Testament of Joseph 12

1And when I was coming with the Ishmaelites, they kept asking me, saying, “Are you a servant?” And I said that I was a household servant, so that I might not put my brothers to shame.

2And the chief of them said to me, “You are not a servant, for your appearance also makes it plain.” But I told them plainly that I was their servant.

3And the chief of them said to me, “You are not a servant, for your appearance also makes it plain.” But I told them plainly that I was their servant.

4And when we had come into Egypt, they disputed concerning me, as to who, after betraying me, would receive the gold.

5So it seemed good to all of them for me to remain in Egypt with the merchant of their trade until they should return bringing merchandise.

6But the Lord gave me favor in the eyes of the merchant, and he entrusted his house to me.

7And God blessed him in my hand, and increased him on my account in gold and silver and goods.

8And I was with him for three months.

9At that time the wife of Pentephri came down to Memphis in a litter, with great splendor, because she had heard about me from her eunuchs.

10And she said to her husband, “The merchant has grown rich through the hands of a certain young Hebrew; and they say that he also was stolen by theft from the land of Canaan.”

11Now therefore render judgment concerning him, and take the young man into our house, and the God of the Hebrews will bless you, because grace from heaven is upon him.