Introduction
The Toledot Yosef Ha-Naggar (The History of Joseph the Carpenter) serves as the vital link within the Brit Chadashah (Second Covenant), providing the necessary historical and spiritual bridge between the set-apart origins of the Mother and the public ministry of the Son. While the primary Gospels focus on the Messiah's divinity and Kingship, this chronicle—delivered by Yeshua Himself to the Shlichim (Apostles) on the Har Ha-Zeitim (Mount of Olives)—honors the man chosen by Yahuah to be the earthly guardian of the Word made flesh.
The Role of the Guardian (Ha-Shomer)
In the Hebraic tradition of the Ivri Heritage Bible, Yosef is presented not merely as a background figure, but as a Tzaddik (a righteous man) of the lineage of David Ha-Melekh. As a Naggar (skilled craftsman/carpenter), he embodies the Torah principle of living by the labor of one's hands. His life is a testament to quiet obedience; he was the one who shielded the Betulah Miryam from reproach and navigated the perilous flight to Mitsrayim (Egypt) to preserve the life of the young King.
Core Themes and Importance
1. A Witness to the Hidden Years: This account provides the most detailed record of the "hidden years" in Netzaret. It reveals a household governed by the Torah, where the Savior of the world lived in humble subjection to His earthly parents, honoring the commandment to "Honor thy father and thy mother" in its most perfect form. 2. The Victory Over Death: A significant portion of this text focuses on the transition of Yosef from this life. Through the words of Yeshua, we gain a unique perspective on the "crossing over" of a soul. It provides a profound comfort, showing the Messiah standing at the bedside of the dying elder, rebuking the powers of darkness and commanding the Malakim (angels) to escort the righteous into rest. 3. Prophetic Continuity: The text reinforces the inevitability of physical death as a result of the fall of Adam, yet points toward the hope of the Seudah (banquet) of the thousand years. It places Yosef among the great patriarchs, noting his burial near the tomb of Rachel and his father Ya'akov. 4. The Apostolic Mandate: The Shlichim were specifically charged by Yeshua to preserve this narrative and to commemorate the life of Yosef. By including this history, we fulfill the Savior's desire that the world should know of the labor, the love, and the end of the man who held the hand of the Mashiach during His youth.
The Netzarim Household
For the reader, this book transforms Yosef from a silent figure into a living example of a Tzaddik. It clarifies the family structure of the Netzarim, naming his sons and daughters and illustrating the deep bond of affection within the home. It reminds us that the redemption of Yisrael began within a family that walked in the fear of Yahuah, laboring in faith until the appointed time of manifestation. Through the Toledot Yosef, we see that every role in the plan of Elohim—even the hidden role of a carpenter—is essential, set-apart, and worthy of eternal remembrance.
The Witness of the Scribes
This is the account of the coming forth from the body of Yosef HaNaggar (the Carpenter), the human father of Yeshua HaMashiach, who completed one hundred and eleven years in this life. Our Savior recounted his entire life to the Shlichim (Apostles) upon the Har HaZeitim (Mount of Olives). The Shlichim (Apostles) wrote these words and placed them in the library of Yerushalayim. Yosef fell asleep in the peace of Elohim on the twenty-sixth day of the month of Abib (Epip).
The Scribe's Invocation
In the Name of Elohim, the One Essence. This is the Toledot (History) of the departure of our father, the holy elder, Yosef HaNaggar. May his merit and his prayers be a hedge of protection for the brethren. Amen. His entire life spanned one hundred and eleven years, and his crossing over from this world took place on the twenty-sixth day of the month of Abib. It was Adonai Yeshua HaMashiach Himself who recounted this history to His holy Shlichim (Apostles) upon the Har HaZeitim (Mount of Olives), detailing all the labors of Yosef and the end of his days. The holy Shlichim preserved this conversation and committed it to writing within the library of Yerushalayim.
Chapter 1 The Commission upon the Mount
1
It happened one day, when the Savior, our Master and Redeemer Yeshua HaMashiach, was sitting with His talmidim (disciples) assembled upon the Har HaZeitim, that He said to them:
2
O My brethren and friends, sons of the Father who has chosen you from among all men, you know that I have often told you that I must be executed and die for the salvation of Adam and his posterity, and that I shall rise from the dead.
