Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs

Reuben's Deathbed Warning Against the Seven Spirits of Deceit

Testament of Reuben

Reuben, firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, lay dying in the hundred and twenty-fifth year of his life. Two years had passed since Joseph fell asleep forever. Now Reuben's own sons ga...

Twelve patriarchsReubenEthicsSin

Simeon Confesses His Jealousy of Joseph and the Power of Envy

Testament of Simeon

Simeon, second son of Jacob and Leah, was dying in his hundred and twentieth year. Joseph his brother had already passed. When his sons came to visit, Simeon strengthened himself, ...

Twelve patriarchsSimeonJosephJealousy

Levi's Ascent Through the Seven Heavens to Receive the Priesthood

Testament of Levi

Levi, third son of Jacob and Leah, called his sons together when he knew his death was near. It had been revealed to him that he would die. When they gathered, he told them everyth...

Twelve patriarchsLeviHeavenly ascentPriesthood

Judah Recounts His Battles and Warns Against Wine and Women

Testament of Judah

Judah, fourth son of Jacob and Leah, gathered his sons and told them everything. His mother had named him Judah, saying, "I give thanks to the Lord, because He has given me a fourt...

Twelve patriarchsJudahWarriorEthics

Issachar Praises the Simple Life of Farming and Integrity

Testament of Issachar

Issachar, fifth son of Jacob and Leah, called his sons together and said: "Hearken, my children, to Issachar your father. Give ear to the words of him who is beloved of the Lord." ...

Twelve patriarchsIssacharEthicsSimplicity

Zebulun Weeps Over the Selling of Joseph into Slavery

Testament of Zebulun

Zebulun, sixth son of Jacob and Leah, was dying in his hundred and fourteenth year, two years after Joseph. He gathered his sons and said: "I am not conscious that I have sinned al...

Twelve patriarchsZebulunJosephCompassion

Dan Warns His Children That Anger Opens the Door to Beliar

Testament of Dan

Dan, seventh son of Jacob, born of Bilhah, called his family together in the hundred and twenty-fifth year of his life. He had proved something in his heart through his entire exis...

Twelve patriarchsDanAngerBeliar

Naphtali's Vision of Levi Seizing the Sun and Judah the Moon

Testament of Naphtali

Naphtali, eighth son of Jacob, born of Bilhah, was dying in his hundred and thirtieth year. His sons gathered on the first day of the seventh month. He was still in good health. He...

Twelve patriarchsNaphtaliVisionProphecy

Gad Reveals How Hatred Devours the Soul from Within

Testament of Gad

Gad, ninth son of Jacob, born of Zilpah, spoke to his sons in the hundred and twenty-fifth year of his life. He had been valiant in keeping the flocks, guarding them at night. When...

Twelve patriarchsGadHatredEthics

Asher Teaches the Two Ways of Good and Evil

Testament of Asher

Asher, tenth son of Jacob, born of Zilpah, spoke to his sons in the hundred and twenty-fifth year of his life, while still in health. "Hearken, you children of Asher, to your fathe...

Twelve patriarchsAsherGood and evilEthics

Joseph Endures Slavery and Seduction Through Faith in God

Testament of Joseph

Joseph, eleventh son of Jacob, beloved of Rachel, was about to die. He called his sons and brethren together and spoke. "My brethren and my children, hearken to Joseph the beloved ...

Twelve patriarchsJosephTemptationFaith

Benjamin Tells His Sons to Follow Joseph's Example of Purity

Testament of Benjamin

Benjamin, twelfth and last son of Jacob, born of Rachel, had lived a hundred and twenty-five years. He kissed his sons and began to speak. "As Isaac was born to Abraham in his old ...

Twelve patriarchsBenjaminJosephPurity