We read about the conquest of Canaan in the Book of Joshua, but the story doesn't quite end there. The Book of Jasher, a non-canonical Jewish text that fills in some of the gaps in the biblical narrative, picks up the story right where Joshua leaves off.
Chapter 91 opens with a simple statement: "At that time, after the death of Joshua, the children of the Canaanites were still in the land, and the Israelites resolved to drive them out." It’s a reminder that even after the big victories, the work of claiming the Promised Land wasn't quite finished.
So, what do you do when your leader is gone? The Israelites turn to Adonai, asking, "Who shall first go up for us to the Canaanites to fight against them?" The response is clear: "Judah shall go up." Judah, one of the twelve tribes, is chosen to lead the charge.
But Judah doesn't go it alone. They call upon Simeon: "Go up with us into our lot, and we will fight against the Canaanites and we likewise will go up with you, in your lot." It's a beautiful display of tribal cooperation. Simeon agrees, and together they head into battle. "And the children of Judah went up and fought against the Canaanites, so the Lord delivered the Canaanites into the hands of the children of Judah, and they smote them in Bezek, ten thousand men."
The story takes a particularly dark turn with the tale of Adonibezek. After a fierce battle in Bezek, Adonibezek is captured. The Israelites take hold of him and cut off his thumbs and great toes. Why? Adonibezek chillingly explains, "Three score and ten kings having their thumbs and great toes cut off, gathered their meat under my table, as I have done, so God has requited me." It's a brutal reflection of the cycle of violence and retribution. Adonibezek is brought to Jerusalem, where he dies.
The narrative continues with the other tribes. "And the children of Simeon went with the children of Judah, and they smote the Canaanites with the edge of the sword." We hear of the Joseph tribes and their clever strategy to capture Bethel, also known as Luz. They spy a man leaving the city and promise him kindness if he shows them the entrance. He does, the city is taken, and the man and his family are spared. He then goes on to found another city, also named Luz, among the Hittites.
The chapter concludes with a reflection on the period after Joshua. "So all the Israelites dwelt in their cities, and the children at Israel dwelt in their cities, and the children of Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders, who had lengthened their days after Joshua, and saw the great work of the Lord, which he had performed for Israel." The elders judged Israel for seventeen years, continuing the fight against the Canaanites and fulfilling God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
"And he accomplished all the words which he had spoken to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the oath which he had sworn, to give to them and to their children, the land of the Canaanites. And the Lord gave to the children of Israel the whole land of Canaan, as he had sworn to their ancestors, and the Lord gave them rest from those around them, and the children of Israel dwelt securely in their cities."
The chapter ends with a resounding blessing: "Blessed be the Lord for ever, amen, and amen. Strengthen yourselves, and let the hearts of all you that trust in the Lord be of good courage."
It's a powerful reminder that even after the grand victories, the work of building and securing a future requires constant effort, cooperation, and faith. And that sometimes, the most enduring legacies are built not by the heroes themselves, but by those who carry on their work long after they're gone.