The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs are a collection of 12 writings purported to be the final words and instructions of the 12 sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. The testaments are presented as each patriarch on their deathbeds, speaking to their children and giving them advice and prophecies for the future.
The writings likely originated sometime between 2nd century BCE and 2nd century CE. The testaments are ascribed pseudepigraphically to each patriarch, meaning the actual authors wrote under the names of the biblical figures. The testaments contain ethical teachings, apocalyptic visions, and messianic prophecies that proved influential in the development of Christianity. While not considered canonical Scripture, the testaments provide insight into Jewish and early Christian thought during the intertestamental period.
Here is a brief overview of each testament:
Testament of Reuben
Reuben confesses his sin of sleeping with his father Jacob’s concubine Bilhah (Genesis 35:22). He warns his children not to follow lusts of the flesh but pursue God’s righteousness. He prophesies the future apostasy in Israel and God’s judgment.
Testament of Simeon
Simeon confesses his sin of violently avenging his sister Dinah (Genesis 34:25-31). He encourages nonviolence and repentance from anger and hatred. He prophesies the coming of the Messiah who will convert the Gentiles.
Testament of Levi
Levi retells his zeal for justice in avenging Dinah by deceiving and killing the Shechemites (Genesis 34:25-31). He instructs his descendants to follow the Lord faithfully as priestly servants. He prophesies the coming of a new priesthood through a righteous High Priest.
Testament of Judah
Judah confesses deceiving his father about Joseph (Genesis 37:26-28) but claims later repentance. He exhorts moral living, warns against greed and idolatry. He prophesies two messianic kingdoms, one temporary and one eternal.
Testament of Issachar
Issachar extols agricultural life and hard labor over materialism and lust for power. He prophesies military defeats for Israel because of national sins but promises restoration through repentance.
Testament of Zebulun
Zebulun endorses honest business practices over greed. He prophesies Israel’s unfaithfulness to the covenant but promises compassion to the repentant.
Testament of Dan
Dan confesses hatred that led him to attempt murdering Joseph (Genesis 37:18-28). He warns against anger and lying but encourages integrity. He prophesies military victory against Israel’s enemies but condemnation for the nation’s sins.
Testament of Naphtali
Naphtali recalls resisting temptation from Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39). He urges sexual purity, patience in suffering, and love for neighbors. He prophesies Israel’s rebellion and exile but promises restoration.
Testament of Gad
Gad confesses hatred that also led him to plot against Joseph (Genesis 37). He instructs avoiding envy and murder. He prophesies military sieges and captivity for Israel’s sins but promises they will return and rebuild their cities.
Testament of Asher
Asher emphasizes generosity over selfishness and greed. He blesses his children and grandsons and asks them to be compassionate.
Testament of Joseph
Joseph tells of his ordeals in Egypt, maintaining virtue and forgiving those who harmed him. He exhorts moral conduct, hospitality to strangers, and care for the elderly. He prophesies destruction for Potiphar’s wife and foretells Moses leading Israel out of Egypt.
Testament of Benjamin
Benjamin confesses plotting against Joseph but claims he sought to rescue him from death (Genesis 42:36). He denounces sexual immorality and urges virtuous living. He prophesies judgment on predatory rulers and the wicked but blessings for the righteous.
Some common themes emerge in the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs:
- The patriarchs confess past sins but claim repentance and teach morality.
- They condemn sexual immorality and greed while commending virtues like charity, forgiveness, and honest labor.
- They warn of Israel’s coming apostasy and God’s judgment through foreign invasions and exile.
- They prophesy about two messianic kingdoms – one led by a conquering Messiah from Judah, and the other a kingdom of eternal peace ruled by the Son of God.
- They promise restoration for Israel through repentance and predict the later inclusion of the Gentiles.
There are diverse manuscript traditions of the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs. The Greek texts likely contain Christian interpolations and expansions beyond original Jewish writings. However, the testaments remain valuable in understanding development of messianic expectations and apocalyptic thought in the Second Temple period.
While not part of the biblical canon, the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs provide insight into how pre-Christian Jews viewed their patriarchal history and how early Christians appropriated Jewish traditions about the 12 sons of Jacob. The ethical exhortations and apocalyptic visions paint a picture of Jewish thinking that shaped the world from which Christianity emerged. The testaments stand as an important bridge between the Old and New Testaments.
Key Bible passages behind the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs include:
- Genesis 35:16-26 – The 12 sons of Jacob who became the 12 tribes of Israel
- Genesis 34:1-31 – Dinah violated and avenged by Simeon and Levi
- Genesis 37:12-36 – Joseph sold by his brothers into slavery in Egypt
- Genesis 39:1-23 – Joseph resists temptation from Potiphar’s wife
- Genesis 42:7-38 – Joseph’s brothers travel to Egypt seeking food
The ethical teachings in the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs echo various biblical principles such as:
- Exodus 20:1-17 – The Ten Commandments
- Leviticus 19:9-18 – Laws of holiness including love for neighbors
- Psalm 15 – Attributes of righteous who abide with God
- Proverbs 6:20-35 – Warnings against adultery and lust
- Isaiah 1:16-20 – Calls to cease evil and uphold justice
- Micah 6:8 – Requirements for good of justice, mercy and humility
The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs occupy an intriguing place in history, transitioning from Jewish origins to Christian additions. They provide a window into the ethical and eschatological views of Jews and early Christians during a critical era as God’s people waited expectantly for the fulfillment of messianic promises.
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