Testament of Naphtali 1

1A copy of the testament of Naphtali, the eighth son of Jacob, which he ordained at the time of his departure, in the hundred and thirtieth year of his life.

2When his sons had gathered together in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, he made a feast for them.

3And in the morning, after he awoke, he said to them, “I am dying”; but they did not believe him.

4And while blessing and glorifying the Lord, he grew strong and said, “After yesterday’s meal, my flesh died.”

5Then he began to speak: “Hear, my children, sons of Naphtali; hear the words of your father.

6I was born from Bilhah, because Rachel acted with cunning and gave Bilhah to Jacob in her place; and Bilhah conceived and bore me on Rachel’s knees, and for this reason she called my name Naphtali.

7For Rachel loved me greatly, because I was born upon her knees; and while I was still tender she kept kissing me, saying, ‘May I be given from my own womb a brother like you.’

8Therefore Joseph also was like me in every way, according to the prayers of Rachel.