shall see the land from twenty years old and upward leprous, white as snow. 32. And she was confined without excepting Caleb the son of Jephneh the camp for seven days, until she had and Joshua the son of Nun. been received again after her leprosy. 42. But surely this wicked genera
31.
rael

perish in this wilderness, come to the pitched in the end of the wilderness land and they shall possess it so the of Paran. anger of the Lord was kindled against 34. At that time, the Lord spoke Israel, and he made them wander in to Moses to send twelve men from the wilderness for forty years until the children of Israel, one man to a the end of that wicked generation, tribe, to go and explore the land of because they did not follow the Lord. 43. And the people dwelt in the Canaan.
33.
tion shall

The

children of Israel after

ward departed from Hazeroth, and and

their children shall

35.

And Moses

sent the twelve wilderness of

Param

a long time,

men, and they came to the land of Canaan to search and examine it, and they explored the whole land from the wilderness of Sin to Rechob as thou comest to Chamoth. 36. And at the end of forty days they came to Moses and Aaron, and they brought him word as it was in their hearts, and ten of the men

and they afterward proceeded to the wilderness by the way of the Red
Sea.

CHAPTER LXXXIV.
1. At that time Korah the son of Jetzer the son of Kehath the son of Levi, took many men of the children of Israel, and they rose up and

brought up an evil report to the chil dren of Israel, of the land which they quarrelled with Moses and Aaron and had explored, saying, it is better for the whole congregation. 2. And the Lord was angry with us to return to Egypt than to go to this land, a land that consumes its them, and the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up, with their inhabitants. 37. But Joshua the son of Nun, houses and all belonging to them, and and Caleb the son of Jephuneh, who all the men belongind to Korah.

were of those

that explored the land,

3.

And

after this

said, the land is exceedingly good. 38. If the Lord delight in us, then

people

go round

by

God made the the way of

Mount

Seir for a long time.

he will bring us

and give 4. At that time the Lord said unto it to us, for it is a land flowing with Moses, provoke not a war against the children of Esau, for I will not give milk and honey.
to this land

250
to

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

against them, for I will give you nothing of their land.
13.

you of any thing belonging to them, as much as the sole of the foot could tread upon, for I have given Mount Seir for an inheritance to Esau. 5. Therefore did the children of
fight against the children of Seir in former times, and the Lord had delivered the children of Seir into the hands of the children of Esau, and destroyed them from before them, and the children of Esau dwelt in their stead unto this day. 6. Therefore the Lord said to the children of Israel, fight not against the children of Esau your brethren, for nothing in their land belongs to you, but you may buy food of them
for

And

the

children

of

Israel

passed the road of the wilderness of Moab for nineteen years, and they did not fight against them.
14.

Esau

And

in the thirty sixth

year

of the children of Israel s departure from Egypt the Lord smote the heart of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and he waged war, and went forth to
fight against the children of

Moab.

sent messengers to Beor the son of Janeas, the son of Balaam, counsellor to the king of
15.

And Sihon

Egypt, and

to

Balaam

his

son,

to

curse Moab, in order that it might be delivered into the hand of Sihon.

money and
of
it.

eat

it,

and you

buy water
drink
7.

them

for

16. And the messengers went and may money and brought Beor the son of Janeas, and Balaam his son, from Pethor in Meso

the children of Israel did potamia, so Beor and Balaam his son word of the Lord. came to the city of Sihon and they according 8. And the children of Israel went cursed Moab and their king in the pre
to the

And

by the way of Mount

about the wilderness, going round Sinai for a long time, and touched not the children of Esau, and they continued in that district for nineteen years. 9. At that time died Latinus king
of the children of Chittim, in the forty fifth year of his reign, which
is

sence of Sihon king of the Amorites. 17. So Sihon went out with his

the fourteenth year of the children

of Israel s departure from Egypt.

10. And they buried him in his place which he had built for himself in the land of Chittim, and Abimnas

reigned in his place for thirty eight

years. 11.

whole army, and he went to Moab and fought against them, and he sub dued them, and the Lord delivered them into his hands, and Sihon slew the king of Moab. 18. And Sihon took all the cities of Moab in the battle he also took Heshbon from them, for Heshbon was one of the cities of Moab, and Sihon placed his princes and his nobles in Heshbon, and Heshbon be longed to Sihon in those days.
;

19. Therefore the parable speak of Israel ers Beor and Balaam his son uttered passed the boundary of the children these words, saying, come unto of Esau in those days, at the end of Heshbon, the city of Sihon will be

And

the

children

nineteen years, and they came and built and established. 20. Woe unto thee Moab thou art passed the road of the wilderness of behold it Moab. lost, O people of Kemosh 12. And the Lord said to Moses, is written upon the book of the law besiege not Moab, and do not fight of God.
!
!

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

251

21 And when Sihon had conquer saying, you shall not fight against the ed Moab, he placed guards in the children of Esau, therefore the Is cities which he had taken from Moab, raelites removed from them and did and a considerable number of the not fight against them. 29. So the children of Israel de children of Moab fell in battle into the hand of Sihon, and he made a great parted from Kadesh, and all the peo capture of them, sons and daughters, ple came to mount Hor. and he slew their king so Sihon 30. At that time the Lord said to turned back to his own land. Moses, tell thy brother Aaron that 22. And Sihon gave numerous he shall die there, for he shall not presents of silver and gold to Beor come to the land which I have given and Balaam his son, and he dismissed to the children of Israel. 31. And Aaron went up, at the them, and they went to Mesopotamia to their home and country. command of the Lord, to mount Hor, 23. At that time all the children in the fortieth year, in the fifth month, of Israel passed from the road of the in the first day of the month. 32. And Aaron was one hundred wilderness of Moab, and returned and surrounded the wilderness of and twenty three years old when he died in mount Hor. Edom. 24. So the whole congregation came to the wilderness of Sin in the LXXXV. first month of the fortieth year from 1 And king Arad the Canaanite, their departure from Egypt, and the children of Israel dwelt there in who dwelt in the south, heard that Kadesh, of the wilderness of Sin, and the Israelites had come by the way Miriam died there and she was buried of the spies, and he arranged his
;

CHAPTER

there.

25.

