I found this very interesting Early Christian document (See link at the bottom for the very interesting site and give them a visit) purporting to be the spoken deathbed testaments of the 12 sons of Jacob just before they died. I found them very genuine and highly fascinating to read, especially the Heavenly vision of Levi about the 7 Heavens. It contains the ring of truth IMHO, acc. to the little discernment the Lord gives me. Enjoy! Even IF some would say that it is merely Christian fiction of the Early Christians, it is very inspiring reading.
Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs
I.-The Testament of Reuben Concerning Thoughts
I.-The Testament of Reuben Concerning Thoughts
————
1. The copy of the Testament of Reuben, what things he charged his sons before he died in the hundred and twenty-fifth year of his life. When he was sick two years after the death of Joseph, his sons and his sons’ sons were gathered together to visit him. And he said to them, My children, I am dying, and go the way of my fathers. And when he saw there Judah and Gad and Asher, his brethren, he said to them, Raise me up, my brethren, that I may tell to my brethren and to my children what things I have hidden in my heart, for from henceforth my strength faileth me. And he arose and kissed them, and said, weeping: Hear, my brethren, give ear to Reuben your father, what things I command you. And, behold, I call to witness against you this day the God of heaven, that ye walk not in the ignorance of youth and fornication wherein I ran greedily, and I defiled the bed of Jacob my father. For I tell you that He smote me with a sore plague in my loins for seven months; and had not Jacob our father prayed for me to the Lord, surely the Lord would have destroyed me. For I was thirty years old when I did this evil in the sight of the Lord, and for seven months I was sick even unto death; and I repented for seven years in the set purpose of my soul before the Lord. Wine and strong drink I drank not, and flesh entered not into my mouth, and I tasted not pleasant food, mourning over my sin, for it was great. And it shall not so be done in Israel. Continue reading “The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs – An Early Christian Text of the 12 Sons of Jacob”