Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs

R. H. Charles interprets the words of the twelve patriarchs, a pseudepigraphical work which offers insight on the spiritual perspectives and dialogue between members of the twelve tribes of the Old Testament.

The testaments are famous today for containing apparent references to the arrival of Jesus Christ, as well as parallels with the Gospels. Robert Grosseteste, the 13th century theologian and philosopher who discovered the texts, accused Middle Eastern scholars of concealing the writings given the apparently prophetic references to Jesus' arrival on Earth.

Each of the twelve texts represent words delivered by respective heads of the twelve tribes as they neared death. Wanting to leave behind a legacy of sound guidance and spiritual wisdom, the commentaries variously oppose certain sins, offer advice on life, and lambaste certain behaviors and emotional states such as envy, arrogance and greed. By contrast virtues, be they honesty, courage and willpower to resist material and sexual temptations, are commended. R. H. Charles updates the translations to modern English, using his linguistic scholarship to retain an authoritative and authentic tone.

A fine companion to Biblical readings, this book brings the scholarly skills of the author together with the ancient passages of wisdom. We gain an impression of life in the ancient world, and how humans employed faith in the Lord in the battle against sins and the throes of chaotic passions. Most importantly of all are the predictions in the Testament of Levi; thought to predate Christ's birth, several passages are thought comparable to the Book of Matthew.