At

sengers to let ing, thus says thy brother Israel, me pass I pray thee through thy land, we will not pass through field or vine yard, we will not drink the water of the well ; we will walk in the king s
road.

Moses sent mes Hadad king of Edom, say

that time

forces to fight against the Israelites. And the children of Israel 2. were greatly afraid of him, for he

had a great and heavy army, so the

children of Israel resolved to return
to

Egypt.
3.

And

the children of Israel turn

ed back about the distance of three days journey unto Maserath Beni

26.

And Edom

shalt not pass through went forth to and

Edom

said to him, thou Jaakon, for they were greatly afraid my country, on account of the king Arad. 4. And the children of Israel would meet the

children of Israel with

Jaakon thirty people. 27. And the children of Esau re days. 5. And when the children of Levi fused to let the children of Israel would pass through their land, so the Is saw that the children of Israel from them and not turn back, they were jealous for raelites removed the sake of the Lord, and they rose fought not against them. 28. For before this the Lord had up and fought against the Israelites

mighty not get back to their places, so they for remained in Beni

commanded

the children of Israel, their brethren, and slew of

them a

252
great body, and forced

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

them to turn messengers to Sihon, king mount Hor. Amorites, saying,
14.

of the

back
6.

to their place,

And when
still

Arad was

they returned, king arranging his host for

we

Let us pass through thy land, will not turn into the fields or in

to the vineyards, we will go battle against the Israelites. along by the king s highway until we shall 7. And Israel vowed a vow, say ing, if thou wilt deliver this people have passed thy border, but Sihon

into

my

hand, then

I will utterly

de

would not

suffer

the

Israelites

to

stroy their cities.

15. So Sihon collected all the 8. And the Lord hearkened to the voice of Israel, and he delivered the people of the Amorites and went Canaanites into their hand, and he forth into the wilderness to meet the utterly destroyed them and their children of Israel, and he fought
cities,

and he called the name of the against Israel

in Jahaz.

place
9.

Hormah.

And

the children of Israel jour

neyed from mount Hor and pitched in Oboth, and they journeyed from Oboth and they pitched at Ije-abafim, in the border of Moab.

10. And the children of Israel sent to Moab, saying, let us pass now through thy land into our place, but the children of Moab would not suf fer the children of Israel to pass spoil of the

Lord delivered Sihon king of the Amorites into the hand of the children of Israel, and Israel smote all the people of Sihon with the edge of the sword and avenged the cause of Moab. 17. And the children of Israel took possession of the land of Sihon from Aram unto Jabuk, unto the children of Ammon, and they took all the
16.

And

the

cities.

through their land, for the children

of

IS.

And Israel took all these

cities,

greatly afraid lest the and Israel dwelt in all the cities of children of Israel should do unto the Amorites. 19. And all the children of Israel them as Sihon king of the Amorites had done to them, who had taken resolved to fight against the children
their land

Moab were

and had

slain

many

of of

Ammon,
20.

to take their land also.

them.
11. Therefore

So

the

Lord

said to the child

not ren of Israel, do not besiege the suffer the Israelites to pass through children of Ammon, neither stir up his land, and the Lord commanded battle against them, for I will give the children of Israel, saying that nothing to you of their land, and the they should not fight against Moab, children of Israel hearkened to the so the Israelites removed from Moab. word of the Lord, and did not fight
12.

Moab would

And

the

children

of

Israel against the children of

Ammon.

21. And the children of Israel journeyed from the border of Moab and they came to the other side of turned and went up by the way of Arnon, the border of Moab, between Bashan to the land of Og, king of Moab and the Amorites, and they Bashan, and Og the king of Bashan pitched in the border of Sihon, king went out to meet the Israelites in of the Amorites, in the wilderness of battle, and he had with him many Kedemoth. valiant men, and a very strong force 13. And the children of Israel sent from the people of the Amorites.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

22. And Og king of Bashan was a very powerful man, but Naaron his son was exceedingly powerful, even stronger than he was. 23. And Og said in his heart, be hold now the whole camp of Israel
will
in the Lord,

253

and they fought against the men of Jaazer. 31. And these men took Jaazer and its villages, and the Lord deliv
ered them into their hand, and they drove out the Amorites who had been

takes up a space of three parsa,* now there. I smite them at once without 32. And the children of Israel took sword or spear. the land of the two kings of the 24. And Og went up mount Ja- orites, sixty cities which were on the haz and took therefrom one large other side of Jordan, from the brook stone, the length of which was three of Arnon unto Mount Hermon.

Am

33. And the children of Israel parsa, and he placed it on his head, and resolved to throw it upon the journeyed and came into the plain of camp of the children of Israel, to Moab, which is on this side of Jor smite all the Israelites with that dan, by Jericho. 34. And the children of Moab the angel of the Lord heard all the evil which the children came and pierced the stone upon the of Israel had done to the two kings head of Og, and the stone fell upon of the Amorites, to Sihon and Og, so
stone.

25.

And

behold the two kings of the Amorites, Sihon and Og, who were more pow erful than all the kings of the earth, his people and all his land into your could not stand against the children hand, and you shall do to him as you of Israel, how then can we stand be fore them? did to Sihon. 36. Surely they sent us a message 27. And Moses went down to him with a small number of the children before now to pass through our land of Israel, and Moses smote Og with on their way, and we would not suffer a stick at the ankles of his feet and them, now they will turn upon us with their heavy swords and destroy smote him. 28. The children of Israel after us and Moab was distressed on ac ward pursued the children of Og and count of the children of Israel, and all his people, and they beat and de they were greatly afraid of them, and stroyed them till there was no rem they counselled together what was to be done to the children of Israel. nant left of them. 37. And the elders of Moab re 29. Moses afterward sent some of the children of Israel to spy out Jaa- solved and took one of their men, zer, for Jaazer was a very famous Balak the son of Zippor the Moabite, and made him king over them city. 30. And the spies went to Jaazer at that time, and Balak was a very and explored it, and the spies trusted wise man.
;

the neck of Og that Og fell to the earth on account of the weight of the stone upon his neck. 26. At that time the Lord said to the children of Israel, be not afraid of him, for I have given him and all

all

the
35.

men

of

Moab were

greatly
said,

afraid of the Israelites.