3
Now, I commit to you the doctrine of the Besorah (the Holy Gospel) formerly announced to you, that you may declare it throughout the whole world. I shall endow you with power from on high and fill you with the Ruach HaKodesh.
4
You shall declare to all nations Teshuvah (repentance) and the remission of sins. For a single cup of water, if a man finds it in the world to come, is greater and better than all the wealth of this entire world.
5
Even the small ground that one foot can occupy in the house of My Father is more excellent than all the riches of the eretz (earth). Yea, a single hour in the joyful dwelling of the tzaddikim (the pious) is more blessed than a thousand years among sinners—whose weeping and lamentation shall never end, nor shall they find repose.
6
Go now, My honored members, and tell the nations: Verily, the Savior inquires into the inheritance due and is the Administrator of Justice.
7
Yahuah will examine every idle word which men speak, and they shall give an account of it. For as no man escapes death, so shall the works of every man be laid open on the Yom HaDin (Day of Judgment), whether they be good or evil.
8
Tell them also this word: Let not the strong man glory in his strength, nor the rich man in his riches; but let him who glories, glory in Yahuah.
Chapter 2 The House of Yosef in Beit-Lechem
1
There was a man whose name was Yosef, sprung from a family of Beit-Lechem, the city of David HaMelekh.
2
This man was well-furnished with wisdom and learning, and he served in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) of Yahuah. He was, besides, skillful in his trade, which was that of a Naggar (carpenter).
3
According to the manner of all men, he took a wife and begat for himself sons and daughters. His four sons were named: Yehudah, Justus, Ya'akov, and Shim'on; and his two daughters were named Assia and Lydia.
4
At length, the wife of righteous Yosef, a woman intent on the glory of Elohim in all her works, departed this life.
5
Then Yosef, that tzaddik (righteous man), My father after the flesh and the guardian of My mother Miryam, went away with his sons to practice the art of a carpenter.
Chapter 3 The Widower and the Betulah
1
Now, when the righteous Yosef became a widower, My mother Miryam, the blessed, holy, and pure Betulah, was already twelve years old.
2
Her parents had offered her in the Beit HaMikdash when she was three, and she had remained there nine years in the service of Yahuah.
3
As the Kohanim (priests) saw that the holy and god-fearing Betulah was reaching maturity, they spoke among themselves, saying: "Let us seek out a righteous man to whom we may entrust her, to keep her in all purity."
4
For her parents had offered her in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) when she was three years of age, and she remained in the Temple of Yahuah nine years.
5
Then, when the Kohanim (priests) saw that the Betulah, holy and God-fearing, was growing up, they spoke to each other, saying: "Let us search out a man, righteous and pious, to whom Miryam may be entrusted until the time of her marriage; lest, if she remain in the Temple, it happen to her as is wont to happen to women, and lest on that account we sin, and Elohim be angry with us."
Chapter 4 The Selection of the Just Man
1
Therefore they immediately sent out and assembled twelve old men of the tribe of Yehudah. And they wrote down the names of the twelve tribes of Yisrael.
2
And the lot fell upon the pious elder, the tzaddik Yosef. Then the Kohanim answered and said to My blessed mother: "Go with Yosef, and be with him until the time of your marriage."
3
Righteous Yosef therefore received My mother and led her away to his own house. And Miryam found Ya'akov HaKatan (James the Less) in his father's house, broken-hearted and sad on account of the loss of his mother, and she brought him up.
4
Hence Miryam was called the mother of Ya'akov. Thereafter, Yosef left her at home and went away to the shop where he wrought at his trade of a Naggar (carpenter).
5
And after the holy Betulah had spent two years in his house, her age was exactly fourteen years, including the time at which he received her.
Chapter 5 The Mystery of the Incarnation
1
And I chose her of My own will, with the concurrence of My Father and the counsel of the Ruach HaKodesh.
