Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)
Search every verse of Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs) instantly,
or switch to All Books to search the whole library.
Tip: search a book by name in either tongue — Yirmeyahu or Jeremiah —
or type a reference like 23:6 or Jeremiah 23:6 and press Enter to jump straight there.
Edut HaShneim Asar
Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs
Introduction
THE TESTAMENTS OF THE TWELVE PATRIARCHS
INTRODUCTION
The Heritage of the Twelve, the Blueprint of Antiquity, and the Unfolding of the Vision
The Historical and Literary Origin
The text before you draws from a profound literary tradition: a series of ancient biographies written between 107 and 137 B.C.. Culturally, they represent a forceful exposition from an era of deep spiritual reflection, showing how a writer with a rare gift of literature secured publicity and authority by using the names of the greatest men of ancient times. Truly, "there were intellectual giants in those days," and the Twelve Patriarchs were the Intellectual Giants of our nation! Each patriarch is here made to tell his life story. When he is on his deathbed, he calls all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren about him, and proceeds without reservation to lay bare his experiences for the moral guidance of his hearers. If he fell into sin, he tells all about it and then counsels them not to err as he did. If he was virtuous, he shows what rewards were his. When you look beyond the unvarnished—and at times, almost brutally frank—passages of the text, you will discern a remarkable attestation of the expectations of the Mashiach (Messiah) which existed over a century before His earthly manifestation.
The Dual Threads: Musar and Chazon
The chapters within the Ivri Heritage Bible are woven together by two primary thematic threads: Musar (moral discipline/instruction) and Chazon (prophetic vision). · The Blueprint of Musar: Each patriarch chooses a specific virtue he attained or a specific sin by which he was ensnared. With absolute transparency, they expose their own vulnerabilities. The reader is warned against the subtle spirits of envy, anger, lust, and greed, and is instead exhorted to pursue truth, single-heartedness, compassion, and the keeping of the commandments. · The Light of Chazon: Beyond moral instruction, each testament contains a cosmic perspective. The patriarchs foresee the inevitable straying of their lineages, the scattering of the tribes, and the pollution of the sanctuary. Yet, the vision never ends in darkness. In every instance, the text points toward the ultimate horizon of hope: the appearance of the Mashiach.
Bridging the Covenants: Ethical Immortality
There is another element of rare and irreplaceable value in this strange, beautiful series. As scholarship on the Pseudepigrapha notes, its ethical teaching has achieved a real immortality by directly influencing the thought and diction of the writers of the Brit Chadashah (New Covenant), and even those of our Master, Yeshua HaMashiach. This ethical teaching, which is very much higher and purer than the rigid legalism often associated with ancient eras, is yet the true spiritual child of the Torah and Prophets. It serves as a vital historical guide to bridge the chasm that sometimes appears to divide the ethics of the Old and New Testaments. The instances of the influence of these writings on the New Covenant scriptures are notable and undeniable: · The Sermon on the Mount: Reflects the exact spirit and even uses specific phrases directly from these Testaments. · The Epistles of Sha'ul (Paul): The Apostle appears to have borrowed so freely from these concepts that it seems as though he must have carried a copy of these Testaments with him on his missionary travels. Thus, the reader has before them in these pages what is at once striking for its blunt, primitive style, and immensely valuable as a window into the actual source-era and thought-world of the Hebrew Bible.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 1
The Testament of Reuven - Chapter One
1.0×
1THE Copy of the Testament of Reuven, even the commands which he gave his sons before he died in the hundred and twenty-fifth year of his life.2Two years after the death of Yoseph his brother, when Reuven fell ill, his sons and his sons' sons were gathered together to visit him.3And he said to them: My children, behold I am dying, and go the way of my fathers.4And seeing there Yehudah, and Gad, and Asher, his brethren, he said to them: Raise me up that I may tell to my brethren and to my children what things I have hidden in my heart, for behold now at length I am passing away.5And he arose and kissed them, and said unto them: Hear, my brethren, and do ye my children, give ear to Reuven your father, in the commands which I give unto you.6And behold I call to witness against you this day the Elohim of heaven, that ye walk not in the sins of youth and whoredom, wherein I was poured out, and defiled the bed of my father Yisrael.7And I tell you that He smote me with a sore plague in my loins for seven months; and had not my father Yisrael prayed for me to Yahuah, Yahuah would have destroyed me.8For I was thirty years old when I wrought the evil thing before Yahuah, and for seven months I was sick unto death.9And after this I repented (teshuvah) with set purpose of my soul for seven years before Yahuah.10And wine and strong drink I drank not, and flesh entered not into my mouth, and I ate no pleasant food; but I mourned over my sin, for it was great, such as had not been in Yisrael.11And now hear me, my children, what things I saw concerning the seven spirits of deceit, when I repented.12Seven spirits therefore are appointed against man, and they are the leaders in the works of youth.13And seven other spirits are given to him at his creation, that through them should be done every work of man.14The first is the spirit of life, with which the constitution of man is created.15The second is the sense of sight, with which ariseth desire.16The third is the sense of hearing, with which cometh teaching.17The fourth is the sense of smell, with which tastes are given to draw air and breath.18The fifth is the power of speech, with which cometh knowledge.19The sixth is the sense of taste, with which cometh the eating of meats and drinks; and by it strength is produced, for in food is the foundation of strength.20The seventh is the power of procreation and sexual intercourse, with which through love of pleasure sins enter in.21Wherefore it is the last in order of creation, and the first in that of youth, because it is filled with ignorance, and leadeth the youth as a blind man to a pit, and as a beast to a precipice.22Besides all these there is an eighth spirit of sleep, with which is brought about the trance of nature and the image of death.23With these spirits are mingled the spirits of error.24First, the spirit of whoredom is seated in the nature and in the senses;25The second, the spirit of insatiableness in the belly;26The third, the spirit of fighting, in the liver and gall.27The fourth is the spirit of obsequiousness and chicanery, so that through officious attention one may be fair in seeming.28The fifth is the spirit of pride, that one may be boastful and arrogant.29The sixth is the spirit of lying, in perdition and jealousy to practise deceits, and concealments from kindred and friends.30The seventh is the spirit of injustice, with which are thefts and acts of rapacity, that a man may fulfil the desire of his heart; for injustice worketh together with the other spirits by the taking of gifts.31And with all these the spirit of sleep is joined which is that of error and fantasy.32And so perisheth every young man, darkening his mind from the truth, and not understanding the Torah of Elohim, nor obeying the admonitions of his fathers, as befell me also in my youth.33And now, my children, love the truth, and it will preserve you: hear ye the words of Re'uven your father.34Pay no heed to the face of a woman,35Nor associate with another man's wife,36Nor meddle with affairs of womankind.37For had I not seen Bilhah bathing in a covered place, I had not fallen into this great iniquity.38For my mind taking in the thought of the woman's nakedness, suffered me not to sleep until I had wrought the abominable thing.39For while Yisrael our father had gone to Yitzchak his father, when we were in Eder, near to Ephrath in Beit-Lechem, Bilhah became drunk and was asleep uncovered in her chamber.40Having therefore gone in and beheld her nakedness, I wrought the impiety without her perceiving it, and leaving her sleeping departed.41And forthwith a messenger (malakh) of Elohim revealed to my father concerning my impiety, and he came and mourned over me, and touched her no more.
Footnotes
Reuven, the firstborn son of Yisrael and Leah. The man of experience counsels against whoredom and points out the ways in which men are most apt to fall into error.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 2
The Testament of Reuven - Chapter Two
1.0×
1PAY no heed, therefore, my children, to the beauty of women, nor set your mind on their affairs; but walk in singleness of heart in the fear of Yahuah, and expend labour on good works, and on study and on your flocks, until Yahuah give you a wife, whom He will, that ye suffer not as I did.2For until my father's death I had not boldness to look in his face, or to speak to any of my brethren, because of the reproach.3Even until now my conscience causeth me anguish on account of my impiety.4And yet my father comforted me much, and prayed for me unto Yahuah, that the anger of Yahuah might pass from me, even as Yahuah showed.5And thenceforth until now I have been on my guard and sinned not.6Therefore, my children, I say unto you, observe all things whatsoever I command you, and ye shall not sin.7For a pit unto the soul is the sin of whoredom, separating it from Elohim, and bringing it near to idols, because it deceiveth the mind and understanding, and leadeth down young men into She'ol before their time.8For many hath whoredom destroyed; because, though a man be old or noble, or rich or poor, he bringeth reproach upon himself with the sons of men and derision with Beliar.9For ye heard regarding Yoseph how he guarded himself from a woman, and purged his thoughts from all whoredom, and found favour in the sight of Elohim and men.10For the Mitzrite (Egyptian) woman did many things unto him, and summoned magicians, and offered him love potions, but the purpose of his soul admitted no evil desire.11Therefore the Elohim of your fathers delivered him from every evil and hidden death.12For if whoredom overcomes not your mind, neither can Beliar overcome you.13For evil are women, my children; and since they have no power or strength over man, they use wiles by outward attractions, that they may draw him to themselves.14And whom they cannot bewitch by outward attractions, him they overcome by craft.15For moreover, concerning them, the messenger (malakh) of Yahuah told me, and taught me, that women are overcome by the spirit of whoredom more than men, and in their heart they plot against men; and by means of their adornment they deceive first their minds, and by the glance of the eye instil the poison, and then through the accomplished act they take them captive.16For a woman cannot force a man openly, but by a harlot's bearing she beguiles him.17Flee, therefore, whoredom, my children, and command your wives and your daughters, that they adorn not their heads and faces to deceive the mind: because every woman who useth these wiles hath been reserved for eternal punishment.18For thus they allured the Watchers who were before the flood; for as these continually beheld them, they lusted after them, and they conceived the act in their mind; for they changed themselves into the shape of men, and appeared to them when they were with their husbands.19And the women lusting in their minds after their forms, gave birth to giants, for the Watchers appeared to them as reaching even unto heaven.20Beware, therefore, of whoredom; and if you wish to be pure in mind, guard your senses from every woman.21And command the women likewise not to associate with men, that they also may be pure in mind.22For constant meetings, even though the ungodly deed be not wrought, are to them an irremediable disease, and to us a destruction of Beliar and an eternal reproach.23For in whoredom there is neither understanding nor godliness (chassidut), and all jealousy dwelleth in the lust thereof.24Therefore, then I say unto you, ye will be jealous against the sons of Lewi, and will seek to be exalted over them; but ye shall not be able.25For Elohim will avenge them, and ye shall die by an evil death. For to Lewi Elohim gave the sovereignty and to Yehudah with him and to me also, and to Dan and Yoseph, that we should be for rulers.26Therefore I command you to hearken to Lewi, because he shall know the Torah of Yahuah, and shall give ordinances for judgement and shall sacrifice for all Yisrael until the consummation of the times, as the anointed High Priest (Kohen HaGadol), of whom Yahuah spake.27I adjure you by the Elohim of heaven to do truth each one unto his neighbour and to entertain love each one for his brother.28And draw ye near to Lewi in humbleness of heart, that ye may receive a blessing from his mouth.29For he shall bless Yisrael and Yehudah, because him hath Yahuah chosen to be king over all the nation.30And bow down before his seed, for on our behalf it will die in wars visible and invisible, and will be among you an eternal king.31And Re'uven died, having given these commands to his sons. And they placed him in a coffin until they carried him up from Mitzrayim (Egypt), and buried him in Chevron (Hebron) in the cave where his father was.
