Jashar יָשָׁר

Male H3477H 2 books

Ancient Hebrew book mentioned in the Old Testament

Who is Jashar in the Bible?

Jashar, also known as the "Book of the Upright," was an ancient Hebrew collection of poetry and historical accounts mentioned twice in the Old Testament but not included in the biblical canon. The book is referenced in Joshua 10:13 in connection with the miraculous event of the sun and moon standing still during Joshua's battle against the Amorite kings, and again in 2 Samuel 1:18, where David's lament over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan is said to have been recorded in it. These references suggest that the Book of Jashar was a recognized and authoritative source of poetic and historical material among ancient Israelites, though its exact content, authorship, and date remain unknown. The existence of Jashar demonstrates that biblical writers drew upon other literary sources to supplement their narratives and poetry.

Biography

Jashar, also known as the "Book of Jashar" or the "Book of the Upright," is mentioned twice in the Old Testament (Jos.10.13 and 2Sa.1.18). It appears to have been an ancient Hebrew collection of poetry or historical accounts that was known to the authors of the biblical texts. In Jos.10.13, the book of Jashar is referenced in connection with the miraculous event of the sun and moon standing still during Joshua's battle against the Amorite kings. In 2Sa.1.18, David's lament over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan is said to be written in the Book of Jashar. These references suggest that the Book of Jashar was a recognized source of poetry and historical information, although the book itself is not included in the biblical canon. The exact content and date of the Book of Jashar are unknown, and no copies of the book have been discovered.

In Scripture

2 biblical books ; 1 with study content

Joshua 1 verse

Joshua 10:13

"So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? “So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.”"
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2 Samuel 1 verse

2 Samuel 1:18

"and he ordered that the sons of Judah be taught the Song of the Bow. It is written in the Book of Jashar:"

Names & Aliases

Form	Language	Script	Transliteration	Meaning
Named	Hebrew	יָשָׁר	yashar	straight (literally or figuratively)