2
And I was made flesh of her, by a mystery which transcends the grasp of created reason.
3
And three months after her conception, the tzaddik Yosef returned from the place where he worked at his trade; and when he found My virgin mother pregnant, he was greatly perplexed and thought of sending her away secretly.
4
But from fear, and sorrow, and the anguish of his heart, he could endure neither to eat nor drink that day.
Chapter 6 The Vision of Gavri'el
1
But at midday there appeared to him in a dream the prince of the malakim, the holy Gavri'el, furnished with a command from My Father; and he said to him:
2
"Yosef, son of David, fear not to take Miryam as your wife; for she has conceived of the Ruach HaKodesh; and she will bring forth a Son, whose Name shall be called Yeshua. He it is who shall rule all nations with a rod of iron."
3
Having thus spoken, the malak departed from him. And Yosef rose from his sleep and did as the malak of Yahuah had said to him; and Miryam abode with him.
Chapter 7 The Journey to Beit-Lechem
1
Some time after that, there came forth an order from Augustus Caesar the king, that all the habitable world should be enrolled, each man in his own city.
2
The elder therefore, righteous Yosef, rose up and took the Betulah Miryam and came to Beit-Lechem, because the time of her bringing forth was at hand.
3
Yosef then inscribed his name in the list; for Yosef the son of David, whose spouse Miryam was, was of the tribe of Yehudah.
4
And indeed Miryam, My mother, brought Me forth in Beit-Lechem, in a cave near the tomb of Rachel the wife of the patriarch Ya'akov, the mother of Yosef and Binyamin.
Chapter 8 The Flight to Mitsrayim
1
But Satan went and told this to Herod the Great. And it was this same Herod who ordered My friend and relative Yochanan (John) to be beheaded.
2
Accordingly, he searched for Me diligently, thinking that My kingdom was to be of this world. But Yosef, that pious elder, was warned of this by a dream.
3
Therefore he rose and took Miryam My mother, and I lay in her bosom. Salome also was their fellow-traveler. Having therefore set out from home, he retired into Mitsrayim (Egypt) and remained there the space of one whole year, until the hatred of Herod passed away.
Chapter 9 The Return to Netzaret
1
Now Herod died by the worst form of death, atoning for the shedding of the blood of the children whom he wickedly cut off, though there was no sin in them.
2
And that impious tyrant Herod being dead, they returned into the land of Yisrael and lived in a city of the Galil which is called Netzaret.
3
And Yosef, going back to his trade of a Naggar, earned his living by the work of his hands; for, as the Torat Mosheh had commanded, he never sought to live for nothing by another's labor.
Chapter 10 The Advanced Age of the Tzaddik
1
At length, by increasing years, the elder arrived at a very advanced age. Yet he did not labor under any infirmity of body, nor did his sight fail him, nor did a single tooth perish from his mouth.
2
In his mind and his reason he never wavered, but like a young man he displayed a youthful vigor in his labors; and his limbs remained whole and free from pain. His whole life, indeed, spanned one hundred and eleven years, his old age being prolonged to the utmost limit.
3
[The Strength of the Tzaddik] He did not, however, labor under any bodily weakness, nor had his sight failed, nor had any tooth perished from his mouth.
4
In his mind, for the whole time of his life, he never wandered; but like a boy he always displayed youthful vigor in his business. His limbs remained unimpaired and free from all pain.
5
His life, then, in all, amounted to one hundred and eleven years, his old age being prolonged to the utmost limit.
Chapter 11 The Netzarim Household
1
Now Yehudah and Shim'on, the elder sons of Yosef, were married and had families of their own. Both the daughters were likewise married and lived in their own houses.
2
So there remained in the house of Yosef: Yehudah, Ya'akov HaKatan, and My virgin mother Miryam. I, moreover, dwelt along with them, as if I had been one of his own sons.
3
I passed all My life without fault. Miryam I called My mother, and Yosef My father, and I obeyed them in all that they said.
4
Nor did I ever contend against them, but complied with their commands, as other men whom the eretz produces are wont to do. I never aroused their anger, nor gave any word in opposition to them. On the contrary, I cherished them with great love, like the pupil of My eye.