Footnotes
Reuven continues with his experiences and his good advice.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 3
The Testament of Shim'on - Chapter One
1.0×
1THE copy of the words of Shim'on, the things which he spake to his sons before he died, in the hundred and twentieth year of his life, at which time Yoseph, his brother, died.2For when Shim'on was sick, his sons came to visit him, and he strengthened himself and sat up and kissed them, and said:—3Hearken, my children, to Shim'on your father and I will declare unto you what things I have in my heart.4I was born of Yisrael as my father's second son; and my mother Leah called me Shim'on, because Yahuah had heard her prayer.5Moreover, I became strong exceedingly; I shrank from no achievement nor was I afraid of ought. For my heart was hard, and my liver was immovable, and my bowels without compassion.6Because valour also has been given from the Most High to men in soul and body.7For in the time of my youth I was jealous in many things of Yoseph, because my father loved him beyond all.8And I set my mind against him to destroy him because the prince of deceit sent forth the spirit of jealousy and blinded my mind, so that I regarded him not as a brother, nor did I spare even Yisrael my father.9But his Elohim and the Elohim of his fathers sent forth His messenger (malakh), and delivered him out of my hands.10For when I went to Shekem to bring ointment for the flocks, and Re'uven to Dotan, where were our necessaries and all our stores, Yehudah my brother sold him to the Yishma'elim.11And when Re'uven heard these things he was grieved, for he wished to restore him to his father.12But on hearing this I was exceedingly wroth against Yehudah in that he let him go away alive, and for five months I continued wrathful against him.13But Yahuah restrained me, and withheld from me the power of my hands; for my right hand was half withered for seven days.14And I knew, my children, that because of Yoseph this had befallen me, and I repented (wrought teshuvah) and wept; and I besought Yahuah Elohim that my hand might be restored and that I might hold aloof from all pollution and envy and from all folly.15For I knew that I had devised an evil thing before Yahuah and Yisrael my father, on account of Yoseph my brother, in that I envied him.16And now, my children, hearken unto me and beware of the spirit of deceit and envy.17For envy ruleth over the whole mind of a man, and suffereth him neither to eat nor to drink, nor to do any good thing. But it ever suggesteth to him to destroy him that he envieth; and so long as he that is envied flourisheth, he that envieth fadeth away.18Two years therefore I afflicted my soul with fasting in the fear of Yahuah, and I learnt that deliverance from envy cometh by the fear of Elohim.19For if a man flee to Yahuah, the evil spirit runneth away from him and his mind is lightened.20And henceforward he sympathiseth with him whom he envied and forgiveth those who are hostile to him, and so ceaseth from his envy.
Footnotes
Shim'on, the second son of Yisrael and Leah. The strong man. He becomes jealous of Yoseph and is an instigator of the plot against Yoseph.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 4
The Testament of Shim'on - Chapter Two
1.0×
1AND my father asked concerning me, because he saw that I was sad; and I said unto him, I am pained in my liver.2For I mourned more than they all, because I was guilty of the selling of Yoseph.3And when we went down into Mitzrayim (Egypt), and he bound me as a spy, I knew that I was suffering justly, and I grieved not.4Now Yoseph was a good man, and had the Ruach (Spirit) of Elohim within him: being compassionate and pitiful, he bore no malice against me; but loved me even as the rest of his brethren.5Beware, therefore, my children, of all jealousy and envy, and walk in singleness of heart, that Elohim may give you also grace and glory, and blessing upon your heads, even as ye saw in Yoseph's case.6All his days he reproached us not concerning this thing, but loved us as his own soul, and beyond his own sons glorified us, and gave us riches, and cattle and fruits.7Do ye also, my children, love each one his brother with a good heart, and the spirit of envy will withdraw from you.8For this maketh savage the soul and destroyeth the body; it causeth anger and war in the mind, and stirreth up unto deeds of blood, and leadeth the mind into frenzy, and causeth tumult to the soul and trembling to the body.9For even in sleep malicious jealousy gnaweth, and with wicked spirits disturbeth the soul, and causeth the body to be troubled, and waketh the mind from sleep in confusion; and as a wicked and poisonous spirit, so appeareth it to men.10Therefore was Yoseph comely in appearance, and goodly to look upon, because no wickedness dwelt in him; for some of the trouble of the spirit the face manifesteth.11And now, my children, make your hearts good before Yahuah, and your ways straight before men, and ye shall find grace before Yahuah and men.12Beware, therefore, of whoredom, for whoredom is mother of all evils, separating from Elohim, and bringing near to Beliar.13For I have seen it inscribed in the writing of Chanoch (Enoch) that your sons shall be corrupted in whoredom, and shall do harm to the sons of Lewi with the sword.14But they shall not be able to withstand Lewi; for he shall wage the war of Yahuah, and shall conquer all your hosts.15And they shall be few in number, divided in Lewi and Yehudah, and there shall be none of you for sovereignty, even as also our father prophesied in his blessings.
Footnotes
Shim'on counsels his hearers against envy.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 5
The Testament of Shim'on - Chapter Three
1.0×
1BEHOLD I have told you all things, that I may be acquitted of your sin.2Now, if ye remove from you your envy and all stiff-neckedness, as a rose shall my bones flourish in Yisrael, and as a lily my flesh in Ya'akov, and my odour shall be as the odour of Levanon; and as cedars shall holy ones be multiplied from me forever, and their branches shall stretch afar off.3Then shall perish the seed of Kena'an, and a remnant shall not be unto Amalek, and all the Kaptorim (Cappadocians) shall perish, and all Chittites (Hittites) shall be utterly destroyed.4Then shall fail the land of Cham, and all the people shall perish.5Then shall all the earth rest from trouble, and all the world under heaven from war.6Then the Mighty One of Yisrael shall glorify Shem.7For Yahuah Elohim shall appear on earth and Himself save men.8Then shall all the spirits of deceit be given to be trodden under foot, and men shall rule over wicked spirits.9Then shall I arise in joy and will bless the Most High because of His marvellous works, because Elohim hath taken a body and eaten with men and saved men.10And now, my children, obey Lewi and Yehudah, and be not lifted up against these two tribes, for from them shall arise unto you the salvation of Elohim.11For Yahuah shall raise up from Lewi, as it were, a High Priest (Kohen HaGadol), and from Yehudah, as it were a King, Elohim and man, He shall save all the nations (Goyim) and the race of Yisrael.12Therefore, I give you these commands that ye also may command your children, that they may observe them throughout their generations.13And when Shim'on had made an end of commanding his sons, he slept with his fathers, being an hundred and twenty years old.14And they laid him in a wooden coffin, to take up his bones to Chevron (Hebron). And they took them up secretly during a war of the Mitzrim (Egyptians). For the bones of Yoseph, the Mitzrim guarded in the tombs of the kings.15For the sorcerers told them, that on the departure of the bones of Yoseph, there should be throughout all the land darkness and gloom, and an exceeding great plague to the Mitzrim, so that even with a lamp a man should not recognize his brother.16And the sons of Shim'on bewailed their father.17And they were in Mitzrayim (Egypt) until the day of their departure by the hand of Mosheh (Moses).
Footnotes
A prophecy of the coming of the Mashiach.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 6
The Testament of Lewi - Chapter One
1.0×
1THE copy of the words of Lewi, the things which he ordained unto his sons, according to all that they should do, and what things should befall them until the day of judgement.2He was sound in health when he called them to him; for it had been revealed to him that he should die.3And when they were gathered together, he said to them:4I, Lewi, was born in Charan, and I came with my father to Shekem.5And I was young, about twenty years of age, when, with Shim'on, I wrought vengeance on Chamor for our sister Dinah.6And when I was feeding the flocks in Avel-Mecholah, the spirit of understanding of Yahuah came upon me, and I saw all men corrupting their way, and that unrighteousness had built for itself walls, and lawlessness sat upon towers.7And I was grieving for the race of the sons of men, and I prayed to Yahuah that I might be saved.8Then there fell upon me a sleep, and I beheld a high mountain, and I was upon it.9And behold, the heavens were opened, and a messenger (malakh) of Elohim said to me, Lewi, enter.10And I entered from the first heaven, and I saw there a great sea hanging.11And further, I saw a second heaven far brighter and more brilliant, for there was a boundless light also therein.12And I said to the messenger, “Why is this so?” And the messenger said to me, Marvel not at this, for thou shalt see another heaven more brilliant and incomparable.13And when thou hast ascended thither, Thou shalt stand near Yahuah, and shalt be His minister, and shalt declare His mysteries to men, and shalt proclaim concerning Him that shall redeem Yisrael.14And by thee and Yehudah shall Yahuah appear among men, saving every race of men.15And from Yahuah’s portion shall be thy life, and He shall be thy field and vineyard, and fruits, gold, and silver.16Hear, therefore, regarding the heavens, which have been shown to thee.17The lowest is for this cause gloomy unto thee, in that it beholds all the unrighteous deeds of men.18And it has fire, snow, and ice made ready for the day of judgement, in the righteous judgement of Elohim; for in it are all the spirits of the retributions for vengeance on men.19And in the second are the hosts of the armies, which are ordained for the day of judgement, to work vengeance on the spirits of deceit and of Beliar.20And above them are the holy ones.21And in the highest of all dwelleth the Great Glory, far above all holiness.22In the heaven next to it are the chief messengers (seraphim/archangels), who minister and make propitiation to Yahuah for all the sins of ignorance of the righteous;23Offering to Yahuah a sweet smelling savour, a reasonable and a bloodless offering.24And in the heaven below this are the messengers (malakim) who bear answers to the messengers of the presence of Yahuah.25And in the heaven next to this are thrones and dominions, in which always they offer praise to Elohim.26When, therefore, Yahuah looketh upon us, all of us are shaken; yea, the heavens, and the earth, and the abysses are shaken at the presence of His majesty.27But the sons of men, having no perception of these things, sin and provoke the Most High.
