t12papocrypha
Testament of Joseph 18
Joseph closes his testament with a covenant promise: obedience to Jehovah's commandments brings exaltation and lasting blessing, while patient well-doing toward enemies becomes the mechanism of divine redemption. He holds his own life as the proof — long-suffering through Potiphar's house, the prison season, and every adversary yielded not only freedom but inheritance: a wife, wealth, and the preserved strength of his father Jacob's image on his face. The beauty given him above all Israel is not vanity; it is the visible seal of a life conformed to the master type, the pattern that the birthright tribe of Joseph carries forward into the last days.
1
If ye also therefore walk in the commandments of the Lord, my children, He will exalt you there, and will bless you with good things for ever and ever.
2
And if any one seeketh to do evil unto you, do ye by well-doing pray for him, and ye shall be redeemed of the Lord from all evil.
3
For, behold, ye see that through long-suffering I took unto wife even the daughter of my master. And a hundred talents of gold were given me with her; for the Lord made them to serve me.
4
And He gave me also beauty as a flower above the beautiful ones of Israel; and He preserved me unto old age in strength and in beauty, because I was like in all things to Jacob.