And

the elders of

Moab

consisting of

*Talmudical term for four miles, each mile two thousand cubits.

38.

And

the elders of

Moab

rose

up and sent

to the children of

Midian

254
to

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

for a great the face of the earth, and they abide and enmity had been in those over against me. 46. Now therefore come and curse days between Moab and Midian, from the days of Hadad the son of Bedad this people for me, for they are too king of Edom, who smote Midian in mighty for me, peradventure I shall the field of Moab, unto these days. prevail to fight against them, and 39. And the children of Moab drive them out, for I heard that he sent to the children of Midian, and whom thou blesscst is blessed, and they made peace with them, and the whom thou cursest is cursed. 47. So the messengers of Balak elders of Midian came to the land of Moab to make peace in behalf of the went to Balaam and brought Balaam battle

make peace with them,

children of Midian. 40. And the elders of

selled

to

curse the people to fight against

Moab coun Moab.

what from
41.

with the elders of Midian 48. And Balaam came to Balak to do in order to save their lives curse Israel, and the Lord said to Israel. Balaam, curse not this people for it
to

And

all

the children of
of

said to the elders

that are

Midian,

Moab now

is

blessed.

49.

And Balak urged Balaam day

to curse to
Israel,

therefore the children of Israel lick

by day

but Balaam

up

all

round about us, as the hearkened not

ox licks up the grass of the field, for thus did they do to the two kings of the Amorites who are stronger than

we
to

are.

42.

And the

elders of Midian said

that at the

Moab, we have heard

time
ites

when Sihon king

of the

Amor

Balak on account of the word of the Lord which he had spoken to Balaam. 50. And when Balak saw that Ba laam would not accede to his wish, he rose up and went home, and Ba laam also returned to his land arid he went from there to Midian.
51.

fought against you, when he pre vailed over you and took your land,

And

the

children

of

Israel

journeyed from the plain of Moab, he had sent to Beor the son of Janeas and pitched by Jordan from Bethand to Balaam his son from Mesopo jesimoth even unto Abel-shittim, tamia, and they came and cursed you at the end of the plains of Moab. 52. And when the children of Is therefore did the hand of Sihon pre vail over you, that he took your land. rael abode in the plain of Shittim, 43. Now therefore send you also they began to commit whoredom with to Balaam his son, for he still remains the daughters of Moab. 53. And the children of Israel ap in his land, and give him his hire, that he may come and curse all proached Moab, and the children of
;

the people of whom you are afraid Moab pitched their tents opposite to so the elders of Moab heard this the camp of the children of Israel. 54. And the children of Moab were thing, and it pleased them to send to afraid of the children of Israel, and Balaam the son of Beor. 44. So Balak the son of Zippor the children of Moab took all their
;

king of Moab sent messengers to daughters and their wives of beauti ful aspect and comely appearance, Balaam, saying, 45. Behold there is a people come and dressed them in gold and silver out from Egypt, behold they cover and costly garments.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

265

55. And the children of Moab was kindled against Israel on account seated those women at the door of of this matter, and he sent a pesti their tents, in order that the children lence amongst them, and there died of Israel might see them and turn to of the Israelites twenty-four thousand

them, and not fight against Moab.

men.

there was a man of the 62. 56. And all the children of Moab did this thing to the children of Is children of Simeon whose name was rael, and every man placed his wife Zimri, the son of Salu, who connect

Now

and daughter at the door of his tent, ed himself with the Midianite Cosbi, and all the children of Israel saw the the daughter of Zur, king of Midian, act of the children of Moab, and the in the sight of all the children of Is
children of Israel turned to the daugh rael. ters of Moab and coveted them, and 63. And Phineas the son of Elazer, the son of Aaron the priest, saw they went to them.

wicked thing which Zimri had done, and he took a spear and rose tent of Moab, and saw a daughter of up and went after them, and pierced Moab and desired her in his heart, them both and slew them, and the and spoke with her at the door of the pestilence ceased from the children tent that which he desired, whilst of Israel.
this

57. And it came to pass that when Hebrew came to the door of the

they were speaking together the men of the tent would come out and speak to the Hebrew like unto these words
: .

CHAPTER LXXXVI.

you

1 At that time after the pestilence, 58. Surely you know that we are brethren, we are all the descendants the Lord said to Moses, and to Elazer of Lot and the descendants of Abra the son of Aaron the priest, saying, 2. Number the heads of the whole ham his brother, wherefore then will not remain with us, and where community of the children of Israel,

and from twenty years old and upward, all that went forth in the army. 3. And Moses and Elazer num 59. And when the children of Moab had thus overwhelmed him bered the children of Israel after their with their speeches, and enticed him families, and the number of all Israel by their flattering words, they seated was seven hundred thousand, seven him in the tent and cooked and sacri hundred and thirty. 4. And the number of the children ficed for him, and he ate of their sa of Levi, from one month old and up crifice and of their bread. 60. They then gave him wine and ward, was twenty-three thousand, he drank and became intoxicated, and and amongst these there was not a
fore will

you not
?

eat our bread

our sacrifice

they placed before him a beautiful man of those numbered by Moses damsel, and he did with her as he and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai. 5. For the Lord had told them that liked, for he knew not what he was
doing, as he had drunk plentifully of they would die in the wilderness, so wine. they all died, and not one had been 61. Thus did the children of Moab left of them excepting Caleb the son to Israel in that place, in the plain of of Jephuneh, and Joshua the son of Shittim, and the anger of the Lord Nun.

256
6.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

And
it

was

after this that th

shalt bring the children of Israel to

Moses, say unto th the land which I swore to give them,, children of Israel to avenge upon and I will be with thee. Midian the cause of their brethrei 4. And Moses said to Joshua, be the children of Israel. strong and courageous for thou wilt 7. And Moses did so, and the chil make the children of Israel inherit dren of Israel chose from amongs the land, and the Lord will be with them twelve thousand men, being thee, he will not leave thee nor for one thousand to a tribe, and they sake thee, be not afraid nor dis
said to

Lord

went
8.

to Midian.

heartened.

