Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs 11
1
The copy of the testament of Joseph. When he was about to die he called his sons and his brethren together, and said to them:
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2
My brethren and my children, hearken to Joseph the beloved of Israel; give ear, my sons, unto your father. I have seen in my life envy and death, yet I went not astray, but persevered in the truth of the Lord.
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3
These my brethren hated me but the Lord loved me. They wished to slay me but the God of my fathers guarded me. They let me down into a pit, and the Most High brought me up again.
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4
I was sold into slavery, and the Lord of all made me free. I was taken into captivity, and His strong hand succoured me.
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5
I was beset with hunger, and the Lord Himself nourished me. I was alone, and God comforted me. I was sick, and the Lord visited me. I was in prison, and my God showed favour unto me.
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6
In bonds, He released me; slandered, He pleaded my cause; bitterly spoken against by the Egyptians, He delivered me; envied by my fellow-slaves, He exalted me.
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7
And Potiphar's wife often urged me to transgress with her; but the God of Israel my father guarded me from the burning flame.
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8
I was cast into prison, I was beaten, I was mocked; but the Lord granted me to find mercy in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
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9
And so, my children, ye also shall recognize in your last days that God dealt well with me. In every way, follow His commandments, for He requireth of you mercy above sacrifice, and knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
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10
Do ye also therefore, my children, love the Lord God of heaven and earth, and keep His commandments, following the example of the good and holy man Joseph.
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