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The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs

A Legacy of Prophecy and Counsel

Reuben
Simeon
Levi
Judah
Issachar
Zebulun
Dan
Naphtali
Gad
Asher
Joseph
Benjamin
The final words of Jacob's twelve sons before their deaths - containing moral warnings, life lessons, and prophecies about Israel's future

Introduction to the Testaments

These are the final commands and declarations of the twelve sons of Jacob, given to their children before their deaths.

What Are They?

  • Literary Form: Testament literature - deathbed speeches
  • Authors: The twelve sons of Jacob (Israel)
  • Audience: Their children and future generations
  • Purpose: Moral instruction, warnings against sin, and prophecies

Three Main Components

  1. Autobiographical Section: Each patriarch's life story and key experiences
  2. Moral Exhortation: Warnings against specific sins or encouragement to virtue
  3. Prophetic Vision: Predictions about their descendants and the Messiah

The Spirits of Deceit

Reuben's Warning Against Sin

"Seven spirits are appointed against man, and they are the leaders in the works of youth" - Testament of Reuben 2:2

The Seven Spirits

  1. Fornication - Seated in the nature and senses
  2. Insatiableness - In the belly
  3. Fighting - In the liver and gall
  4. Obsequiousness & Chicanery - Fair in seeming through officious attention
  5. Pride - Boastful and arrogant
  6. Lying - To practice deceits and concealments
  7. Injustice - With thefts and rapacity
Reuben's Warning: "These spirits darken the mind from the truth and prevent understanding of God's law. Guard your senses from every woman and avoid fornication."

The Destructive Power of Envy & Hatred

Simeon's Warning Against Envy

  • Envy blinded his mind against Joseph
  • "Envy rules the whole mind"
  • It suggests destruction of the envied
  • The envious person fades away
"The cure for envy: The Fear of God"

Gad's Confession About Hatred

  • Hatred filled his heart with murderous intent
  • "Hatred is evil" - it blinds the soul
  • Works with Satan through hastiness
  • Cannot recognize truth or righteousness
"The command: Love and Forgive"
Both patriarchs learned through suffering: Simeon's hand withered for seven days, and Gad suffered liver disease for eleven months - teaching that we are punished by the very sins we commit.

The Two Pillars of Authority

Levi and Judah: Priesthood and Kingship

Levi: The Priesthood

  • Anointed by angels in a vision
  • Given the robe of priesthood
  • "Higher than the earthly kingdom"
  • Minister of God's presence
  • Keeper of the holy place

Future: Prophesied corruption and eventual renewal

Judah: The Kingdom

  • Blessed to be King in Israel
  • Renowned for superhuman strength
  • Warrior and leader
  • Earthly authority
  • Scepter of the kingdom

Warning: Against wine and lust - "twin evils"

"As the heaven is higher than the earth, so is the priesthood of God higher than the earthly kingdom" - Testament of Levi 21:4

The Messianic Prophecy

The Coming Savior from Judah and Levi

Multiple patriarchs prophesy a future savior who will unite the priestly line of Levi and the kingly line of Judah

Key Prophecies

From Levi: "Then shall the Lord raise up a new priest... And his star shall arise in heaven as of a king"
From Judah: "A star shall arise from Jacob in peace... like the sun of righteousness"
From Joseph: "From Judah shall arise a virgin, and from her a spotless Lamb, who takes away the sin of the world"

Characteristics of the Messiah

  • Both God and man
  • A "Star of Jacob" and "Sun of Righteousness"
  • Born of a virgin
  • A spotless Lamb who takes away sin
  • Saves both Israel and the Gentiles
  • Binds Beliar (Satan) and brings eternal peace

Practical Wisdom for Daily Life

Issachar: Simplicity

  • Walk in singleness of heart
  • Live simply and righteously
  • Bow your back to honest labor
  • Offer first-fruits with thanksgiving
  • Avoid covetousness and envy

Asher: The Two Ways

  • God gave two ways: good and evil
  • Beware of being "double-faced"
  • Choose goodness with single mind
  • Evil often hides behind good appearance
  • The end reveals true righteousness

Naphtali: Divine Order

  • Do all things in order, as God created the universe
  • "By weight, measure, and rule was all creation made"
  • Observe proper timing - there's a season for everything
  • Don't act disorderly or out of season
  • Let your works be done in the fear of God

The Power of Purity and Patience

Joseph: The Enduring One

Joseph's Victory Through:
  • Patience - Endured betrayal and slavery without bitterness
  • Prayer - Constantly sought God's help
  • Fasting - Disciplined his body against temptation
  • Love for enemies - Forgave and blessed his brothers
"How great things patience worketh, and prayer with fasting... The Lord dwells with those who have chastity and purity" - Testament of Joseph

Benjamin: The Good Mind

"He that has his mind right seeth all things rightly. A pure mind cannot be defiled by the world."
  • The pure mind acts like the sun - shines on filth without becoming dirty
  • Where there is reverence for good works, darkness flees
  • The good inclination is guided by the angel of peace
  • A single disposition toward all men, without duplicity

Final Commands & Promise of Resurrection

Universal Commands from All Patriarchs

  1. Keep the Law of the Lord - Central to all testaments
  2. Love one another - From the heart, without malice
  3. Honor Judah and Levi - From them comes salvation
  4. Teach your children - Pass on these commandments

The Promise of Resurrection

The Patriarchs Promise:

  • The Patriarchs will rise again as chiefs of Israel
  • "Those who died in grief shall arise in joy"
  • "The poor for the Lord's sake shall be made rich"
  • "Those put to death for the Lord shall awake to life"

Final Judgment

The End of Evil

  • Beliar will be bound
  • Cast into fire forever
  • All spirits of deceit destroyed

The New Age

  • Israel and Gentiles saved
  • New Jerusalem established
  • Eternal peace and joy

Core Themes of the Testaments

Theme Key Message Modern Application
Moral Struggle Constant battle between virtue and vice Daily choices shape our character
Forgiveness Love enemies, forgive from the heart Break cycles of hatred and revenge
Unity Division weakens, unity strengthens Build community, avoid division
Messianic Hope Coming King-Priest saves all Live in hope of ultimate redemption
Generational Legacy Teach children righteousness Our choices affect future generations
Divine Order God has established proper order Respect authority and natural law

The Enduring Message:

The Testaments call us to live righteously, love genuinely, forgive completely, and hope confidently in God's ultimate plan for redemption. These ancient words remain profoundly relevant for navigating moral challenges today.

Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Personal Application

  1. Which of the seven spirits of deceit do you find most challenging in your own life?
  2. How can Joseph's example of patience and forgiveness apply to difficult relationships?
  3. What does it mean to have a "single mind" or "pure heart" in today's complex world?

Theological Reflection

  1. How do the Messianic prophecies in the Testaments relate to New Testament teachings?
  2. What is the significance of salvation coming through both Judah (kingship) and Levi (priesthood)?
  3. How does the concept of generational blessing and curse apply today?

Community Application

  1. How can we promote unity while maintaining truth in our communities?
  2. What practical steps can we take to "teach our children" these values?
  3. How do we balance judgment of sin with love for sinners?

Closing Blessing

"The Lord bless you and keep you in the way of righteousness.
May you walk in the commandments of God with singleness of heart.
May the God of peace dwell among you all your days.
Amen."

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