And the

children of Israel

war

judgments and laws to do in the land as the the princes of the congregation went Lord had commanded him. forth to meet them with joy. 8. And he taught them the way 12. And they divided all the spoil f the Lord and his laws behold they of Midian, and the children of Israel are written upon the book of the law had been revenged upon Midian for of God which he gave to the children the cause of their brethren the chil of Israel by the hand of Moses.
11.

commanded you, either to the right the prey, and they brought it or to the left. to Moses and to Elazer to the plains 7. And Moses taught the child of Moab. ren of Israel statutes and
and
all

red against Midian, and they slew every male, also the five princes of Midian, and Balaam the son of Beor did they slay with the sword. 9. And the children of Israel took the wives of Midian captive, with their little ones and their cattle, and all belonging to them. 10. And they took all the spoil

5. And Moses called to all the children of Israel and said to them,

you have seen all the good which the Lord your God has done for you
in the wilderness.
6.

Now

therefore observe

all

the

words of

this law,

and walk

in the

of the Lord your God, turn not from the way which the Lord has

way

And Moses and Elazer and

all

dren of Israel.

9.

And Moses

finished

command-

CHAPTER

LXXXVII.

ng the children of Israel, and the Lord said to him, saying, go up to the mount Abarim and die there,

1. At that time the Lord said to and be gathered unto thy people as Moses, behold thy days are ap Aaron thy brother was gathered. 10. And Moses went up as the proaching to an end, take now Joshua the son of Nun thy servant and place Lord had commanded him, and he him in the tabernacle, and I will died there in the land of Moab by command him, and Moses did so. he order of the Lord, in the fortieth 2. And the Lord appeared in the rear from the Israelites going forth tabernacle in a pillar of cloud, and rom the land of Egypt.

the pillar of cloud stood at the en trance of the tabernacle.

11.

And

the

children
in

of

Israel

Lord 3. And the Joshua the son of Nun him, be strong and courageous for thou were completed.

plains of commanded Vtoab for thirty days, and the days of and said unto weeping and mourning for Moses

vept for

Moses

the

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

257

journeyed from Shittim. and Joshua and all Israel with him passed the and Joshua was eighty two 1. And it was after the death of Jordan Moses that the Lord said to Joshua years old when he passed the Jordan the son of Nun, saying, with Israel. 2. Rise up and pass the Jordan 10. And the people went up from to the land which I have given to Jordan on the tenth day of the first the children of Israel, and thou shalt month, and they encamped in Gilgal

CHAPTER

LXXXVIII.

your plains belong to you, from the wilderness day of the month, as it is written in of Lebanon unto the great river the the law of Moses. river of Perath shall be your boundary. 1 2. And the manna ceased at that 4. No man shall stand up against time on the morrow of the Passover, as I and there was no more manna for thee all the days of thy life was with Moses, so will I be with the children of Israel, and they ate thee, only be strong and of good of the produce of the land of Canaan. 13. And Jericho was entirely courage to observe all the law which
;

the children of Israel inherit at the eastern corner of Jericho. the land. 11. And the children of Israel 3. Every place upon which the kept the Passover in Gilgal, in the feet shall tread shall of Jericho, on the fourteenth sole of

make

Moses commanded
from the way either

thee, turn not closed against the children of Israel, to the right or no one came out or went in.

to the left, in order that thou prosper in all that thou doest.
5.

mayst

14.

And

it

month, on the

first

was in the second day of the month,

And Joshua commanded

officers of Israel, saying, pass

the

men shall go round saying, prepare for yourselves pro all your fighting each in more once for three the visions, day, thus shall you days city, will pass the Jordan to possess the you do for six days.
land.
6.

camp and command

the that the Lord said to Joshua, rise up, through behold I have given Jericho into thy the people, hand with all the people thereof; and

15. And the priests shall blow the officers of the children upon trumpets, and when you shall of Israel did so, and they commanded hear the sound of the trumpet, all the the people and they did all that people shall give a great shouting, Joshua had commanded. that the walls of the city shall fall

And

7. And Joshua sent two men to spy out the land of Jericho, and the men went and spied out Jericho. 8. And at the end of seven days they came to Joshua in the camp and said to him, the Lord has delivered the whole land into our hand, and

down
every
16.

all

the people shall go

up

man against his opponent. And Joshua did so according

Lord had commanded

to all that the

him.

17. And on the seventh day they went round the city seven times, and the inhabitants thereof are melted the priests blew upon trumpets.

with fear because of us.

9.

18.

And

at

the

seventh round,

that

came to pass after that, Joshua said to Joshua rose up in the morning the Lord has
it

And

the people, shout, for delivered the whole

and

all

Israel with him,

and they 17

city into our hands.

258

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

19. Only the city and all that went up with him of the children of contains shall be accursed to the Israel about three thousand men, and Lord, and keep yourselves from the they fought against the men of Ai. 28. And the battle was severe accursed thing, lest you make the camp of Israel accursed and trouble it. against Israel, and the men of Ai 20. But all the silver and gold smote thirty six men of Israel, and and brass and iron shall be conse the children of Israel fled from before
it

crated to the Lord, they shall

into the treasury of the Lord.

come

the

29.

men of Ai. And when Joshua saw

this

the people blew upon thing, he tore his garments and fell and made a great shouting, upon his face to the ground before trumpets and the walls of Jericho fell down, the Lord, he, with the elders of Is and all the people went up, every rael, and they put dust upon their

21.

And

straight before him, and they heads. 30. And Joshua said, why O Lord took the city and utterly destroyed all that was in it, both man and wo didst thou bring this people over man, young and old, ox and sheep the Jordan ? what shall I say after and ass, with the edge of the sword. the Israelites have turned their backs

man

And they burned the whole with fire city only the vessels of silver and gold, and brass and iron, they put into the treasury of the Lord. 23. And Joshua swore at that time, saying, cursed be the man who builds Jericho he shall lay the foundation thereof in his first born, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates
22.
; ;

against their enemies 31. Now therefore

ites,

all

the Canaan-

inhabitants of the land, will hear this thing, and surround us and cut
off our

name.

32.