Chapter 12 The Approach of Dissolution
1
It came to pass, after these things, that the death of the pious Yosef and his departure from this world were approaching, as happens to all who owe their origin to this eretz.
2
As his body was verging on dissolution, a malak (angel) of Yahuah informed him that his death was now close at hand. Therefore, fear and great perplexity came upon him.
3
So he rose up and went to Yerushalayim; and going into the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) of Yahuah, he poured out his prayers there before the Sanctuary, saying:
Chapter 13 The Prayer of the Dying Elder
1
"O Elohim, Author of all consolation, Elohim of all compassion, and Adonai of the whole human race; Elohim of my soul, body, and spirit; with supplications I reverence You, O Yahuah my Elohim.
2
If now my days are ended, and the time draws near when I must leave this world, send me, I beseech You, the great Mikha'el, the prince of Your holy malakim.
3
Let him remain with me, that my soul may depart from this afflicted body without trouble and without terror. For great fear takes hold of all bodies on the day of their death.
4
Now therefore, O Adonai my Elohim, let Your holy malak be present with his help until soul and body shall be dissevered from each other.
5
Let not the face of the malak appointed my guardian from the day of my birth be turned away from me, but may he be the companion of my journey even until he brings me to You.
6
Let not the doorkeepers hinder my soul from entering Paradise. Do not uncover my sins before Your terrible tribunal, nor let the waves of the sea of fire overwhelm my soul—for through this must every soul pass before seeing the glory of Your Godhead.
7
O Elohim, most righteous Judge, be present to me in Your compassion and enlighten my path that I may come to You; for You are a fountain overflowing with all good things for evermore. Amen."
Chapter 14 The Final Sickness
1
Thereafter, when he returned to his own house in the city of Netzaret, he was seized by disease and had to keep his bed.
2
It was at this time that he died, according to the destiny of all mankind. For this disease was very heavy upon him, and he had never been ill from the day of his birth.
3
Thus it pleased the Mashiach to order the destiny of righteous Yosef. He had lived forty years unmarried; thereafter his wife remained under his care forty-nine years, and then died.
4
After her death, he remained a widower for one year. Then My mother Miryam spent two years in his house before the Besorah of My birth was announced.
5
And a year after her death, My mother, the blessed Miryam, was entrusted to him by the Kohanim (priests), that he should keep her until the time of her marriage.
6
She spent two years in his house; and in the third year of her stay with Yosef, in the fifteenth year of her age, she brought Me forth on eretz (earth) by a mystery which no creature can penetrate or understand, except Myself, and My Father, and the Ruach HaKodesh, constituting one essence with Myself.
Chapter 15 The Fading of the Fine Gold
1
The whole age of My father, therefore, that tzaddik (righteous) elder, was one hundred and eleven years, My Father in Hashamayim (the heavens) having so decreed.
2
And the day on which his soul left his body was the twenty-sixth of the month Abib. For now the fine gold began to lose its splendor, and the silver to be worn down by use—I mean his understanding and his wisdom.
3
He also loathed food and drink and lost all his skill in his trade of carpentry, nor did he any more pay attention to it.
4
It came to pass, then, in the early dawn of the twenty-sixth day of Abib, that Yosef, that righteous elder, lying in his bed, was giving up his unquiet soul. Wherefore he opened his mouth with many sighs, struck his hands together, and with a loud voice cried out.
Chapter 16 The Lament of the Dying
1
"Woe to the day on which I was born into the world! Woe to the womb which bare me! Woe to the hands which carried me and reared me until I grew up!
2
For I was conceived in iniquity, and in sins did my mother desire me. Woe to my tongue and my lips, which have spoken vanity, ignorance, and hypocrisy!
3
Woe to mine eyes, which have looked upon scandalous things! Woe to mine ears, which have delighted in the words of slanderers! Woe to my feet, which have too often walked in ways displeasing to Elohim!
4
Woe to my body; and woe to my miserable soul, which has already turned aside from Elohim its Maker! What shall I do when I arrive at that place where I must stand before the most Tzaddik (Righteous) Judge, and when He shall call me to account for the works of my youth?
