The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs 117
Joseph 7
When her husband asked why her countenance had fallen, she claimed heart pain and spirit groanings though not truly sick.
1ut because her heart was set upon me to commit lewdness, she sighed, and her countenance fell.
2 And when her husband saw her, he said unto her, Why is thy countenance fallen?
3 And she said, I have a pain at my heart, and the groanings of my spirit do oppress me; and so he comforted her who was not sick.
4 Then she rushed in to me while her husband was yet without, and said unto me, I will hang myself, or cast myself into a well or over a cliff, if thou wilt not consent unto me.
5 And when I saw the spirit of Beliar was troubling her, I prayed unto the Lord, and said unto her, Why art thou troubled and disturbed, blinded in sins?
6 Remember that if thou killest thyself, Sethon, the concubine of thy husband, thy rival, will beat thy children, and will destroy thy memorial from off the earth.
7 And she said unto me, Lo then thou lovest me; this alone is sufficient for me, that thou carest for my life and my children: I have expectation that I shall enjoy my desire.
8 And she knew not that because of my God I spake thus, and not because of her.
9 For if a man hath fallen before the passion of a wicked desire, then by that hath he become enslaved, even as also was she.
10 And if he hear any good thing with regard to the passion whereby he is vanquished, he receiveth it unto his wicked desire.
Did You Know?
When her husband asked why her countenance had fallen, she claimed heart pain and spirit groanings though not truly sick.
She rushed in while her husband was still outside and threatened suicide by hanging, a well, or a cliff if refused.
He warned that suicide would leave her children beaten by Sethon, her husband's concubine and rival, destroying her memorial.
She took his concern for her life and children as proof of love and still expected to enjoy her desire.
He perceived the spirit of Beliar troubling her and told her she was disturbed and blinded in her sins.
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