And

the

Lord

said to Joshua,

dost thou fall upon thy face ? rise, get thee off, for the Israelites have sinned, and taken of the accurs

why

ed thing I will no more be with them unless they destroy the accurs 24. And Achan the son of Carmi, ed thing from amongst them. 33. And Joshua rose up and as the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah,
;

thereof.

son of Judah, dealt treacherously in sembled the people, and brought the the accursed thing, and he took of Urim by the order of the Lord, and the accursed thing and hid it in the the tribe of Judah was taken, and tent, and the anger of the Lord was Achan the son of Carmi was taken.
kindled against Israel.
25.
to Achan, tell what hast thou done, and children of Israel had returned from Achan said, I saw amongst the spoil burning Jericho, Joshua sent men to a goodly garment of Shinar and two spy out also Ai, and to fight against it. hundred shekels of silver, and a 26. And the men went up and spied wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight out Ai, and they returned and said, I coveted them and took them, and

34.

And Joshua said

son,

And

it

was

after this

when

the

me my

let

not

all

the people go

up with thee behold they

are

all

hid in the earth in

to Ai, only let about three thousand the midst of the tent. men go up and smite the city, for the 35. And Joshua sent

men who went

men

thereof are but few. and took them from the tent of Achan, 27. And Joshua did so, and there and they brought them to Joshua.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

259

36. And Joshua took Achan and left the city open and pursued the these utensils, and his sons and daugh Israelites. ters and all 44. And those who were lying in belonging to him, and

they brought them into the valley of Achor. 37. And Joshua burned them there with fire, and all the Israelites stoned Achan with stones, and they raised
over him a heap of stones therefore did he call that place the valley of Achor, so the Lord s anger was ap
;

ambush

rose

up out

of their places,

peased, and Joshua afterward

to the city

came

and fought against it. 38. And the Lord said to Joshua, fear not, neither be thou dismayed, behold I have given into thy hand 46. And the children of Israel took Ai, her king and her people, and thou Melosh king of Ai alive, and they shalt do unto them as thou didst to brought him to Joshua, and Joshua Jericho and her king, only the spoil hanged him on a tree and he died. thereof and the cattle thereof shall 47. And the children of Israel re you take for a prey for yourselves turned to the city after having burned lay an ambush for the city behind it. it, and they smote all those that were 39. So Joshua did according to the in it with the edge of the sword. word of the Lord, and he chose from 48. And the number of those that amongst the sons of war thirty thou had fallen of the men of Ai, both man sand valiant men, and he sent them, and woman, was twelve thousand; and they lay in ambush for the city. only the cattle and the spoil of the 40. And he commanded them, say city they took to themselves, accord ing, when you shall see us we will ing to the word of the Lord to Joshua. flee before them with 49. And all the kings on this side cunning, and
;

and hastened to come to the city and took it and set it on fire, and the men of Ai turned back, and behold the smoke of the city ascended to the skies, and they had no means of re treating either one way or the other. 45. And all the men of Ai were in the midst of Israel, some on this side and some on that side, and they smote them so that not one of them re mained.

they will pursue us, you shall then rise out of the ambush and take the city, and they did so. 41. And Joshua fought, and the men of the city went out toward Is
rael,

Jordan,
of Israel
Ai,

all

the
evil

kings

of

Canaan,

heard of the

which the children had done to Jericho and to

and they gathered themselves to

gether to fight against Israel. not knowing that they were ly 50. Only the inhabitants of Gibein ambush for on were greatly afraid of fighting them behind the ing city. against the Israelites lest they should 42. And Joshua and all the Israel perish, so they acted cunningly, and
to Joshua and to all Is and said unto them, we have come from a distant land, now there fore make a covenant with us. 51 And the inhabitants of Gibeon

ites feigned themselves wearied out before them, and they fled by the way of the wilderness with cunning. 43. And the men of Ai gathered all the people who were in the city to pursue the Israelites, and they

they

came

rael,

over-reached the children of Israel, went out and were drawn away from and the children of Israel made a the city, not one remained, and they covenant with them, and they made

260

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

59. And Joshua and all the fight peace with them, and the princes of the congregation swore unto them, ing people went up from Gilgal, and but afterward the children of Israel Joshua came suddenly to them, and knew that they were neighbors to smote these five kings with a great them and were dwelling amongst slaughter. 60. And the Lord confounded them them. 52. But the children of Israel slew before the children of Israel, who them not for they had sworn to them smote them with a terrible slaughter by the Lord, and they became hew in Gibeon, and pursued them along ers of wood and drawers of water. the way that goes up to Beth Boron 53. And Joshua said to them, why unto Makkedah, and they fled from did you dece.ive me, to do this thing before the children of Israel. to us? and they answered him, say 61. And whilst they were fleeing, ing, because it was told to thy ser the Lord sent upon them hail stones vants all that you had done to all the from heaven, and more of them died kings of the Amorites, and we were by the hail-stones, than by the slaugh greatly afraid of our lives, and we did ter of the children of Israel.
;

this thing.

62. And the children of Israel pur And Joshua appointed them sued them, and they still smote them on that day to hew wood and to draw in the road, going on and smiting them. 63. And when they were smiting, water, and he divided them for slaves
54.
to all the tribes of Israel.

the day

was declining toward evening,

said in the sight of
all

55.

And when Adonizedek king and Joshua

of Jerusalem heard all that the child the people, sun, stand thou still up ren of Israel had done to Jericho and on Gibeon, and thou moon in the to Ai, he sent to Hoham king of valley of Ajalon, until the nation shall Hebron and to Piram king of Jar- have revenged itself upon its enemies. 64. And the Lord hearkened to muth, and to Japhia king of Lachish and to Deber king of Eglon, saying, the voice of Joshua, and the sun 56. Come up to me and help me, stood still in the midst of the hea that we may smite the children of vens, and it stood still six and thirty Israel and the inhabitants of Gibeon moments,* and the moon also stood who have made peace with the child still and hastened not to go down a ren of Israel. whole day.
together
65. And there was no day like that, they gathered themselves and the five kings of the before it or after it, that the Lord Amorites went up with all their hearkened to the voice of a man, for
57.

