The Book of Jasher, a collection of Jewish legends and lore, fills in some of those gaps, offering a more detailed (and sometimes surprising) account. Let's dive into Chapter 42 and see what it reveals.
So, the brothers have just tossed Joseph into a pit. Talk about sibling rivalry, right? The text says they "sat on the opposite side, about the distance of a bow-shot...to eat bread, and whilst they were eating, they held counsel together what was to be done with him." (Jasher 42:1). Can you imagine the callousness? Enjoying a meal while debating the fate of their own brother! They considered killing him, but Judah had a slightly less…final idea.
Just then, "a company of Ishmaelites" appeared, heading to Egypt. Judah proposes, "What gain will it be to us if we slay our brother? Peradventure God will require him from us...let us dispose of him to them." (Jasher 42:3). Sound familiar? We see a version of this in Genesis 37:26-27. The Book of Jasher adds the motivation of fear of divine retribution! So, they decide to sell Joseph, washing their hands of the whole messy situation.
But here’s where it gets even more complicated. Before the Ishmaelites arrive, "seven trading men of Midian" show up (Jasher 42:5). Thirsty, they approach the pit, thinking it contains water. Instead, they find Joseph. According to Jasher, "every species of bird was upon him." (Jasher 42:5). An interesting detail, indeed.
They pull him out, and his brothers immediately try to claim him as a runaway servant. The Midianites aren't buying it. "Is this your servant, or does this man attend you? Peradventure you are all his servants, for he is more comely and well favored than any of you, and why do you all speak falsely unto us?" (Jasher 42:9). They refuse to hand him over, leading to a tense standoff.
Things escalate quickly. The brothers threaten violence. But then Simeon steps up, the Book of Jasher says. He lets out a shout that shakes the earth! "And the Midianites were terrified on account of Simeon and the noise of his shouting, and they fell upon their faces, and were excessively alarmed" (Jasher 42:13). Simeon, reminding them of his (and Levi's) destruction of Shechem, basically scares them into negotiating.
The Midianites, now thoroughly intimidated, offer to buy Joseph. Clever, right? "Surely you have said that the young man is your servant, and that he rebelled against you, and therefore you placed him in the pit; what then will you do with a servant who rebels against his master? Now therefore sell him unto us..." (Jasher 42:17). The text notes, significantly, "the Lord was pleased to do this in order that the sons of Jacob should not slay their brother" (Jasher 42:17). It's almost like divine intervention is working behind the scenes, ensuring a (relatively) less deadly outcome.
They sell Joseph for twenty pieces of silver. But the Midianites, now on their way, start to have second thoughts. They worry they’ve bought stolen property! Just then, the Ishmaelites from the beginning of the chapter finally show up. The Midianites quickly sell Joseph again, recouping their money and passing the buck.
Now Joseph is with the Ishmaelites, headed to Egypt. And here's where the Book of Jasher really tugs at the heartstrings. As they travel, Joseph realizes where they're going and starts to weep, lamenting his separation from his father and homeland. The Ishmaelites, not exactly known for their empathy, respond by hitting him and making him walk.
According to the text, "The Lord saw the ambition of Joseph and his trouble, and the Lord brought down upon those men darkness and confusion, and the hand of every one that smote him became withered" (Jasher 42:28). The Ishmaelites, understandably freaked out, realize their misfortune is connected to Joseph.
Joseph then passes by his mother Rachel's grave. In an incredibly moving scene, he cries out to her, begging her to intercede on his behalf. "O my mother, my mother, O thou who didst give me birth, awake now, and rise and see thy son, how he has been sold for a slave, and no one to pity him" (Jasher 42:31). And here's the truly remarkable part: Joseph hears a voice from the grave! Rachel’s spirit responds, comforting him and urging him to trust in God. "My son, my son Joseph, I have heard the voice of thy weeping and the voice of thy lamentation...hope to the Lord, and wait for him and do not fear, for the Lord is with thee, he will deliver thee from all trouble" (Jasher 42:38-39). Can you imagine the power of that moment?
Of course, the Ishmaelites, oblivious to this supernatural encounter, just see Joseph crying and beat him some more. But God continues to punish them with darkness and storms. Finally, they realize they need to make amends. They beg Joseph for forgiveness, and when he prays for them, the plague lifts.
They briefly consider returning Joseph to his father, but decide it's too far. Instead, they resolve to sell him for a high price in Egypt, hoping to be rid of his "evil."
What does all this tell us? The Book of Jasher paints a vivid picture of Joseph's suffering, his resilience, and the ever-present hand of God. It reminds us that even in moments of profound despair, hope and faith can endure. And maybe, just maybe, our ancestors are closer than we think, listening to our cries from beyond.