Let's dive into Chapter 56 of the Book of Jasher, a fascinating, albeit non-canonical, work that expands upon biblical narratives.
According to Jasher, Jacob lived in Egypt for seventeen years, reaching the ripe old age of 147. As his health began to fail, he summoned Joseph, his beloved son, from Egypt. Jacob, knowing his time was near, made Joseph and his other sons swear an oath: to bury him in the cave of Machpelah in Hebron, the final resting place of his ancestors. He commanded them to serve God, reminding them that the one who delivered their fathers would also deliver them from all trouble.
The text describes two separate blessings. First, Jacob gathered all his grandchildren and blessed them, invoking the blessings of Abraham and multiplying them a thousandfold. Then, the next day, he called his sons together for individual blessings, "each man did he bless according to his blessing," as it says in Jasher. (This aligns with the more cryptic blessings we find in Genesis 49).
One blessing stands out: Judah. Jacob prophesied that Judah would reign over his brethren, and that his sons would reign over their sons forever. But there's a condition: Judah must teach his sons archery and the weapons of war, so they could fight for their brother who would rule over his enemies. This hints at the future Davidic line, which would indeed come from the tribe of Judah.
Jacob then gave specific instructions for his funeral procession. Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun were to carry the bier on the east side; Reuben, Simeon, and Gad on the south; Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin on the west; and Dan, Asher, and Naphtali on the north. Levi was excluded because his descendants would carry the Ark of the Covenant. Joseph, as a king, was also excluded, but his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, would take his place.
And here's a touching moment: Jacob asks Joseph to forgive his brothers for their past misdeeds. “O my son," he says, "leave not thy brethren to the inhabitants of Egypt, neither hurt their feelings, for behold I consign them to the hand of God and in thy hand to guard them from the Egyptians." It’s a plea for unity and forgiveness, recognizing that even past wrongs can serve a greater purpose.
After giving his final instructions, Jacob died. The mourning was immense. Joseph wept openly, and his son's wives and the entire household joined in the lamentation. They tore their garments, wore sackcloth, and cast dust upon their heads, classic signs of grief. The Egyptians, too, mourned Jacob for seventy days.
Joseph then sought permission from Pharaoh to fulfill his oath to bury his father in Canaan. Pharaoh not only granted permission but issued a proclamation: anyone who didn't accompany Joseph and his brethren to bury Jacob would face death! So, a massive procession formed, a spectacle fit for a king.
The description of the funeral procession is quite elaborate. The bier was made of pure gold, inlaid with precious stones. Joseph placed a golden crown on his father's head and a golden scepter in his hand, honoring him as if he were still alive. The troops of Egypt, mighty men of Pharaoh and Joseph, all girded with swords and coats of mail, marched in formation. Weepers and mourners led the way, followed by the bier, and then the rest of the people. Joseph and his household walked barefooted near the bier, surrounded by armed servants. Fifty of Jacob's servants scattered myrrh, aloes, and perfumes along the road.
The procession reached the threshing floor of Atad, beyond the Jordan River, where they mourned with exceeding great sorrow. News of Jacob's death reached the kings of Canaan, and thirty-one of them came with their men to join the mourning. Seeing Joseph's crown upon the bier, they added their own crowns, encircling it in tribute.
But the story doesn't end there. Esau, Jacob's estranged brother, arrived with his sons and a large company. He challenged Joseph's right to bury Jacob in the cave of Machpelah, claiming it belonged to him. Joseph countered, stating that Jacob had bought the cave from Esau years ago. Esau denied the sale, knowing that Joseph wasn't present at the time.
Joseph sent Naphtali, known for his swiftness, to Egypt to retrieve the records of the purchase. While Naphtali was gone, Esau and his sons attacked Joseph and his brethren, leading to a battle.
And here comes the unlikely hero: Chushim, the deaf and dumb son of Dan. Though unable to hear or speak, he understood the commotion. Learning of Esau's challenge, he ran into the midst of the battle and slew Esau with a sword, cutting off his head! With Esau out of the way, the sons of Jacob prevailed and buried their father in the cave of Machpelah.
The Book of Jasher tells us that no king had ever been honored as Joseph honored his father. After the burial, Joseph and his brethren observed a seven-day mourning period.
So, what do we make of this elaborate tale? It's a powerful testament to the importance of honoring our ancestors, fulfilling our promises, and maintaining family unity even in the face of conflict. It also highlights the enduring legacy of Jacob, whose life continues to inspire and challenge us centuries later.