Testament of Qahat

The Testament of Qahat

[An Aramaic exhortation of Qahat son of Levi to his sons; the scroll is damaged.]

And now, my sons, be watchful over the inheritance that has been handed down to you, which your fathers gave you. Do not give your inheritance to strangers, nor your possession to those who mingle peoples, lest you become lowly and foolish in their eyes; and they would despise you, for they would dwell among you and become your masters.

Hold fast, therefore, to the word of Jacob your father; keep firm the judgments of Abraham and the righteous deeds of Levi and of me; be holy and pure from all mingling. Hold to the truth, and walk in uprightness without a divided heart, but with a pure heart and a true spirit. So you will leave a good name to those who come after you, and joy to your fathers, and gladness to Levi.

Do not fear, my sons, nor be dismayed at the terror of the times, for the Most High is a great and holy God, faithful to all who walk in his truth and keep his commandments. [Text missing] And you shall be a blessing, a light to teach truth, and there shall come to you good and blessing and honor, that you may rejoice in the light and walk in it forever.

And now, Amram my son, I command you [Line damaged] to hold fast to all that I have charged you, and to hand it to Aaron and to his sons after him, an inheritance forever.

[Fragment breaks here]