Back to Index

Back to The Good Fight


Question: What is the book of Jasher? The Book of Jashar (or Upright) A book quoted twice in the Old Testament: Joshua's poetic address to the sun and the moon (Josh. 10:12-13) and David's lament for Saul and Jonathan (2 Sam. 1:17-27). The "Book of Jashar" probably consisted of poems on important events in Israel's history collected during the time of David or Solomon. The "Book of Jashar" is often compared to or identified with the "Book of the Wars of the Lord." (Source: Hollman's Dictionary) ZPBD: This ancient book is thought to have been a collection of poetry, probably odes and psalms in praise of Israel's heroes and exploits (p.408). Mc& Str: "The book of the upright [man]". A book that existed among the Hebrews, containing the records of honored men, or other praiseworthy transactions. Cited in two passages of the O.T.: "And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day" (Josh. 10:13. "And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son (also he bade them teach the children of Judah [the use of] to bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher." (2 Sam. 1:17,18). After this follows the lamentation of David. "The book of Jashar from which this information is taken is also mentioned in 2 Sam.1:18, where it is introduced by exactly the same formula as here. The work appears to have been a collection of odes in praise of certain heroes of the theocracy, interwoven with historical notices of their achievements" (Woudstra.176). 

If you have corrections, questions, comments or suggestions about these questions and answers, please contact Leon Mauldin directly at leon.mauldin@gmail.com


Back to Index

Back to The Good Fight