Footnotes
Lewi, the third son of Yisrael and Leah. A mystic and dreamer of dreams, a prophet.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 7
The Testament of Lewi - Chapter Two
1.0×
1NOW, therefore, know that Yahuah shall execute judgement upon the sons of men.2Because when the rocks are being rent, and the sun quenched, and the waters dried up, and the fire cowering, and all creation troubled, and the invisible spirits melting away, and She'ol taketh spoils through the visitations of the Most High, men will be unbelieving and persist in their iniquity.3On this account, with punishment shall they be judged.4Therefore, the Most High hath heard thy prayer, to separate thee from iniquity, and that thou shouldst become to Him a son, and a servant, and a minister of His presence.5The light of knowledge shalt thou light up in Ya'akov, and as the sun shalt thou be to all the seed of Yisrael.6And there shall be given to thee a blessing, and to all thy seed until Yahuah shall visit all the nations (Goyim) in His tender mercies forever.7And therefore there have been given to thee counsel and understanding, that thou mightest instruct thy sons concerning this;8Because they that bless Him shall be blessed, and they that curse Him shall perish.9And thereupon the messenger (malakh) opened to me the gates of heaven, and I saw the holy Mishkan (Temple), and upon a throne of glory the Most High.10And He said to me: Lewi, I have given thee the blessing of the priesthood until I come and sojourn in the midst of Yisrael.11Then the messenger brought me down to the earth, and gave me a shield and a sword, and said to me: Execute vengeance on Shekem because of Dinah, thy sister, and I will be with thee because Yahuah hath sent me.12And I destroyed at that time the sons of Chamor, as it is written in the heavenly tables.13And I said to him, “I pray thee, O Yahuah, tell me Thy name, that I may call upon Thee in a day of tribulation.14And he said, “I am the messenger (malakh) who intercedeth for the nation of Yisrael that they may not be smitten utterly, for every evil spirit attacketh it.”15And after these things I awaked, and blessed the Most High, and the messenger who intercedeth for the nation of Yisrael and for all the righteous.
Footnotes
Lewi urges piety and education.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 8
The Testament of Lewi - Chapter Three
1.0×
1AND when I was going to my father, I found a brazen shield; wherefore also the name of the mountain is Aspis, which is near Geval, to the south of Avilah.2And I kept these words in my heart. And after this I counselled my father, and Re'uven my brother, to bid the sons of Chamor not to be circumcised; for I was zealous because of the abomination which they had wrought on my sister.3And I slew Shekem first, and Shim'on slew Chamor. And after this my brothers came and smote that city with the edge of the sword.4And my father heard these things and was wroth, and he was grieved in that they had received the circumcision, and after that had been put to death, and in his blessings he looked amiss upon us.5For we sinned because we had done this thing against his will, and he was sick on that day.6But I saw that the sentence of Elohim was for evil upon Shekem; for they sought to do to Sarah and Rivkah (Rebecca) as they had done to Dinah, our sister, but Yahuah prevented them.7And they persecuted Avraham, our father, when he was a stranger, and they vexed his flocks when they were big with young; and Evlaen, who was born in his house, they most shamefully handled.8And thus, they did to all strangers, taking away their wives by force, and they banished them.9But the wrath of Yahuah came upon them to the uttermost.10And I said to my father Ya'akov: By thee will Yahuah despoil the Kena'anites, and will give their land to thee and to thy seed after thee.11For from this day forward shall Shekem be called a city of imbeciles; for as a man mocketh a fool, so did we mock them.12Because also they had wrought folly in Yisrael by defiling my sister. And we departed and came to Beit-El.13And there again I saw a vision as the former, after we had spent there seventy days.14And I saw seven men in white raiment saying unto me: Arise, put on the robe of the priesthood, and the crown of righteousness, and the breastplate of understanding, and the garment of truth, and the plate of faith, and the turban of the head, and the ephod of prophecy.15And they severally carried these things and put them on me, and said unto me: From henceforth become a priest of Yahuah, thou and thy seed for ever.16And the first anointed me with holy oil, and gave to me the staff of judgement.17The second washed me with pure water, and fed me with bread and wine, even the most holy things, and clad me with a holy and glorious robe.18The third clothed me with a linen vestment like an ephod.19The fourth put round me a girdle like unto purple.20The fifth gave me a branch of rich olive.21The sixth placed a crown on my head.22The seventh placed on my head a diadem of priesthood, and filled my hands with incense, that I might serve as priest to Yahuah Elohim.23And they said to me: Lewi, thy seed shall be divided into three offices, for a sign of the glory of Yahuah who is to come.24And the first portion shall be great; yea, greater than it shall none be.25The second shall be in the priesthood.26And the third shall be called by a new name, because a king shall arise in Yehudah, and shall establish a new priesthood, after the fashion of the nations (Goyim).27And His presence is beloved, as a prophet of the Most High, of the seed of Avraham our father.28Therefore, every desirable thing in Yisrael shall be for thee and for thy seed, and ye shall eat everything fair to look upon, and the table of Yahuah shall thy seed apportion.29And some of them shall be high priests, and judges, and scribes; for by their mouth shall the holy place be guarded.30And when I awoke, I understood that this dream was like the first dream. And I hid this also in my heart, and told it not to any man upon the earth.31And after two days I and Yehudah went up with our father Ya'akov to Yitzchak our father's father.32And my father's father blessed me according to all the words of the visions which I had seen. And he would not come with us to Beit-El.33And when we came to Beit-El, my father saw a vision concerning me, that I should be their priest unto Elohim.34And he rose up early in the morning, and paid tithes of all to Yahuah through me. And so we came to Chevron (Hebron) to dwell there.35And Yitzchak called me continually to put me in remembrance of the Torah of Yahuah, even as the messenger (malakh) of Yahuah showed unto me.36And he taught me the law of the priesthood of sacrifices, whole burnt-offerings, first-fruits, freewill-offerings, peace-offerings.37And each day he was instructing me, and was busied on my behalf before Yahuah, and said to me: Beware of the spirit of whoredom; for this shall continue and shall by thy seed pollute the holy place.38Take, therefore, to thyself a wife without blemish or pollution, while yet thou art young, and not of the race of strange nations.39And before entering into the holy place, bathe; and when thou offerest the sacrifice, wash; and again, when thou finishest the sacrifice, wash.40Of twelve trees having leaves offer to Yahuah, as Avraham taught me also.41And of every clean beast and bird offer a sacrifice to Yahuah.42And of all thy first-fruits and of wine offer the first, as a sacrifice to Yahuah Elohim; and every sacrifice thou shalt salt with salt.43Now, therefore, observe whatsoever I command you, children; for whatsoever things I have heard from my fathers I have declared unto you.44And behold I am clear from your ungodliness and transgression, which ye shall commit in the end of the ages against the Saviour of the world, Mashiach, acting godlessly, deceiving Yisrael, and stirring up against it great evils from Yahuah.45And ye shall deal lawlessly together with Yisrael, so He shall not bear with Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) because of your wickedness; but the veil of the Mishkan (Temple) shall be rent, so as not to cover your shame.46And ye shall be scattered as captives among the nations (Goyim), and shall be for a reproach and for a curse there.47For the house which Yahuah shall choose shall be called Yerushalayim, as is contained in the book of Chanoch (Enoch) the righteous.48Therefore when I took a wife I was twenty-eight years old, and her name was Melcha.49And she conceived and bare a son, and I called his name Gersham, for we were sojourners in our land.50And I saw concerning him, that he would not be in the first rank.51And Kehat was born in the thirty-fifth year of my life, towards sunrise.52And I saw in a vision that he was standing on high in the midst of all the congregation (kahal).53Therefore, I called his name Kehat which is, beginning of majesty and instruction.54And she bare me a third son, in the fortieth year of my life; and since his mother bare him with difficulty, I called him Merari, that is, 'my bitterness,' because he also was like to die.55And Yokheved was born in Mitzrayim (Egypt), in my sixty-fourth year, for I was renowned then in the midst of my brethren.56And Gersham took a wife, and she bare to him Livni and Shim'i. And the sons of Kehat, Amram, Yissakar, Chevron, and Uzziel. And the sons of Merari, Machli and Mushi.57And in the ninety-fourth year Amram took Yokheved my daughter to him to wife, for they were born in one day, he and my daughter.58Eight years old was I when I went into the land of Kena'an, and eighteen years when I slew Shekem, and at nineteen years I became priest, and at twenty-eight years I took a wife, and at forty-eight I went into Mitzrayim.59And behold, my children, ye are a third generation. In my hundred and eighteenth year Yoseph died.
Footnotes
Lewi has visions and shows what rewards are in store for the righteous.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 9
The Testament of Lewi - Chapter Four
1.0×
1AND now, my children, I command you: Fear Yahuah your Elohim with your whole heart, and walk in simplicity according to all His Torah.2And do ye also teach your children letters, that they may have understanding all their life, reading unceasingly the Torah of Elohim.3For every one that knoweth the Torah of Yahuah shall be honoured, and shall not be a stranger whithersoever he goeth.4Yea, many friends shall he gain more than his parents, and many men shall desire to serve him, and to hear the Torah from his mouth.5Work righteousness, therefore, my children, upon the earth, that ye may have it as a treasure in heaven.6And sow good things in your souls, that ye may find them in your life.7But if ye sow evil things, ye shall reap every trouble and affliction.8Get wisdom in the fear of Elohim with diligence; for though there be a leading into captivity, and cities and lands be destroyed, and gold and silver and every possession perish, the wisdom of the wise nought can take away, save the blindness of ungodliness, and the callousness that comes of sin.9For if one keep oneself from these evil things, then even among his enemies shall wisdom be a glory to him, and in a strange country a fatherland, and in the midst of foes shall prove a friend.10Whosoever teaches noble things and does them, shall be enthroned with kings, as was also Yoseph my brother.11Therefore, my children, I have learnt that at the end of the ages ye will transgress against Yahuah, stretching out hands to wickedness against Him; and to all the nations (Goyim) shall ye become a scorn.12For our father Yisrael is pure from the transgressions of the chief priests [who shall lay their hands upon the Saviour of the world].13For as the heaven is purer in Yahuah’s sight than the earth, so also be ye, the lights of Yisrael, purer than all the nations (Goyim).14But if ye be darkened through transgressions, what, therefore, will all the nations (Goyim) do living in blindness?15Yea, ye shall bring a curse upon our race, because the light of the Torah, which was given for to lighten every man, this ye desire to destroy by teaching commandments contrary to the ordinances of Elohim.16The offerings of Yahuah ye shall rob, and from His portion shall ye steal choice portions, eating them contemptuously with harlots.17And out of covetousness ye shall teach the commandments of Yahuah, wedded women shall ye pollute, and the virgins of Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) shall ye defile; and with harlots and adulteresses shall ye be joined, and the daughters of the nations (Goyim) shall ye take to wife, purifying them with an unlawful purification; and your union shall be like unto Sedom and Amorah (Sodom and Gomorrah).18And ye shall be puffed up because of your priesthood, lifting yourselves up against men, and not only so, but also against the commands of Elohim.19For ye shall contemn the holy things with jests and laughter.20Therefore, the Mishkan (Temple), which Yahuah shall choose, shall be laid waste through your uncleanness, and ye shall be captives throughout all nations.21And ye shall be an abomination unto them, and ye shall receive reproach and everlasting shame from the righteous judgement of Elohim.22And all who hate you shall rejoice at your destruction.23And if you were not to receive mercy through Avraham, Yitzchak, and Ya'akov, our fathers, not one of our seed should be left upon the earth.24And now I have learnt that for seventy weeks ye shall go astray, and profane the priesthood, and pollute the sacrifices.25And ye shall make void the Torah, and set at nought the words of the prophets by evil perverseness.26And ye shall persecute righteous men, and hate the godly; the words of the faithful shall ye abhor.27And a man who reneweth the Torah in the power of the Most High, ye shall call a deceiver; and at last ye shall rush upon him to slay him, not knowing his dignity, taking innocent blood through wickedness upon your heads.28And your holy places shall be laid waste even to the ground because of him.29And ye shall have no place that is clean; but ye shall be among the nations (Goyim) a curse and a dispersion until He shall again visit you, and in pity shall receive you through faith and water.
