It's considered by many to be part of the Apocrypha, a collection of writings of uncertain origin, that elaborates on stories from the Bible and fills in gaps. Think of it as historical fan fiction, if you will. And Chapter 73 is where things get really interesting.
The chapter opens by telling us that in the 55th year of Pharaoh's reign, which was the 157th year of the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt, Moses was reigning in Cush. He was 27 years old, and he reigned for 40 years! The people of Cush loved him. He was favored by both God and man.
But here's the thing: Cush was in the middle of a long, drawn-out siege of a city. Nine years, no end in sight. The people were desperate. So they came to their new king, Moses, and asked for his counsel. "Give us counsel that we may see what is to be done to this city!" they pleaded.
Moses, ever the strategist, comes up with a plan. But it's not what you'd expect. He tells them to gather young storks from the forest. Every man must bring one back, or face death! Then, they had to raise these storks, teaching them to hunt like hawks. After they were grown, they had to be starved for three days.
Okay, stay with me.
On the third day, Moses orders the men to arm themselves, grab their hungry storks, and ride to the place where the serpents are. And there – this is the key – they released the storks on the snakes. The storks, ravenous after three days of hunger, devoured the serpents.
With the serpent problem solved, the army of Cush stormed the city and took it, losing not a single man. Balaam the magician (yes, that Balaam) fled back to Egypt with his sons and brothers. According to the Book of Jasher, these are the same sorcerers who later opposed Moses during the plagues.
So, Moses wins the city through wisdom and is placed on the throne, replacing the previous king, Kikianus. They even give him Kikianus's widow, Adoniah, as a wife!
But here's where Moses's true character shines through. He feared God and remembered the oaths of his ancestors – Abraham and Isaac, as we are told in the text. They had sworn not to take wives from the Canaanites or make alliances with the children of Ham. The Book of Jasher even states that God gave Ham and his descendants as slaves to the children of Shem and Japheth. So, Moses refuses to consummate the marriage with Adoniah, remaining true to his faith.
Moses strengthens his kingdom, guides the people with wisdom, and prospers. When Aram and the children of the East hear of Kikianus's death, they rebel. Moses gathers an army and defeats them, bringing them under Cushite rule. He governs with righteousness, following in the footsteps of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. "Moses feared the Lord his God all his life, and Moses walked before the Lord in truth, with all his heart and soul."
What's fascinating about this story is how it portrays Moses as a leader before his encounter with the burning bush. It highlights his strategic mind, his piety, and his unwavering commitment to God's law. It’s a glimpse into a Moses we don't typically see in the traditional narrative.
The Book of Jasher, while not canonical, offers a compelling and thought-provoking perspective on biblical figures and events. It reminds us that there are always other stories, other interpretations, waiting to be discovered. And it makes you wonder: what other untold stories are hidden within the vast tapestry of Jewish tradition?