And

camps, a mighty people numerous as the Lord fought for Israel. the sand of the sea shore. 58. And all these kings came and LXXXIX. encamped before Gibeon, and they 1. Then spoke Joshua this song, began to fight against the inhabitants of Gibeon, and all the men of Gibeon on the day that the Lord had given

CHAPTER

Joshua, saying, come up * times ; what proportion of O^nj?, literally quickly to us and help us, for all the time, I cannot understand by this term, never have of the Amorites kings gathered used in scripture to express any division of time, so I have translated it "moment." together to fight against us.
sent to

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

the Amorites into the
1

261

hand of Joshua in thine anger, and didst bring down thou didst deIsrael, and he thy wrath upon them said in the sight of all Israel, stroy them in thine anger, and cut 2. Thou hast done mighty things, them off in thine heart. O Lord, thou hast performed great, 1 1 Nations have been consumed deeds who is like unto thee ? my jwith thy fury, kingdoms have declined because of thy wrath, thou lips shall sing to thy name. 3. My goodness and my fortress, didst wound kings in the day of thine

and the children of

high tower, I will sing a new anger. 12. Thou didst pour out thy fury song unto thee, with thanksgiving will I sing to thee, thou art the upon them, thy wrathful anger took of them, thou didst turn their strength of my salvation. jhold 4. All the kings of the earth shall iniquity upon them, and didst cut praise thee, the princes of the world them off in their wickedness.

my

rael

13. They did spread a trap, they shall sing to thee, the children of Is shall rejoice in thy salvation, fell therein, in the net they hid their they shall sing and praise thy power. foot was caught.

we con 14. Thine hand was ready for all God, for thine enemies who said, through their thou wast our shelter and strong sword they possessed the land, tower against our enemies. through their arm they dwelt in the thou didst fill their faces with 6. To thee we cried and were not city ashamed, in thee we trusted and shame, thou didst bring their horns were delivered when we cried unto down to the ground, thou didst terrify thee, thou didst hear our voice, thou them in thy wrath, and didst destroy didst deliver our souls from the them in thine anger. 15. The earth trembled and shook sword, thou didst show unto us thy us the sound of thy storm over them, at didst unto thou thy give grace,
5. fide
;

To we

Lord, did thee, said thou art our

salvation, thou didst rejoice our hearts thou

with thy strength. 7. Thou didst go forth for our sal vation, with thine arm thou didst re deem thy people thou didst answer us from the heavens of thy holiness, thou didst save us from ten thousands
;

didst not withhold their souls from death, and didst bring down
their lives to the grave. 16. Thou didst pursue

storm, thou didst

rain

them in thy consume them in

thou didst turn their thy whirlwind, into hail, they fell in deep pits so that they could not rise. of people. 1 7. Their carcasses were like rub 8. The sun and moon stood still in heaven, and thou didst stand in thy bish cast out in the middle of the wrath against our oppressors and streets. 1 8. didst command thy judgments over They were consumed and de them. stroyed in thine anger, thou didst 9. All the princes of the earth save thy people with thy might. 19. Therefore our hearts rejoice in stood up, the kings of the nations had gathered themselves together, thee, our souls exult in thy salvation. 20. Our tongues shall relate thy they were not moved at thy pre sence, they desired thy battles. might, we will sing and praise thy 10. Thou didst rise against them wondrous works.

262

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

the

and Joshua smote it with the edge of the sword and all the souls thereof, and he did to it and to the king there of as he had done to Jericho. 22. Thus shall all thine enemies 32. And from there he passed on Lord, and the wicked shall to Lachish to fight against it, and perish be like chaff driven by the wind, and Horam king of Gaza went up to as thy beloved shall be like trees plant sist the men of Lachish, and Joshua ed by the waters. smote him and his people until there 23. So Joshua and all Israel with was none left to him. him returned to the camp in Gilgal, 33. And Joshua took Lachish and after having smitten all the kings, so all the people thereof, and he did to that not a remnant was left of them. it as he had done to Libnah. 24. And the five kings fled alone 34. And Joshua passed from there on foot from battle, and hid them to Eglon, and he took that also, and selves in a cave, and Joshua sought he smote it and all the people there for them in the field of battle, and of with the edge of the sword. did not find them. 35. And from there he passed to 25. And it was afterward told to Hebron and fought against it and Joshua, saying, the kings are found took it and utterly destroyed it, and and behold they are hidden in a cave. he returned from there with all Israel 26. And Joshua said, appoint men to Debir and fought against it and to be at the mouth of the cave, to smote it with the edge of the sword. 36. And he destroyed every soul guard them, lest they take them selves away and the children of Is in it, he left none remaining, and he rael did so. did to it and the king thereof as he 27. And Joshua called to all Israel had done to Jericho. and said to the officers of battle, place 37. And Joshua smote all the kings of necks these of the Amorites from Kadesh-barnea feet the your upon kings, and Joshua said, so shall the to Azah, and he took their country at Lord do to all your enemies. once, for the Lord had fought for Is 28. And Joshua commanded af rael. terward that they should slay the 38. And Joshua with all Israel kings and cast them into the cave, came to the camp to Gilgal. and to put great stones at the mouth 39. When at that time Jabin king of the cave. of Chazor heard all that Joshua had 29 And Joshua went afterward with done to the kings of the Amorites,
;
.

21. For thou didst save us from our enemies, thou didst deliver us from those who rose up against us, thou didst destroy them from before us and depress them beneath our feet.

Lord delivered

it

into his

hand,

the people that were with him on Jabin sent to Jobat king of Midian, that day to Makkedah, and he smote and to Laban king of Shimron, to
all

with the edge of the sword. 30. And he utterly destroyed the souls and all belonging to the city, and he did to the king and people thereof as he had done to Jericho.
it

all Jephal king of Achshaph, and to the kings of the Amorites, saying, 40. Come quickly to us and help us, that we may smite the children of Israel, before they come upon us 31. And he passed from there to and do unto us as they have done to labnah and he fought against it, and the other kings of the Amorites.

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

41.