Footnotes
Lewi shows how wisdom survives destruction. He has no use for scornful people.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 10
The Testament of Lewi - Chapter Five
1.0×
1AND whereas ye have heard concerning the seventy weeks, hear also concerning the priesthood. For in each jubilee there shall be a priesthood.2And in the first jubilee, the first who is anointed to the priesthood shall be great, and shall speak to Elohim as to a father.3And his priesthood shall be perfect with Yahuah, and in the day of his gladness shall he arise for the salvation of the world.4In the second jubilee, he that is anointed shall be conceived in the sorrow of beloved ones; and his priesthood shall be honoured and shall be glorified by all.5And the third priest shall be taken hold of by sorrow.6And the fourth shall be in pain, because unrighteousness shall gather itself against him exceedingly, and all Yisrael shall hate each one his neighbour.7The fifth shall be taken hold of by darkness. Likewise also the sixth and the seventh.8And in the seventh shall be such pollution as I cannot express before men, for they shall know it who do these things.9Therefore shall they be taken captive and become a prey, and their land and their substance shall be destroyed.10And in the fifth week they shall return to their desolate country, and shall renew the house of Yahuah.11And in the seventh week shall become priests, who are idolaters, adulterers, lovers of money, proud, lawless, lascivious, abusers of children and beasts.12And after their punishment shall have come from Yahuah, the priesthood shall fail.13Then shall Yahuah raise up a new priest.14And to him all the words of Yahuah shall be revealed; and he shall execute a righteous judgement upon the earth for a multitude of days.15And his star shall arise in heaven as of a king.16Lighting up the light of knowledge as the sun the day, and he shall be magnified in the world.17He shall shine forth as the sun on the earth, and shall remove all darkness from under heaven, and there shall be peace in all the earth.18The heavens shall exult in his days, and the earth shall be glad, and the clouds shall rejoice;19And the knowledge of Yahuah shall be poured forth upon the earth, as the water of the seas;20And the messengers (malakim) of the glory of the presence of Yahuah shall be glad in him.21The heavens shall be opened, and from the Mishkan (Temple) of glory shall come upon him sanctification, with the Father's voice as from Avraham to Yitzchak.22And the glory of the Most High shall be uttered over him, and the spirit of understanding and sanctification shall rest upon him in the water.23For he shall give the majesty of Yahuah to His sons in truth for evermore;24And there shall none succeed him for all generations forever.25And in his priesthood the nations (Goyim) shall be multiplied in knowledge upon the earth, and enlightened through the grace of Yahuah. In his priesthood shall sin come to an end, and the lawless shall cease to do evil.26And he shall open the gates of paradise, and shall remove the threatening sword against Adam, and he shall give to the kadoshim (saints) to eat from the tree of life, and the spirit of holiness (Ruach HaKodesh) shall be on them.27And Beliar shall be bound by him, and he shall give power to His children to tread upon the evil spirits.28And Yahuah shall rejoice in His children, and be well pleased in His beloved ones for ever.29Then shall Avraham and Yitzchak and Ya'akov exult, and I will be glad, and all the kadoshim shall clothe themselves with joy.30And now, my children, ye have heard all; choose, therefore, for yourselves either the light or the darkness, either the Torah of Yahuah or the works of Beliar.31And his sons answered him, saying, Before Yahuah we will walk according to His Torah.32And their father said unto them, Yahuah is witness, and His messengers (malakim) are witnesses, and ye are witnesses, and I am witness, concerning the word of your mouth.33And his sons said unto him, "We are witnesses.”34And thus Lewi ceased commanding his sons; and he stretched out his feet on the bed, and was gathered to his fathers, after he had lived a hundred and thirty-seven years.35And they laid him in a coffin, and afterwards they buried him in Chevron (Hebron), with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Ya'akov.
Footnotes
He prophesies the coming of the Mashiach.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 11
The Testament of Yehudah - Chapter One
1.0×
1THE copy of the words of Yehudah, what things he spake to his sons before he died.2They gathered themselves together, therefore, and came to him, and he said to them: Hearken, my children, to Yehudah your father.3I was the fourth son born to my father Ya'akov; and Leah my mother named me Yehudah, saying, I give thanks to Yahuah, because He hath given me a fourth son also.4I was swift in my youth, and obedient to my father in everything.5And I honoured my mother and my mother's sister.6And it came to pass, when I became a man, that my father blessed me, saying, Thou shalt be a king, prospering in all things.7And Yahuah showed me favour in all my works both in the field and in the house.8I know that I raced a hind, and caught it, and prepared the meat for my father, and he did eat.9And the roes I used to master in the chase, and overtake all that was in the plains.10A wild mare I overtook, and caught it and tamed it.11I slew a lion and plucked a kid out of its mouth.12I took a bear by its paw and hurled it down the cliff, and it was crushed.13I outran the wild boar, and seizing it as I ran, I tore it in sunder.14A leopard in Chevron (Hebron) leaped upon my dog, and I caught it by the tail, and hurled it on the rocks, and it was broken in twain.15I found a wild ox feeding in the fields, and seizing it by the horns, and whirling it round and stunning it, I cast it from me and slew it.16And when the two kings of the Kena'anites came sheathed in armour against our flocks, and much people with them, single-handed I rushed upon the king of Chazor, and smote him on the greaves and dragged him down, and so I slew him.17And the other, the king of Tappuach, as he sat upon his horse, I slew, and so I scattered all his people.18Akhor, the king, a man of giant stature, I found, hurling javelins before and behind as he sat on horseback, and I took up a stone of sixty pounds weight, and hurled it and smote his horse, and killed it.19And I fought with this other for two hours; and I clave his shield in twain, and I chopped off his feet, and killed him.20And as I was stripping off his breastplate, behold nine men his companions began to fight with me.21And I wound my garment on my hand and I slung stones at them, and killed four of them, and the rest fled.22And Ya'akov, my father, slew Be'elesath, king of all the kings, a giant in strength, twelve cubits high.23And fear fell upon them, and they ceased warring against us.24Therefore, my father was free from anxiety in the wars when I was with my brethren.25For he saw in a vision concerning me that a messenger (malakh) of might followed me everywhere, that I should not be overcome.26And in the south there came upon us a greater war than that in Shekem; and I joined in battle array with my brethren, and pursued a thousand men, and slew of them two hundred men and four kings.27And I went up upon the wall, and I slew four mighty men.28And so we captured Chazor, and took all the spoil.29And the next day we departed to Aretan, a city strong and walled and inaccessible, threatening us with death.30But I and Gad approached on the east side of the city, and Re'uven and Lewi on the west.31And they that were upon the wall, thinking that we were alone, were drawn down against us.32And so my brothers secretly climbed up the wall on both sides by stakes, and entered the city, while the men knew it not.33And we took it with the edge of the sword.34And as for those who had taken refuge in the tower, we set fire to the tower and took both it and them.35And as we were departing the men of Tappuach seized our spoil, and seeing this we fought with them.36And we slew them all and recovered our spoil.37And when I was at the waters of Kozwva, the men of Yovel came against us to battle.38And we fought with them and routed them; and their allies from Shiloh we slew, and we did not leave them power to come in against us.39And the men of Makhir came upon us the fifth day, to seize our spoil; and we attacked them and overcame them in fierce battle: for there was a host of mighty men amongst them, and we slew them before they had gone up the ascent.40And when we came to their city their women rolled upon us stones from the brow of the hill on which the city stood.41And I and Shim'on hid ourselves behind the town, and seized upon the heights, and destroyed this city also.42And the next day it was told us that the king of the city of Ga'ash with a mighty host was coming against us.43I, therefore, and Dan feigned ourselves to be Emorites (Amorites), and as allies went into their city.44And in the depth of night our brethren came, and we opened to them the gates; and we destroyed all the men and their substance, and we took for a prey all that was theirs, and their three walls we cast down.45And we drew near to Thamna, where was all the substance of the hostile kings.46Then, being insulted by them, I was therefore wroth, and rushed against them to the summit; and they kept slinging against me stones and darts.47And had not Dan my brother aided me, they would have slain me.48We came upon them, therefore, with wrath, and they all fled; and passing by another way, they fought my father, and he made peace with them.49And we did to them no hurt, and they became tributary to us, and we restored to them their spoil.50And I built Thamna, and my father built Pava'el.51I was twenty years old when this war befell. And the Kena'anites feared me and my brethren.52And I had much cattle, and I had for chief herdsman Chiram the Adullamite.53And when I went to him I saw Parsaba, king of Adullam; and he spake unto us, and he made us a feast; and when I was heated he gave me his daughter Bat-Shua to wife.54She bare me Er, and Onan and Shelah; and two of them Yahuah smote: for Shelah lived, and his children are ye.
Footnotes
Yehudah, the fourth son of Yisrael and Leah. He is the giant, athlete, warrior; he recounts heroic deeds. He runs so fast that he can outstrip a hind.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 12
The Testament of Yehudah - Chapter Two
1.0×
1And eighteen years my father abode in peace with his brother Esau, and his sons with us, after that we came from Padan-Aram (Mesopotamia), from Lavan.2And when eighteen years were fulfilled, in the fortieth year of my life, Esau, the brother of my father, came upon us with a mighty and strong people.3And Ya'akov smote Esau with an arrow, and he was taken up wounded on Mount Se'ir, and as he went, he died at Anoniram.4And we pursued after the sons of Esau.5Now they had a city with walls of iron and gates of brass; and we could not enter into it, and we encamped around, and besieged it.6And when they opened not to us in twenty days, I set up a ladder in the sight of all and with my shield upon my head I went up, sustaining the assault of stones, upwards of three talents weight; and I slew four of their mighty men.7And Re'uven and Gad slew six others.8Then they asked from us terms of peace; and having taken counsel with our father, we received them as tributaries.9And they gave us five hundred cors of wheat, five hundred baths of oil, five hundred measures of wine, until the famine, when we went down into Mitzrayim (Egypt).10And after these things my son Er took to wife Tamar, from Padan-Aram, a daughter of Aram.11Now Er was wicked, and he was in need concerning Tamar, because she was not of the land of Kena'an.12And on the third night a messenger (malakh) of Yahuah smote him.13And he had not known her according to the evil craftiness of his mother, for he did not wish to have children by her.14In the days of the wedding feast I gave Onan to her in marriage; and he also in wickedness knew her not, though he spent with her a year.15And when I threatened him he went in unto her, but he spilled the seed on the ground, according to the command of his mother, and he also died through wickedness.16And I wished to give Shelah also to her, but his mother did not permit it; for she wrought evil against Tamar, because she was not of the daughters of Kena'an, as she also herself was.17And I knew that the race of the Kena'anites was wicked, but the impulse of youth blinded my mind.18And when I saw her pouring out wine, owing to the intoxication of wine I was deceived, and took her although my father had not counselled it.19And while I was away she went and took for Shelah a wife from Kena'an.20And when I knew what she had done, I cursed her in the anguish of my soul.21And she also died through her wickedness together with her sons.22And after these things, while Tamar was a widow, she heard after two years that I was going up to shear my sheep, and adorned herself in bridal array, and sat in the city Enaim by the gate.23For it was a law of the Emorites (Amorites), that she who was about to marry should sit in whoredom seven days by the gate.24Therefore being drunk with wine, I did not recognize her; and her beauty deceived me, through the fashion of her adorning.25And I turned aside to her, and said: Let me go in unto thee.26And she said: What wilt thou give me? And I gave her my staff, and my girdle, and the diadem of my kingdom in pledge.27And I went in unto her, and she conceived.28And not knowing what I had done, I wished to slay her; but she privily sent my pledges, and put me to shame.29And when I called her, I heard also the secret words which I spoke when lying with her in my drunkenness; and I could not slay her, because it was from Yahuah.30For I said, Lest haply she did it in subtlety, having received the pledge from another woman.31But I came not again near her while I lived, because I had done this abomination in all Yisrael.32Moreover, they who were in the city said there was no harlot in the gate, because she came from another place, and sat for a while in the gate.33And I thought that no one knew that I had gone in to her.34And after this we came into Mitzrayim to Yoseph, because of the famine.35And I was forty and six years old, and seventy and three years lived I in Mitzrayim.
