We know the biblical account, but there are other traditions that fill in the gaps, offering a more detailed picture of his reign. Today, we’re diving into Chapter 58 of the Book of Jasher, a non-canonical text that expands on the stories we find in the Hebrew Bible.
According to Jasher, in the thirty-second year after the Israelites arrived in Egypt, and Joseph was seventy-one years old, the Pharaoh died. His son, Magron, took the throne. But here's the interesting part: before his death, Pharaoh commanded Magron to treat Joseph as a father and to rely on his counsel. And that's exactly what happened.
The text tells us that all of Egypt wanted Joseph to be their king. While Magron technically sat on the throne, he placed all the laws and affairs of government in Joseph's hands, just as his father had instructed. So, in effect, Joseph became king over Egypt! He oversaw everything. The people loved him and sought his advice.
But, of course, there were dissenters. As Jasher notes, some Egyptians grumbled, "No stranger shall reign over us." Despite this undercurrent of resentment, Joseph’s power was absolute. He was the regulator, doing as he liked throughout the land without anyone interfering.
And Joseph wasn’t just managing internal affairs. He was also a military leader. According to Jasher, Joseph waged war against Egypt's enemies, subduing them all the way to the borders of Canaan, and even the land of the Philistines. They all paid taxes to Joseph. Magron, the Pharaoh, remained on his throne, but he was under Joseph’s control and counsel. In essence, Joseph reigned over the entire region, from Egypt to the great river Perath, likely referring to the Euphrates.
Jasher emphasizes that Joseph was successful in all his endeavors because the Lord was with him. God gave him wisdom, honor, glory, and inspired love for him in the hearts of the Egyptians. He reigned for forty years, and all the surrounding lands – Philistines, Canaan, Zidon, and the region beyond the Jordan – brought him gifts and paid tribute. The text repeats, almost for emphasis, that the whole country was in Joseph's hand, and he sat securely upon his throne in Egypt.
Meanwhile, Joseph’s brothers, the sons of Jacob, lived securely in the land, fruitful and multiplying, serving the Lord as their father Jacob had commanded them.
But the peace wouldn't last forever.
After many years, the children of Esau, also known as Edomites, who were dwelling quietly in their land, decided to challenge Joseph's power. They wanted to free their brother Zepho, the son of Eliphaz, and his men, who were still slaves to Joseph. So they formed an alliance with the children of the east, the people of Angeas, and even the Ishmaelites. A massive army, numbering around 800,000, marched on Egypt and encamped by Rameses.
Joseph, with his brethren and a force of Egyptian soldiers, numbering only 600, went to meet them in battle. This was the fiftieth year after the sons of Jacob had come down to Egypt, and the thirtieth year of Bela's reign over the children of Esau in Seir.
The Lord, according to Jasher, delivered the mighty men of Esau and the children of the east into Joseph's hand. The sons of Jacob inflicted a devastating defeat, slaying about 200,000 men, including their king, Bela. Seeing their king fall, the Esauites lost heart. Joseph and his brethren pursued them, killing another 300 men.
When Joseph returned to Egypt, he ordered Zepho and his men to be bound even more securely, increasing their suffering. The defeated armies of Esau and the east returned home in shame. They then chose a new king, Jobab, from the land of Botzrah. Jobab reigned for ten years, and the children of Esau, fearful of the sons of Jacob's valor, did not dare to wage war against them again. However, Jasher tells us that from that day forward, a deep hatred and enmity festered between the descendants of Esau and Jacob.
After Jobab’s death, a man named Chusham from the land of Teman became king, reigning for twenty years. Throughout this time, Joseph, his brethren, and all the children of Israel dwelled securely in Egypt, free from war and strife.
So, what do we make of this account? The Book of Jasher offers a compelling expansion of the biblical narrative, portraying Joseph as not just a wise administrator, but also a powerful military leader who secured the prosperity of Egypt and the safety of his family. It also highlights the enduring animosity between the descendants of Jacob and Esau, a theme that resonates throughout Jewish history.
It's a reminder that even in times of peace and prosperity, the seeds of future conflict can be sown, and that the choices we make today can have lasting consequences for generations to come.