Testament of Job

Kohler1897 English translation, printed page 315

Testament of Job. 315 11. And in that night as I lay asleep, a voice came and called: “Jobab! Jobab! rise up, and I will tell thee who 15 the one whom thou wishest to know. 12. This, however, to whom the people bring burnt-offerings and libations, 1s not God, but this is the power and work of the Seducer (Satan) by which he beguiles the people”. 13. And when I heard this, I fell upon the earth and I prostrated myself saying: 14. “O my Lord who speakest for the salvation of my soul, I pray thee, if this is the idol of Satan, I pray thee, let me go hence and destroy it and purify this spot. 15, For there is none that can forbid me doing this, as I am the king of this land, so that those that live in it will no longer be led astray”. 16. And the vvice that spoke out of the flame!) answered to me: “Thou canst purify this spot. 17. But behold, I announce to thee what the Lord ordered me to tell thee. For I am the archangel of God”. 18. And I said: “Whatever shall be told to his servant, I shall hear”. 19, And the archangel said to me: “Thus speaketh the Lord: If thou undertakest to destroy and takest away the image of Satan, he will set himself with wrath to wage war against thee, and he will display against thee all his malice. 20. He will bring upon thee many and severe plagues, and take from thee all that thou hast. 21. He will take away thine children, and will inflict many evils upon thee. 22. Then thou must wrestle like an athlete and sustain pain, sure of thy reward, and overcome trials and afflictions. 23. But when thou endurest, I shall make thy name renowned throughout all generations of the earth until to the end of the world. 24. And I shall restore thee to all that thou hadst had, and the double part of what thou shalt lose will be given to thee in order that thou mayest know that God does not consider the person but giveth to each who deserveth the good. 25. And also to thee shall it be given, and thou shalt put on a crown of amarant.*) 26. And at the resurrection thou shalt awaken for eternal life. Then shalt thou know that the Lord is just, and true and mighty”. 1) Compare Exodus III, 2. *) I. Peter V, 4.