Footnotes
Yehudah describes some archaeological findings, a city with walls of Iron and gates of brass. He has an encounter with an adventuress.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 13
The Testament of Yehudah - Chapter Three
1.0×
1And now I command you, my children, hearken to Yehudah your father, and keep my sayings to perform all the ordinances of Yahuah, and to obey the commands of Elohim.2And walk not after your lusts, nor in the imaginations of your thoughts in haughtiness of heart; and glory not in the deeds and strength of your youth, for this also is evil in the eyes of Yahuah.3Since I also gloried that in wars no comely woman's face ever enticed me, and reproved Re'uven my brother concerning Bilhah, the wife of my father, the spirits of jealousy and of whoredom arrayed themselves against me, until I lay with Bat-Shua the Kena'anite, and Tamar, who was espoused to my sons.4For I said to my father-in-law: I will take counsel with my father, and so will I take thy daughter.5And he was unwilling but he showed me a boundless store of gold in his daughter's behalf; for he was a king.6And he adorned her with gold and pearls, and caused her to pour out wine for us at the feast with the beauty of women.7And the wine turned aside my eyes, and pleasure blinded my heart.8And I became enamoured of her and I lay with her, and transgressed the commandment of Yahuah and the commandment of my fathers, and I took her to wife.9And Yahuah rewarded me according to the imagination of my heart, inasmuch as I had no joy in her children.10And now, my children, I say unto you, be not drunk with wine; for wine turneth the mind away from the truth, and inspires the passion of lust, and leadeth the eyes into error.11For the spirit of whoredom hath wine as a minister to give pleasure to the mind; for these two also take away the mind of man.12For if a man drink wine to drunkenness, it disturbeth the mind with filthy thoughts leading to whoredom, and heateth the body to carnal union; and if the occasion of the lust be present, he worketh the sin, and is not ashamed.13Such is the inebriated man, my children; for he who is drunken reverenceth no man.14For, lo, it made me also to err, so that I was not ashamed of the multitude in the city, in that before the eyes of all I turned aside unto Tamar, and I wrought a great sin, and I uncovered the covering of my sons' shame.15After I had drunk wine I reverenced not the commandment of Elohim, and I took a woman of Kena'an to wife.16For much discretion needeth the man who drinketh wine, my children; and herein is discretion in drinking wine, a man may drink so long as he preserveth modesty.17But if he go beyond this limit the spirit of deceit attacketh his mind, and it maketh the drunkard to talk filthily, and to transgress and not to be ashamed, but even to glory in his shame, and to account himself honourable.18He that committeth whoredom is not aware when he suffers loss, and is not ashamed when put to dishonour.19For even though a man be a king and commit whoredom, he is stripped of his kingship by becoming the slave of whoredom, as I myself also suffered.20For I gave my staff, that is, the stay of my tribe; and my girdle, that is, my power; and my diadem, that is, the glory of my kingdom.21And indeed I repented (wrought teshuvah) of these things; wine and flesh I eat not until my old age, nor did I behold any joy.22And the messenger (malakh) of Elohim showed me that for ever do women bear rule over king and beggar alike.23And from the king they take away his glory, and from the valiant man his might, and from the beggar even that little which is the stay of his poverty.24Observe, therefore, my children, the right limit in wine; for there are in it four evil spirits—of lust, of hot desire, of profligacy, of filthy lucre.25If ye drink wine in gladness, be ye modest in the fear of Elohim.26For if in your gladness the fear of Elohim departeth, then drunkenness ariseth and shamelessness stealeth in.27But if ye would live soberly do not touch wine at all, lest ye sin in words of outrage, and in fightings and slanders, and transgressions of the commandments of Elohim, and ye perish before your time.28Moreover, wine revealeth the mysteries of Elohim and men, even as I also revealed the commandments of Elohim and the mysteries of Ya'akov my father to the Kena'anitish woman Bat-Shua, which Elohim bade me not to reveal.29And wine is a cause both of war and confusion.30And now, I command you, my children, not to love money, nor to gaze upon the beauty of women; because for the sake of money and beauty I was led astray to Bat-Shua the Kena'anite.31For I know that because of these two things shall my race fall into wickedness.32For even wise men among my sons shall they mar, and shall cause the kingdom of Yehudah to be diminished, which Yahuah gave me because of my obedience to my father.33For I never caused grief to Ya'akov, my father; for all things whatsoever he commanded I did.34And Yitzchak, the father of my father, blessed me to be king in Yisrael, and Ya'akov further blessed me in like manner.35And I know that from me shall the kingdom be established.36And I know what evils ye will do in the last days.37Beware, therefore, my children, of whoredom, and the love of money, and hearken to Yehudah your father.38For these things withdraw a man from the Torah of Elohim, and blind the inclination of the soul, and teach arrogance, and suffer not a man to have compassion upon his neighbour.39They rob his soul of all goodness, and oppress him with toils and troubles, and drive away sleep from him, and devour his flesh.40And he hindereth the sacrifices of Elohim; and he remembereth not the blessing of Elohim, he hearkeneth not to a prophet when he speaketh, and resenteth the words of godliness (chassidut).41For he is a slave to two contrary passions, and cannot obey Elohim, because they have blinded his soul, and he walketh in the day as in the night.42My children, the love of money leadeth to idolatry; because, when led astray through money, men name as gods those who are not gods, and it causeth him who hath it to fall into madness.43For the sake of money I lost my children, and had not my repentance (teshuvah), and my humiliation, and the prayers of my father been accepted, I should have died childless.44But the Elohim of my fathers had mercy on me, because I did it in ignorance.45And the prince of deceit blinded me, and I sinned as a man and as flesh, being corrupted through sins; and I learnt my own weakness while thinking myself invincible.46Know, therefore, my children, that two spirits wait upon man—the spirit of truth and the spirit of deceit.47And in the midst is the spirit of understanding of the mind, to which it belongeth to turn whithersoever it will.48And the works of truth and the works of deceit are written upon the hearts of men, and each one of them Yahuah knoweth.49And there is no time at which the works of men can be hid; for on the heart itself have they been written down before Yahuah.50And the spirit of truth testifieth all things, and accuseth all; and the sinner is burnt up by his own heart, and cannot raise his face to the judge.
Footnotes
He counsels against wine and lust as twin evils. "For he who is drunken reverenceth no man." (Verse 13).
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 14
The Testament of Yehudah - Chapter Four
1.0×
1And now, my children, I command you, love Lewi, that ye may abide, and exalt not yourselves against him, lest ye be utterly destroyed.2For to me Yahuah gave the kingdom, and to him the priesthood, and He set the kingdom beneath the priesthood.3To me He gave the things upon the earth; to him the things in the heavens.4As the heaven is higher than the earth, so is the priesthood of Elohim higher than the earthly kingdom, unless it falls away through sin from Yahuah and is dominated by the earthly kingdom.5For the messenger (malakh) of Yahuah said unto me: Yahuah chose him rather than thee, to draw near to Him, and to eat of His table and to offer Him the first-fruits of the choice things of the sons of Yisrael; but thou shalt be king of Ya'akov.6And thou shalt be amongst them as the sea.7For as, on the sea, just and unjust are tossed about, some taken into captivity while some are enriched, so also shall every race of men be in thee: some shall be impoverished, being taken captive, and others grow rich by plundering the possessions of others.8For the kings shall be as sea-monsters.9They shall swallow men like fishes: the sons and daughters of freemen shall they enslave; houses, lands, flocks, money shall they plunder:10And with the flesh of many shall they wrongfully feed the ravens and the cranes; and they shall advance in evil in covetousness uplifted, and there shall be false prophets like a tempest, and they shall persecute all righteous men.11And Yahuah shall bring upon them divisions one against another.12And there shall be continual wars in Yisrael; and among men of another race shall my kingdom be brought to an end, until the salvation of Yisrael shall come.13Until the appearing of the Elohim of righteousness, that Ya'akov, and all the nations (Goyim) may rest in peace.14And He shall guard the might of my kingdom for ever; for Yahuah sware to me with an oath that He would not destroy the kingdom from my seed for ever.15Now I have much grief, my children, because of your lewdness and witchcrafts, and idolatries which ye shall practise against the kingdom, following them that have familiar spirits, diviners, and demons of error.16Ye shall make your daughters singing girls and harlots, and ye shall mingle in the abominations of the nations (Goyim).17For which things' sake Yahuah shall bring upon you famine and pestilence, death and the sword, beleaguering by enemies, and revilings of friends, the slaughter of children, the rape of wives, the plundering of possessions, the burning of the Mishkan (Temple) of Elohim, the laying waste of the land, the enslavement of yourselves among the nations (Goyim).18And they shall make some of you eunuchs for their wives.19Until Yahuah visit you, when with perfect heart ye repent (turn in teshuvah) and walk in all His commandments, and He bring you up from captivity among the nations (Goyim).20And after these things shall a star arise to you from Ya'akov in peace,21And a man shall arise from my seed, like the Sun of Righteousness,22Walking with the sons of men in meekness and righteousness;23And no sin shall be found in him.24And the heavens shall be opened unto him, to pour out the Ruach (Spirit), even the blessing of the Holy Father; and He shall pour out the spirit of grace upon you;25And ye shall be unto Him sons in truth, and ye shall walk in His commandments first and last.26Then shall the sceptre of my kingdom shine forth; and from your root shall arise a stem; and from it shall grow a rod of righteousness to the nations (Goyim), to judge and to save all that call upon Yahuah.27And after these things shall Avraham and Yitzchak and Ya'akov arise unto life; and I and my brethren shall be chiefs of the tribes of Yisrael:28Lewi first, I the second, Yoseph third, Binyamin fourth, Shim'on fifth, Yissakar sixth, and so all in order.29And Yahuah blessed Lewi, and the Angel of the Presence, me; the powers of glory, Shim'on; the heaven, Re'uven; the earth, Yissakar; the sea, Zevulun; the mountains, Yoseph; the tabernacle, Binyamin; the luminaries, Dan; Eden, Naphtali; the sun, Gad; the moon, Asher.30And ye shall be the people of Yahuah, and have one tongue; and there shall be there no spirit of deceit of Beliar, for he shall be cast into the fire for ever.31And they who have died in grief shall arise in joy, and they who were poor for Yahuah’s sake shall be made rich, and they who are put to death for Yahuah’s sake shall awake to life.32And the harts of Ya'akov shall run in joyfulness, and the eagles of Yisrael shall fly in gladness; and all the people shall glorify Yahuah forever.33Observe, therefore, my children, all the Torah of Yahuah, for there is hope for all them who hold fast unto His ways.34And he said to them: Behold, I die before your eyes this day, a hundred and nineteen years old.35Let no one bury me in costly apparel, nor tear open my bowels, for this shall they who are kings do; and carry me up to Chevron (Hebron) with you.36And Yehudah, when he had said these things, fell asleep; and his sons did according to all whatsoever he commanded them, and they buried him in Chevron, with his fathers.
