Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs

1The Testament of Levi — On the Priesthood and Arrogance. 2The copy of the words of Levi, the things which he ordained to his sons, concerning all that they should do, and what things should befall them until the day of judgment. 3I, Levi, was conceived in Haran, and born there; and after that I came with my father to Shechem. And I was young, about twenty years old, when, with Simeon, I wrought vengeance on Hamor for our sister Dinah. 4And I saw seven men in white raiment saying to me, Arise, put on the robe of the priesthood, and the crown of righteousness, and the breastplate of understanding, and the garment of truth, and the diadem of faith. 5Choose for yourselves either the light or the darkness, either the law of the Lord or the works of Beliar. And his sons answered him, saying, Before the Lord we will walk in His law. 6His star shall arise in heaven as a king, lighting up the light of knowledge as the sun the day, and He shall be magnified in the world until His ascension. He shall shine as the sun on the earth, and shall remove all darkness from under heaven.