263

50. As the Lord had commanded And all these kings hearkened words of Jabin, king of Cha Moses so did Joshua and all Israel, zor, and they went forth with all they failed not in any thing. their camps, seventeen kings, and 51. So Joshua and all the children their people were as numerous as the of Israel smote the whole land of sand on the sea shore, together with Canaan as the Lord had commanded horses and chariots innumerable, and them, and smote all their kings, being they came and pitched together at thirty and one kings, and the child the waters of Merom, and they were ren of Israel took their whole country.
to the

met together
42.
fear
this

And

the

to fight against Israel. Lord said to Joshua,

52. Besides the kingdoms of Sihon and Og which are on the other
side

the Reubenites and the and to half the tribe of Manasseh. war came suddenly upon them and 53. And Joshua smote all the kings smote them, and they fell into their that were on this side Jordan to the hands, for the Lord had delivered them west, and gave them for an inheri into the hand of the children of Israel. tance to the nine tribes and to the
to
.

not, for to morrow about time I will deliver them up all slain before you, thou shalt hough their horses and burn their chariots with fire 43. And Joshua with all the men of

them

Jordan, of which smitten many cities, and

Moses had Moses gave

them

Gadites

44. So the children of Israel pur sued all these kings with their camps, and smote them until there was none left of them, and Joshua did to them as the Lord had spoken to him. 45. And Joshua returned at that time to Chazor and smote it with the sword and destroyed every soul in it, and burned it with fire, and from Chazor, Joshua passed to Shimron and smote it and utterly destroyed it. 46. From there he passed to Achshaph and he did to it as he had done to Shimron. 47. From there he passed to Adulam and he smote all the people in it, and he did to Adulam as he had done to Achshaph and to Shimron. 48. And he passed from them to all the cities of the kings which he had smitten, and he smote all the people that were left of them and he utterly destroyed them. 49. Only their booty and cattle the Israelites took to themselves as a prey, but every human being they smote, they suffered not a soul to live.

half tribe of Israel.

For five years did Joshua on the war with these kings, carry and he gave their cities to the Israel ites, and the land became tranquil from battle throughout the cities of the Amorites and the Canaanites.
54.

CHAPTER
1.

XC.
year had passed

At

that time in the fifth

after the children of Israel

over Jordan, after the

Israel

children of

had rested from their war with

the Canaanites, at that time great and severe battles arose between

Edom and the children of Chittim, and the children of Chittim fought
against
2.

Edom. And Abianus king

of Chittim

forth in that year, that is in the thirty first year of his reign, and a great force with him of the mighty

went

men

he went
3.

of the children of Chittim, and to Seir to fight against the

children of Esau.

And Hadad

the king of

Edom

264

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

Canaanites and Amorites, Joshua old and advanced in years.

and Joshua rose up and did as the Lord had spoken to him. 15. And he divided the whole land dad king of Edom, who was running to the tribes of Israel as an inherit before them, and they caught him ance, according to their divisions. 16. But to the tribe of Levi he alive, and brought him to Abianus king of Chittim. gave no inheritance, the offerings of 6. And Abianus ordered him to the Lord are their inheritance as the be slain, and Hadad king of Edom Lord had spoken of them by the died in the forty eighth year of his hand of Moses. 17. And Joshua gave Mount He reign. 7. And the children of Chittim bron to Caleb the son of Jephuneh, continued their pursuit of Edom, and one portion above his brethren, as they smote them with a great slaugh the Lord had spoken through Mo ter and Edom became subject to the ses. children of Chittim. 18. Therefore Hebron became an 8. And the children of Chittim inheritance to Caleb and his children ruled over Edom, and Edom became unto this day. under the hand of the children of 19. And Joshua divided the whole Chittim and became one kingdom land by lots to all Israel for an in from that day. heritance, as the Lord had com 9. And from that time could manded him. they mo more lift up their heads, and their 20. And the children of Israel kingdom became one with the child gave cities to the Levites from their ren of Chittim. own inheritance, and suburbs for 10. And Abianus placed officers their cattle, and property, as the in Edom and all the children of Edom Lord had commanded Moses so did became subject and tributary to the children of Israel, and they Abianus, and Abianus turned back divided the land by lot whether great
to his

heard of his report, and he went forth to meet him with a heavy people and strong force, and engaged in battle with him in the field of Edom. 4. And the hand of Chittim pre vailed over the children of Esau, and the children of Chittim slew of the children of Esau two and twenty thousand men, and all the children of Esau fled from before them. 5. And the children of Chittim pursued them and they reached Ha-

was

13. And the Lord said to Joshua, thou art old, advanced in life, and a great part of the land remains to be

for an

divide this land inheritance to the nine tribes and to the half tribe of Manasseh,

14.

Now therefore

21. And they went to inherit the government and built land according to their boundaries, for himself a spacious and fortified and the children of Israel gave to palace for a royal residence, and Joshua the son of Nun an inheritance
11.

own land, Chittim. And when he returned he

his

or small.

renewed

reigned securely over the children amongst them. of Chittim and over Edom. 22. By the word of the Lord did 12. In those days, after the child they give to him the city which he ren of Israel had driven away all the required, Timnath-serach in mount

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

Ephraim, and he
built the city

265

and and Kernania,* the children of Elisha son of Javan, and he prevailed over 23. These are the inheritances them and made them tributary. which Elazer the priest and Joshua 30. He then heard that Edom had the son of Nun and the heads of the revolted from under the hand of Chit fathers of the tribes portioned out to tim, and Latinus went to them and the children of Israel by lot in Shiloh, smote them and subdued them, and before the Lord, at the door of the placed them under the hand of the tabernacle, and they left off dividing children of Chittim, and Edom be the land. came one kingdom with the children
dwelt therein.
24.

And

the

Lord gave

the land of Chittim

all

the days.

and they possessed 31. And for many years there was it as the Lord had spoken to them, no king in Edom, and their govern and as the Lord had sworn to their ment was with the children of Chit ancestors. tim and their king.
to the Israelites,

Lord gave to the from all their enemies around them, and no man stood up against them, and the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hands, and not one thing failed of all the good which the Lord had spoken to
25. the
Israelites rest