Footnotes
Yehudah makes a vivid simile concerning tyranny and a dire prophecy concerning the morals of his listeners.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 15
The Testament of Yissakar - Chapter One
1.0×
1The copy of the words of Yissakar.2For he called his sons and said to them: Hearken, my children, to Yissakar your father; give ear to the words of him who is beloved of Yahuah.3I was born the fifth son to Ya'akov, by way of hire for the mandrakes.4For Re'uven, my brother brought in mandrakes from the field, and Rachel met him and took them.5And Re'uven wept, and at his voice Leah my mother came forth.6Now these mandrakes were sweet-smelling apples which were produced in the land of Charan below a ravine of water.7And Rachel said: I will not give them to thee, but they shall be to me instead of children.8For Yahuah hath despised me, and I have not borne children to Ya'akov.9Now there were two apples; and Leah said to Rachel: Let it suffice thee that thou hast taken my husband: wilt thou take these also?10And Rachel said to her: Thou shalt have Ya'akov this night for the mandrakes of thy son.11And Leah said to her: Ya'akov is mine, for I am the wife of his youth.12But Rachel said: Boast not, and vaunt not thyself; for he espoused me before thee, and for my sake he served our father fourteen years.13And had not craft increased on the earth and the wickedness of men prospered, thou wouldst not now see the face of Ya'akov.14For thou art not his wife, but in craft wert taken to him in my stead.15And my father deceived me, and removed me on that night, and did not suffer Ya'akov to see me; for had I been there, this had not happened to him.16Nevertheless, for the mandrakes I am hiring Ya'akov to thee for one night.17And Ya'akov knew Leah, and she conceived and bare me, and on account of the hire I was called Yissakar.18Then appeared to Ya'akov a messenger (malakh) of Yahuah, saying: Two children shall Rachel bear, inasmuch as she hath refused company with her husband, and hath chosen continency.19And had not Leah my mother paid the two apples for the sake of his company, she would have borne eight sons; for this reason she bare six, and Rachel bare the two: for on account of the mandrakes Yahuah visited her.20For He knew that for the sake of children she wished to company with Ya'akov, and not for lust of pleasure.21For on the morrow also she again gave up Ya'akov.22Because of the mandrakes, therefore, Yahuah hearkened to Rachel.23For though she desired them, she ate them not, but offered them in the house of Yahuah, presenting them to the priest of the Most High who was at that time.24When, therefore, I grew up, my children, I walked in uprightness of heart, and I became a husbandman for my father and my brethren, and I brought in fruits from the field according to their season.25And my father blessed me, for he saw that I walked in rectitude before him.26And I was not a busybody in my doings, nor envious and malicious against my neighbour.27I never slandered anyone, nor did I censure the life of any man, walking as I did in singleness of eye.28Therefore, when I was thirty-five years old, I took to myself a wife, for my labour wore away my strength, and I never thought upon pleasure with women; but owing to my toil, sleep overcame me.29And my father always rejoiced in my rectitude, because I offered through the priest to Yahuah all first-fruits; then to my father also.30And Yahuah increased ten thousandfold His benefits in my hands; and also Ya'akov, my father, knew that Elohim aided my singleness.31For on all the poor and oppressed I bestowed the good things of the earth in the singleness of my heart.32And now, hearken to me, my children, and walk in singleness of your heart, for I have seen in it all that is well-pleasing to Yahuah.33The single-minded man coveteth not gold, he overreacheth not his neighbour, he longeth not after manifold dainties, he delighteth not in varied apparel.34He doth not desire to live a long life, but only waiteth for the will of Elohim.35And the spirits of deceit have no power against him, for he looketh not on the beauty of women, lest he should pollute his mind with corruption.36There is no envy in his thoughts, no malicious person maketh his soul to pine away, nor worry with insatiable desire in his mind.37For he walketh in singleness of soul, and beholdeth all things in uprightness of heart, shunning eyes made evil through the error of the world, lest he should see the perversion of any of the commandments of Yahuah.38Keep, therefore, my children, the Torah of Elohim, and get singleness, and walk in guilelessness, not playing the busybody with the business of your neighbour, but love Yahuah and your neighbour, have compassion on the poor and weak.39Bow down your back unto husbandry, and toil in labours in all manner of husbandry, offering gifts to Yahuah with thanksgiving.40For with the first-fruits of the earth will Yahuah bless you, even as He blessed all the kadoshim (saints) from Hevel (Abel) even until now.41For no other portion is given to you than of the fatness of the earth, whose fruits are raised by toil.42For our father Ya'akov blessed me with blessings of the earth and of first-fruits.43And Lewi and Yehudah were glorified by Yahuah even among the sons of Ya'akov; for Yahuah gave them an inheritance, and to Lewi He gave the priesthood, and to Yehudah the kingdom.44And do ye therefore obey them, and walk in the singleness of your father; for unto Gad hath it been given to destroy the troops that are coming upon Yisrael.
Footnotes
Yissakar, the fifth son of Yisrael and Leah. The sinless child of hire for mandrakes. He appeals for simplicity.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 16
The Testament of Yissakar - Chapter Two
1.0×
1Know ye therefore, my children, that in the last times your sons will forsake singleness, and will cleave unto insatiable desire.2And leaving guilelessness, will draw near to malice; and forsaking the commandments of Yahuah, they will cleave unto Beliar.3And leaving husbandry, they will follow after their own wicked devices, and they shall be dispersed among the nations (Goyim), and shall serve their enemies.4And do you therefore give these commands to your children, that, if they sin, they may the more quickly return to Yahuah (wrought teshuvah); For He is merciful, and will deliver them, even to bring them back into their land.5Behold, therefore, as ye see, I am a hundred and twenty-six years old and am not conscious of committing any sin unto death.6Except my wife I have not known any woman. I never committed whoredom by the uplifting of my eyes.7I drank not wine, to be led astray thereby;8I coveted not any desirable thing that was my neighbour's.9Guile arose not in my heart;10A lie passed not through my lips.11If any man were in distress I joined my sighs with his,12And I shared my bread with the poor.13I wrought godliness (chassidut), all my days I kept truth.14I loved Yahuah; likewise also every man with all my heart.15So do you also these things, my children, and every spirit of Beliar shall flee from you, and no deed of wicked men shall rule over you;16And every wild beast shall ye subdue, since you have with you the Elohim of heaven and earth and walk with men in singleness of heart.17And having said these things, he commanded his sons that they should carry him up to Chevron (Hebron), and bury him there in the cave with his fathers.18And he stretched out his feet and died, at a good old age; with every limb sound, and with strength unabated, he slept the eternal sleep.
Footnotes
Yissakar warns of future apostasy and offers his final testimony of blamelessness.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 17
The Testament of Zevulun - Chapter One
1.0×
1The copy of the words of Zevulun, which he enjoined on his sons before he died in the hundred and fourteenth year of his life, two years after the death of Yoseph.2And he said to them: Hearken to me, ye sons of Zevulun, attend to the words of your father.3I, Zevulun, was born a good gift to my parents.4For when I was born my father was increased very exceedingly, both in flocks and herds, when with the straked rods he had his portion.5I am not conscious that I have sinned all my days, save in thought.6Nor yet do I remember that I have done any iniquity, except the sin of ignorance which I committed against Yoseph; for I covenanted with my brethren not to tell my father what had been done.7But I wept in secret many days on account of Yoseph, for I feared my brethren, because they had all agreed that if any one should declare the secret, he should be slain.8But when they wished to kill him, I adjured them much with tears not to be guilty of this sin.9For Shim'on and Gad came against Yoseph to kill him, and he said unto them with tears: Pity me, my brethren, have mercy upon the bowels of Ya'akov our father: lay not upon me your hands to shed innocent blood, for I have not sinned against you.10And if indeed I have sinned, with chastening chastise me, my brethren, but lay not upon me your hand, for the sake of Ya'akov our father.11And as he spoke these words, wailing as he did so, I was unable to bear his lamentations, and began to weep, and my liver was poured out, and all the substance of my bowels was loosened.12And I wept with Yoseph and my heart sounded, and the joints of my body trembled, and I was not able to stand.13And when Yoseph saw me weeping with him, and them coming against him to slay him, he fled behind me, beseeching them.14But meanwhile Re'uven arose and said: Come, my brethren, let us not slay him, but let us cast him into one of these dry pits, which our fathers digged and found no water.15For for this cause Yahuah forbade that water should rise up in them in order that Yoseph should be preserved.16And they did so, until they sold him to the Yishma'elim.17For in his price I had no share, my children.18But Shim'on and Gad and six other of our brethren took the price of Yoseph, and bought sandals for themselves, and their wives, and their children, saying:19We will not eat of it, for it is the price of our brother's blood, but we will assuredly tread it under foot, because he said that he would be king over us, and so let us see what will become of his dreams.20Therefore it is written in the writing of the Torah of Mosheh (Moses), that whosoever will not raise up seed to his brother, his sandal should be unloosed, and they should spit in his face.21And the brethren of Yoseph wished not that their brother should live, and Yahuah loosed from them the sandal which they wore against Yoseph their brother.22For when they came into Mitzrayim (Egypt) they were unloosed by the servants of Yoseph outside the gate, and so they made obeisance to Yoseph after the fashion of King Pharaoh.23And not only did they make obeisance to him, but were spit upon also, falling down before him forthwith, and so they were put to shame before the Mitzrim (Egyptians).24For after this the Mitzrim heard all the evils that they had done to Yoseph.25And after he was sold my brothers sat down to eat and drink.26But I, through pity for Yoseph, did not eat, but watched the pit, since Yehudah feared lest Shim'on, Dan, and Gad should rush off and slay him.27But when they saw that I did not eat, they set me to watch him, till he was sold to the Yishma'elim.28And when Re'uven came and heard that while he was away Yoseph had been sold, he rent his garments, and mourning, said:29How shall I look on the face of my father Ya'akov? And he took the money and ran after the merchants; but as he failed to find them he returned grieving.30But the merchants had left the broad road and marched through the Troglodytes by a short cut.31But Re'uven was grieved, and ate no food that day.32Dan therefore came to him and said: Weep not, neither grieve; for we have found what we can say to our father Ya'akov.33Let us slay a kid of the goats, and dip in it the coat of Yoseph; and let us send it to Ya'akov, saying: Know, is this the coat of thy son?34And they did so. For they stripped off from Yoseph his coat when they were selling him, and put upon him the garment of a slave.35Now Shim'on took the coat, and would not give it up, for he wished to rend it with his sword, as he was angry that Yoseph lived and that he had not slain him.36Then we all rose up and said unto him: If thou givest not up the coat, we will say to our father that thou alone didst this evil thing in Yisrael.37And so he gave it unto them, and they did even as Dan had said.
