t12papocrypha
Testament of Joseph 20
Joseph dies at one hundred and ten years, mourned by both Israel and Egypt — his grief for the Egyptians equal to that for his own kin, the full arc of the master type complete. His final charge is twofold: carry the bones, and trust that Jehovah will redeem the covenant promise made to the fathers. The bones are not sentiment — they are a covenant token; their transit marks the moment Beliar's authority over Egypt breaks and divine light accompanies the exodus. The burial note anchors Joseph in Hebron, in the land of inheritance, beside the patriarchal line from which Zion's birthright flows.
1
I know that after my death the Egyptians will afflict you, but God will undertake your cause, and will bring you into that which He promised to your fathers.
2
But carry ye up my bones with you; for when my bones are taken up, the Lord will be with you in light, and Beliar shall be in darkness with the Egyptians.
3
And carry ye up Zilpah your mother, and lay her near Bilhah, by the hippodrome, by the side of Rachel.
4
And when he had said these things, he stretched out his feet, and slept the long sleep at a good old age.
5
And all Israel bewailed him, and all Egypt, with a great lamentation. For he felt even for the Egyptians even as his own members, and showed them kindness, aiding them in every work, and counsel, and matter.
6
And when the children of Israel went out of Egypt, they took with them the bones of Joseph, and they buried him in Hebron with his fathers; and the years of his life were one hundred and ten years.