And

32. And it was in the twenty sixth year after the children of Israel had passed the Jordan, that is the sixty sixth year after the children of Israel had departed from Egypt, that Joshua was old, advanced in years, being one hundred and eight years old in

the children of Israel, yea the Lord performed every thing. 26. And Joshua called to all the children of Israel and he blessed them, and commanded them to serve the Lord, and he afterward sent them away, and they went each man to his city, and each man to his inheri

those days. 33. And Joshua called to

rael, to their elders, their
officers,
all

all

Is

judges and after the Lord had given to

all

the Israelites rest from

their

securely in their cities. 28. And it came to pass in those days, that Abianus king of Chittim died, in the thirty eighth year of his reign, that is the seventh year of his reign over Edom, and they buried

therefore 34. Now strengthen yourselves to keep and to do all the words of the law of Moses, not to deviate from it to the right or to the left, and not to come amongst those nations who are left in the land nei him in his place which he had built ther shall you make mention of the for himself, and Latinus reigned in name of their gods, but you shall his stead fifty years. cleave to the Lord your God, as you 29. And during his reign he brought have done to this day. forth an army, and he went and fought * J03C3) KUDia, probably names of places in against the inhabitants of Britannia ancient Greece.
;

round about, and Joshua said to the elders of Israel, and to their judges, behold I am old, ad tance. vanced in years, and you have seen 27. And the children of Israel what the Lord has done to all the served the Lord all the days of Jo nations whom he has driven away shua, and the Lord gave them rest from before you, for it is the Lord from all around them, and they dwelt who has fought for you.

enemies

266

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

which he had given
to his chil

35. And Joshua greatly exhorted place the children of Israel to serve the dren.

45. And the bones of Joseph they days. the Israelites said, we buried in Shechem, in the part of the will serve the Lord our God all our field which Jacob had purchased from days, we and our children, and our chil Hamor, and which became to

Lord

all their

36.

And

all

Joseph

dren

children, and our seed for ever. for an inheritance. 37. And Joshua made a covenant 46. And they buried
s

Benjamin

in

with the people on that day, and he sent away the children of Israel, and they went each man to his inheritance and to his city.
38.

Jerusalem

which was
Benjamin
;

opposite the Jebusite, given to the children of the children of Israel bu

ried their fathers

each

man

in

the

And

it

was

in

those days,

when

city of his children.

the children of Israel

securely

in their cities, that

were dwelling 47. And at the end of two years, they bu Joshua the son of Nun died, one hun

ried the coffins of the tribes of their dred

and ten years old, and the time which they had brought which Joshua judged Israel was up from Egypt, each man in the in twenty eight years, and Israel served heritance of his children, the twelve he Lord all the days of his life. sons of Jacob did the children of Is 48. And the other affairs of Joshua rael bury, each man in the possession and his battles and his reproofs with of his children. which he reproved Israel, and all 39. And these are the names of which he had commanded them, and the cities wherein they buried the the names of the cities which the chil
ancestors,

twelve sons of Jacob, whom the chil dren of Israel possessed in his days, dren of Israel had brought up from behold they are written in the book

Egypt.
40.

Gad

of the words of Joshua to the children they buried Reuben and of Israel, and in the book of the wars on this side Jordan, in Romia, of the Lord, which Moses and Joshua

And

which Moses had given

dren. 41.

to their chil

and the children of Israel had writ

ten.

buried

49. And the children of Israel bu the city Mauda, which he ried Joshua in the border of his in had given to the children of Simeon, heritance, in Timnath-serach. which and the suburb of the city was for the was to him in mount Ephraim.

And Simeon and Levi

in

they

children of Levi.

given 50. And Elazer the son of Aaron 42. And Judah they buried in the died in those days, and they buried city of Benjamin opposite Bethle him in a hill belonging to Phineas

hem.
43.

And

Zebulun

the bones of Issachar and they buried in Zidon, in

son, which was given him mount Ephraim.

his

in

the portion which fell to their chil XCI. dren. At that time, after the death of 1 44. And Dan was buried in the in Eshtael, and Joshua, the children of the Canaan city of his children were still in the land, and the Naphtali and Asher they buried in ites to drive them out. Kadesh-naphtali, each man in his Israelites resolved
.

CHAPTER

THE BOOK OF JASHER.

267

2. And the children of Israel asked city and we will show kindness to of the Lord, saying, who shall first thee. 10. And that man showed them the go up for us to the Canaanites to fight against them ? and the Lord said, entrance of the city, and the child

ren of Joseph came and smote the city with the edge of the sword. to Simeon, go up with us into our 1 1 And the man with his family lot, and we will fight against the they sent away, and he went to the Canaanites and we likewise will go Hittites and he built a city, and he up with you, in your lot, so the called the name thereof Luz, so all

Judah
3.

shall

And

go up. the children of

Judah

said

of Simeon went with children of Judah.

children

the the Israelites dwelt in their cities, and the children of Israel dwelt in

4. And the children of Judah went their cities, and the children of Is up and fought against the Canaanites, rael served the Lord all the days of so the Lord delivered the Canaan Joshua, and all the days of the elders, ites into the hands of the children of who had lengthened their days after Judah, and they smote them in Be- Joshua, and saw the great work of the Lord, which he had performed zek, ten thousand men.

they fought with Adoni- for Israel. 1 2. And the elders judged Israel Bezek, and he fled from be fore them, and they pursued him and after the death of Joshua for seven caught him, and they took hold of teen years. 13. And all the elders also fought him and cut off his thumbs arid great
5.

And
in

bezek

the battles of Israel against the Ca three naanites, and the Lord drove the Ca score and ten kings having their naanites from before the children of thumbs and great toes cut off, ga Israel, in order to place the Israelites thered their meat under my table, as in their land. 14. And he accomplished all the I have done, so God has requited
toes.
6.

And Adoni-bezek

said,

me, and they brought him salem and he died there.

7.

And

words which he had spoken to Abra ham, Isaac and Jacob, and the oath the children of Simeon which he had sworn, to give to them
to

Jeru

went with

the children of Judah, and they smote the Canaanites with the edge of the sword. 8. And the Lord was with the children of Judah, and they possess ed the mountain, and the children

and to their children, the land of the

Canaanites.
15. And the Lord gave to the children of Israel the whole land of

Canaan, as he had sworn to their and the Lord gave them of Joseph went up to Bethel, the rest from those around them, and the same is Luz, and the Lord was with children of Israel dwelt securely in their cities. them. 16. Blessed be the Lord for ever, 9. And the children of Joseph spied out Bethel, and the watchmen amen, and amen. 17. Strengthen yourselves, and let saw a man going forth from the city, and they caught him and said unto the hearts of all you that trust in the him, show us now the entrance of the Lord be of good courage.
ancestors,

THE END