Footnotes
Zevulun, the sixth son of Yisrael and Leah. The inventor and philanthropist. What he learned as a result of the plot against Yoseph.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 18
The Testament of Zevulun - Chapter Two
1.0×
1AND now, my children, I command you to keep the commands of Yahuah, and to show mercy to your neighbours, and to have compassion towards all, not towards men only, but also towards beasts.2For all this thing's sake Yahuah blessed me, and when all my brethren were sick, I escaped without sickness, for Yahuah knoweth the purposes of each.3Have, therefore, compassion in your hearts, my children, because even as a man doeth to his neighbour, even so also will Yahuah do to him.4For the sons of my brethren were sickening and were dying on account of Yoseph, because they showed not mercy in their hearts; but my sons were preserved without sickness, as ye know.5And when I was in the land of Kena'an, by the sea-coast, I made a catch of fish for Ya'akov my father; and when many were choked in the sea, I continued unhurt.6I was the first to make a boat to sail upon the sea, for Yahuah gave me understanding and wisdom therein.7And I let down a rudder behind it, and I stretched a sail upon another upright piece of wood in the midst.8And I sailed therein along the shores, catching fish for the house of my father until we came to Mitzrayim (Egypt).9And through compassion I shared my catch with every stranger.10And if a man were a stranger, or sick, or aged, I boiled the fish, and dressed them well, and offered them to all men, as every man had need, grieving with and having compassion upon them.11Wherefore also Yahuah satisfied me with abundance of fish when catching fish; for he that shareth with his neighbour receiveth manifold more from Yahuah.12For five years I caught fish and gave thereof to every man whom I saw, and sufficed for all the house of my father.13And in the summer I caught fish, and in the winter I kept sheep with my brethren.14Now I will declare unto you what I did.15I saw a man in distress through nakedness in wintertime, and had compassion upon him, and stole away a garment secretly from my father's house, and gave it to him who was in distress.16Do you, therefore, my children, from that which Elohim bestoweth upon you, show compassion and mercy without hesitation to all men, and give to every man with a good heart.17And if ye have not the wherewithal to give to him that needeth, have compassion for him in bowels of mercy.18I know that my hand found not the wherewithal to give to him that needed, and I walked with him weeping for seven furlongs, and my bowels yearned towards him in compassion.19Have, therefore, yourselves also, my children, compassion towards every man with mercy, that Yahuah also may have compassion and mercy upon you.20Because also in the last days Elohim will send His compassion on the earth, and wheresoever He findeth bowels of mercy He dwelleth in him.21For in the degree in which a man hath compassion upon his neighbours, in the same degree hath Yahuah also upon him.22And when we went down into Mitzrayim, Yoseph bore no malice against us.23To whom taking heed, do ye also, my children, approve yourselves without malice, and love one another; and do not set down in account, each one of you, evil against his brother.24For this breaketh unity and divideth all kindred, and troubleth the soul, and weareth away the countenance.25Observe, therefore, the waters, and know when they flow together, they sweep along stones, trees, earth, and other things.26But if they are divided into many streams, the earth swalloweth them up, and they vanish away.27So shall ye also be if ye be divided. Be not ye, therefore, divided into two heads; for everything which Yahuah made hath but one head, and two shoulders, two hands, two feet, and all the remaining members.28For I have learnt in the writing of my fathers, that ye shall be divided in Yisrael, and ye shall follow two kings, and shall work every abomination.29And your enemies shall lead you captive, and ye shall be evil entreated among the nations (Goyim), with many infirmities and tribulations.30And after these things ye shall remember Yahuah and repent (wrought teshuvah), and He shall have mercy upon you, for He is merciful and compassionate.31And He setteth not down in account evil against the sons of men, because they are flesh, and are deceived through their own wicked deeds.32And after these things shall there arise unto you Yahuah Himself, the Light of Righteousness, and ye shall return unto your land.33And ye shall see Him in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), for His name's sake.34And again through the wickedness of your works shall ye provoke Him to anger,35And ye shall be cast away by Him unto the time of consummation.36And now, my children, grieve not that I am dying, nor be cast down in that I am coming to my end.37For I shall rise again in the midst of you, as a ruler in the midst of his sons; and I shall rejoice in the midst of my tribe, as many as shall keep the Torah of Yahuah, and the commandments of Zevulun their father.38But upon the ungodly shall Yahuah bring eternal fire, and destroy them throughout all generations.39But I am now hastening away to my rest, as did also my fathers.40But do ye fear Yahuah our Elohim with all your strength all the days of your life.41And when he had said these things he fell asleep, at a good old age.42And his sons laid him in a wooden coffin. And afterwards they carried him up and buried him in Chevron (Hebron), with his fathers.
Footnotes
He urges human sympathy, invention for the household, and warns of the ultimate division of the tribes.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 19
The Testament of Dan - Chapter One
1.0×
1The copy of the words of Dan, which he spake to his sons in his last days, in the hundred and twenty-fifth year of his life.2For he called together his family, and said: Hearken to my words, ye sons of Dan; and give heed to the words of your father.3I have proved in my heart, and in my whole life, that truth with just dealing is good and well pleasing to Elohim, and that lying and anger are evil, because they teach man all wickedness.4I confess, therefore, this day to you, my children, that in my heart I resolved on the death of Yoseph my brother, the true and good man.5And I rejoiced that he was sold, because his father loved him more than us.6For the spirit of jealousy and vainglory said to me: Thou thyself also art his son.7And one of the spirits of Beliar stirred me up, saying: Take this sword, and with it slay Yoseph: so shall thy father love thee when he is dead.8Now this is the spirit of anger that persuaded me to crush Yoseph as a leopard crusheth a kid.9But the Elohim of my fathers did not suffer him to fall into my hands, so that I should find him alone and slay him, and cause a second tribe to be destroyed in Yisrael.10And now, my children, behold I am dying, and I tell you of a truth, that unless ye keep yourselves from the spirit of lying and of anger, and love truth and longsuffering, ye shall perish.11For anger is blindness, and does not suffer one to see the face of any man with truth.12For though it be a father or a mother, he behaveth towards them as enemies; though it be a brother, he knoweth him not; though it be a prophet of Yahuah, he disobeyeth him; though a righteous man, he regardeth him not; though a friend, he doth not acknowledge him.13For the spirit of anger encompasseth him with the net of deceit, and blindeth his eyes, and through lying darkeneth his mind, and giveth him its own peculiar vision.14And wherewith encompasseth it his eyes? With hatred of heart, so as to be envious of his brother.15For anger is an evil thing, my children, for it troubleth even the soul itself.16And the body of the angry man it maketh its own, and over his soul it getteth the mastery, and it bestoweth upon the body power that it may work all iniquity.17And when the body does all these things, the soul justifieth what is done, since it seeth not aright.18Therefore he that is wrathful, if he be a mighty man, hath a threefold power in his anger: one by the help of his servants; and a second by his wealth, whereby he persuadeth and overcometh wrongfully; and thirdly, having his own natural power he worketh thereby the evil.19And though the wrathful man be weak, yet hath he a power twofold of that which is by nature; for wrath ever aideth such in lawlessness.20This spirit goeth always with lying at the right hand of Satan, that with cruelty and lying his works may be wrought.21Understand ye, therefore, the power of wrath, that it is vain.22For it first of all giveth provocation by word; then by deeds it strengtheneth him who is angry, and with sharp losses disturbeth his mind, and so stirstirreth up with great wrath his soul.23Therefore, when any one speaketh against you, be not ye moved to anger, and if any man praiseth you as holy men, be not uplifted: be not moved either to delight or to disgust.24For first it pleases the hearing, and so maketh the mind keen to perceive the grounds for provocation; and then being enraged, he thinketh that he is justly angry.25If ye fall into any loss or ruin, my children, be not afflicted; for this very spirit maketh a man desire that which is perishable, in order that he may be enraged through the affliction.26And if ye suffer loss voluntarily, or involuntarily, be not vexed; for from vexation ariseth wrath with lying.27Moreover, a twofold mischief is wrath with lying; and they assist one another in order to disturb the heart; and when the soul is continually disturbed, Yahuah departeth from it, and Beliar ruleth over it.
Footnotes
The seventh son of Yisrael and Bilhah. The jealous one. He counsels against anger saying that "it giveth peculiar vision." This is a notable thesis on anger.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 20
The Testament of Dan - Chapter Two
1.0×
1Observe, therefore, my children, the commandments of Yahuah, and keep His Torah; depart from wrath, and hate lying, that Yahuah may dwell among you, and Beliar may flee from you.2Speak truth each one with his neighbour. So shall ye not fall into wrath and confusion; but ye shall be in peace, having the Elohim of peace, so shall no war prevail over you.3Love Yahuah through all your life, and one another with a true heart.4I know that in the last days ye shall depart from Yahuah, and ye shall provoke Lewi unto anger, and fight against Yehudah; but ye shall not prevail against them, for a messenger (malakh) of Yahuah shall guide them both; for by them shall Yisrael stand.5And whensoever ye depart from Yahuah, ye shall walk in all evil and work the abominations of the nations (Goyim), going a-whoring after women of the lawless ones, while with all wickedness the spirits of wickedness work in you.6For I have read in the book of Chanoch (Enoch), the righteous, that your prince is Satan, and that all the spirits of wickedness and pride will conspire to attend constantly on the sons of Lewi, to cause them to sin before Yahuah.7And my sons will draw near to Lewi, and sin with them in all things; and the sons of Yehudah will be covetous, plundering other men's goods like lions.8Therefore shall ye be led away with them into captivity, and there shall ye receive all the plagues of Mitzrayim (Egypt), and all the evils of the nations (Goyim).9And so when ye return to Yahuah (wrought teshuvah) ye shall obtain mercy, and He shall bring you into His sanctuary, and He shall give you peace.10And there shall arise unto you from the tribe of Yehudah and of Lewi the salvation of Yahuah; and He shall make war against Beliar.11And execute an everlasting vengeance on our enemies; and the captivity shall He take from Beliar, even the souls of the kadoshim (saints), and turn disobedient hearts unto Yahuah, and give to them that call upon Him eternal peace.12And the kadoshim shall rest in Eden, and in the New Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) shall the righteous rejoice, and it shall be unto the glory of Elohim for ever.13And no longer shall Yerushalayim endure desolation, nor Yisrael be led captive; for Yahuah shall be in the midst of it [living amongst men], and the Holy One of Yisrael shall reign over it in humility and in poverty; and he who believeth on Him shall reign amongst men in truth.14And now, fear Yahuah, my children, and beware of Satan and his spirits.15Draw near unto Elohim and unto the messenger (malakh) that intercedeth for you, for he is a mediator between Elohim and man, and for the peace of Yisrael he shall stand up against the kingdom of the enemy.16Therefore is the enemy eager to destroy all that call upon Yahuah.17For he knoweth that upon the day on which Yisrael shall repent (wrought teshuvah), the kingdom of the enemy shall be brought to an end.18For the very messenger (malakh) of peace shall strengthen Yisrael, that it fall not into the extremity of evil.19And it shall be in the time of the lawlessness of Yisrael, that Yahuah will not depart from them, but will transform them into a nation that doeth His will, for none of the messengers (malakim) will be equal unto Him.20And His name shall be in every place in Yisrael, and among the nations (Goyim).21Keep, therefore, yourselves, my children, from every evil work, and cast away wrath and all lying, and love truth and long-suffering.22And the things which ye have heard from your father, do ye also impart to your children that the Saviour of the nations (Goyim) may receive you; for He is true and long-suffering, meek and lowly, and teacheth by His works the Torah of Elohim.23Depart, therefore, from all unrighteousness, and cleave unto the righteousness of Elohim, and your race will be saved for ever.24And bury me near my fathers.25And when he had said these things he kissed them, and fell asleep at a good old age.26And his sons buried him, and after that they carried up his bones, and placed them near Avraham, and Yitzchak, and Ya'akov.27Nevertheless, Dan prophesied unto them that they should forget their Elohim, and should be alienated from the land of their inheritance and from the race of Yisrael, and from the family of their seed.
