Testament of Levi 15

Levi prophesies that the priesthood line bearing his name will so thoroughly corrupt the temple covenant that the sanctuary itself becomes desolate through their uncleanness, and the nation is scattered into captivity among all peoples, bearing reproach among those who see them. The sole restraint on total erasure is the covenant sworn to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — the patriarchal anchor that keeps a remnant of the seed in existence on the earth. The passage frames priestly apostasy as the direct cause of exile, and covenant lineage as the only ground of mercy.