Footnotes
A prophecy of the sins, captivity, plagues, and ultimate restitution of the nation. They still talk of Eden.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 21
The Testament of Naphtali - Chapter One
1.0×
1The copy of the testament of Naphtali, which he ordained at the time of his death in the hundred and thirtieth year of his life.2When his sons were gathered together in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, while still in good health, he made them a feast of food and wine.3And after he was awake in the morning, he said to them, "I am dying"; and they believed him not.4And as he glorified Yahuah, he grew strong and said that after yesterday's feast he should die.5And he began then to say: "Hear, my children, ye sons of Naphtali, hear the words of your father.6I was born from Bilhah, and because Rachel dealt craftily, and gave Bilhah in place of herself to Ya'akov, and she conceived and bare me upon Rachel's knees, therefore she called my name Naphtali.7For Rachel loved me very much because I was born upon her lap; and when I was still young she was wont to kiss me, and say: 'May I have a brother of thine from mine own womb, like unto thee.'8Whence also Yoseph was like unto me in all things, according to the prayers of Rachel.9Now my mother was Bilhah, daughter of Rotheus the brother of Devorah, Rivkah's nurse, who was born on one and the self-same day with Rachel.10And Rotheus was of the family of Avraham, a Chaldean, Elohim-fearing, free-born, and noble.11And he was taken captive and was bought by Laban; and he gave him Euna his handmaid to wife, and she bore a daughter, and called her name Zilpah, after the name of the village in which he had been taken captive.12And next she bore Bilhah, saying: 'My daughter hastens after what is new,' for immediately that she was born she seized the breast and hastened to suck it.13And I was swift on my feet like the deer, and my father Ya'akov appointed me for all messages, and as a deer did he give me his blessing.14For as the potter knoweth the vessel, how much it is to contain, and bringeth clay accordingly, so also doth Yahuah make the body after the likeness of the spirit, and according to the capacity of the body doth He implant the spirit.15And the one does not fall short of the other by a third part of a hair; for by weight, and measure, and rule was all the creation made.16And as the potter knoweth the use of each vessel, what it is meet for, so also doth Yahuah know the body, how far it will persist in goodness, and when it beginneth in evil.17For there is no yetzer (inclination) or thought which Yahuah knoweth not, for He created every man after His own image.18For as a man's strength, so also in his work; as his eye, so also in his sleep; as his soul, so also in his word either in the Torah of Yahuah or in the law of Beliar.19And as there is a division between light and darkness, between seeing and hearing, so also is there a division between man and man, and between woman and woman; and it is not to be said that the one is like the other either in face or in mind.20For Elohim made all things good in their order, the five senses in the head, and He joined on the neck to the head, adding to it the hair also for comeliness and glory, then the heart for understanding, the belly for excrement, and the stomach for grinding, the windpipe for taking in the breath, the liver for wrath, the gall for bitterness, the spleen for laughter, the reins (kidneys) for prudence, the muscles of the loins for power, the lungs for drawing in, the loins for strength, and so forth.21So then, my children, let all your works be done in order with good intent in the fear of Elohim, and do nothing disorderly in scorn or out of its due season (moed).22For if thou bid the eye to hear, it cannot; so neither while ye are in darkness can ye do the works of light.23Be ye, therefore, not eager to corrupt your doings through covetousness or with vain words to beguile your souls; because if ye keep silence in purity of heart, ye shall understand how to hold fast the will of Yahuah, and to cast away the will of Beliar.24Sun and moon and stars, change not their order; so do ye also change not the Torah of Elohim in the disorderliness of your doings.25The Goyim (gentiles) went astray, and forsook Yahuah, and changed their order, and obeyed stocks and stones, spirits of deceit.26But ye shall not be so, my children, recognizing in the firmament, in the earth, and in the sea, and in all created things, Yahuah who made all things, that ye become not as Sodom, which changed the order of nature.27In like manner the Watchers (Irin) also changed the order of their nature, whom Yahuah cursed at the flood, on whose account He made the earth without inhabitants and fruitless.28These things I say unto you, my children, for I have read in the writing of Chanoch (Enoch) that ye yourselves also shall depart from Yahuah, walking according to all the lawlessness of the Goyim, and ye shall do according to all the wickedness of Sodom.29And Yahuah shall bring captivity upon you, and there shall ye serve your enemies, and ye shall be bowed down with every affliction and tribulation, until Yahuah have consumed you all.30And after ye have become diminished and made few, ye shall perform Teshuvah (return) and acknowledge Yahuah your Elohim; and He shall bring you back into your land, according to His abundant mercy.31And it shall be, that after that they come into the land of their fathers, they shall again forget Yahuah and become ungodly.32And Yahuah shall scatter them upon the face of all the earth, until the compassion of Yahuah shall come, a Man working righteousness and working mercy unto all them that are afar off, and to them that are near.
Footnotes
Naphtali, the eighth son of Ya’akov and Bilhah. The Runner. A lesson in physiological alignment and the structural order of creation.
Edut HaShneim Asar (Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)—Chapter 22
The Testament of Naphtali - Chapter Two
1.0×
1For in the fortieth year of my life, I saw a vision on the Mount of Olives, on the east of Yerushalayim, that the sun and the moon were standing still.2And behold Yitzchak, the father of my father, said to us; "Run and lay hold of them, each one according to his strength; and to him that seizeth them will the sun and moon belong."3And we all of us ran together, and Lewi laid hold of the sun, and Yehudah outstripped the others and seized the moon, and they were both of them lifted up with them.4And when Lewi became as a sun, lo, a certain young man gave to him twelve branches of palm; and Yehudah was bright as the moon, and under their feet were twelve rays.5And the two, Lewi and Yehudah, ran, and laid hold of them.6And lo, a bull upon the earth, with two great horns, and an eagle's wings upon its back; and we wished to seize him, but could not.7But Yoseph came, and seized him, and ascended up with him on high.8And I saw, for I was there, and behold a holy writing appeared to us, saying: "Assyrians, Medes, Persians, Chaldeans, Syrians, shall possess in captivity the twelve tribes of Yisrael."9And again, after seven days, I saw our father Ya'akov standing by the sea of Jamnia, and we were with him.10And behold, there came a ship sailing by, without sailors or pilot; and there was written upon the ship, The Ship of Ya'akov.11And our father said to us: "Come, let us embark on our ship."12And when he had gone on board, there arose a vehement storm, and a mighty tempest of wind; and our father, who was holding the helm, departed from us.13And we, being tost with the tempest, were borne along over the sea; and the ship was filled with water, and was pounded by mighty waves, until it was broken up.14And Yoseph fled away upon a little boat, and we were all divided upon nine planks, and Lewi and Yehudah were together.15And we were all scattered unto the ends of the earth.16Then Lewi, girt about with sackcloth, prayed for us all unto Yahuah.17And when the storm ceased, the ship reached the land as it were in peace.18And, lo, our father came, and we all rejoiced with one accord.19These two dreams I told to my father; and he said to me: "These things must be fulfilled in their season (moed), after that Yisrael hath endured many things."20Then my father saith unto me: "I believe Elohim that Yoseph liveth, for I see always that Yahuah numbereth him with you."21And he said, weeping: "Ah me, my son Yoseph, thou livest, though I behold thee not, and thou seest not Ya'akov that begat thee."22He caused me also, therefore, to weep by these words, and I burned in my heart to declare that Yoseph had been sold, but I feared my brethren.23And lo! my children, I have shown unto you the last times, how everything shall come to pass in Yisrael.24Do ye also, therefore, charge your children that they be united to Lewi and to Yehudah; for through them shall salvation arise unto Yisrael, and in them shall Ya'akov be blessed.25For through their tribes shall Elohim appear dwelling among men on earth, to save the race of Yisrael, and to gather together the righteous from amongst the Goyim (gentiles).26If ye work that which is good, my children, both men and angels shall bless you; and Elohim shall be glorified among the Goyim through you, and Beliar shall flee from you, and the wild beasts shall fear you, and Yahuah shall love you, and the angels shall cleave to you.27As a man who has trained a child well is kept in kindly remembrance; so also for a good work there is a good remembrance before Elohim.28But him that doeth not that which is good, both angels and men shall curse, and Elohim shall be dishonored among the Goyim through him, and Beliar shall make him as his own peculiar instrument, and every wild beast shall master him, and Yahuah shall hate him.29For the mitzvot (commandments) of the Torah are twofold, and through binah (prudence/discernment) must they be fulfilled.30For there is a season (moed) for a man to embrace his wife, and a season to abstain therefrom for his prayer.31So, then, there are two mitzvot; and, unless they be done in due order, they bring very great sin upon men.32So also is it with the other mitzvot.33Be ye therefore wise in Elohim, my children, and prudent, understanding the order of His mitzvot, and the laws of every word, that Yahuah may love you.34And when he had charged them with many such words, he exhorted them that they should remove his bones to Chevron (Hebron), and that they should bury him with his fathers.35And when he had eaten and drunken with a merry heart, he covered his face and died.36And his sons did according to all that Naphtali their Father had commanded them.
Footnotes
The Prophetic Vision of the Mount of Olives and the Sea of Jamnia. The Great Dispersion, the Sovereignty of the Priestly and Royal Lines, and the Orderly Discipline of the Commandments.