5
Woe to every man dying in his sins! Assuredly that same dreadful hour which came upon my father Ya'akov, when his soul was flying forth from his body, is now near at hand for me. But Elohim alone is the disposer of my soul and body; He will deal with them after His own good pleasure."
Chapter 17 The Savior's Presence
1
These are the words spoken by Yosef, that righteous elder. And I, going in beside him, found his soul exceedingly troubled, for he was placed in great perplexity.
2
And I said to him: "Shalom! (Hail!) My father Yosef, thou righteous man; how is it with thee?" And he answered Me: "All Shalom (hail!) My well-beloved Son. Indeed, the agony and fear of death have already environed me; but as soon as I heard Thy voice, my soul was at rest.
3
O Yeshua of Netzarim! Yeshua, my Savior! Yeshua, the deliverer of my soul! Yeshua, my protector! O sweetest Name in my mouth, and in the mouth of all those that love it!
4
I am Thy servant; this day I most humbly reverence Thee. Thou art altogether my Elohim; Thou art my Adonai, as the malak (angel) has told me times without number.
5
Especially on that day when my soul was driven about with perverse thoughts about the pure and blessed Miryam, who was carrying Thee in her womb.
6
And while I was thus meditating, behold, there appeared to me in my rest malakim of Yahuah, saying to me in a wonderful mystery: 'O Yosef, thou son of David, fear not to take Miryam as thy wife; for she has conceived of the Ruach HaKodesh, and shall bring forth a Son, whose Name shall be called Yeshua, for He shall save His people from their sins.'
7
"Do not for this cause wish me evil, O Adonai! For I was ignorant of the mystery of Your birth. I call to mind also, my Adonai, that day when the boy died of the bite of the serpent.
8
And his relations wished to deliver You to Herod, saying that You had killed him; but You did raise him from the dead and restore him to them. Then I went up to You and took hold of Your hand, saying: 'My Son, take care of Yourself.'
9
But You did say to me in reply: 'Art thou not My father after the flesh? I shall teach thee who I am.' Now therefore, O Yahuah my Elohim, do not be angry with me or condemn me on account of that hour. I am Your servant, and the son of Your handmaiden; but You are my Adonai, my Elohim, and Savior, most surely the Son of Elohim."
Chapter 18 The Sway of Death
1
When My father Yosef had thus spoken, he was unable to weep more. And I saw that death now had dominion over him.
2
My mother, the undefiled Betulah, rose and came to Me, saying: "O My beloved Son, this pious elder Yosef is now dying."
3
And I answered: "O My dearest mother, assuredly upon all creatures produced in this world the same necessity of death lies; for death holds sway over the whole human race.
4
Even you, O My Betulah mother, must look for the same end of life as other mortals. And yet your death, as also the death of this pious man, is not death, but life enduring to eternity.
5
Nay more, even I must die as concerns the body which I have received from you. But rise, O My venerable mother, and go in to Yosef, that blessed elder, in order that you may see what will happen as his soul ascends from his body."
Chapter 19 The Signs of Departure
1
My undefiled mother Miryam, therefore, went and entered the place where Yosef was. And I was sitting at his feet looking at him, for the signs of death already appeared in his countenance.
2
And that blessed elder raised his head and kept his eyes fixed on My face; but he had no power of speaking to Me on account of the agonies of death which held him in their grasp.
3
He kept fetching many sighs, and I held his hands for a whole hour; and he turned his face to Me and made signs for Me not to leave him. Thereafter, I put My hand upon his breast and perceived his soul now near his throat, preparing to depart from its receptacle.
Chapter 20 The Coldness of the Flesh
1
And when My Betulah mother saw Me touching his body, she also touched his feet. Finding them already dead and destitute of heat, she said to Me: "O My beloved Son, assuredly his feet are already beginning to stiffen, and they are as cold as snow."
2
Accordingly, she summoned his sons and daughters and said to them: "Come, as many as there are of you, and go to your father; for assuredly he is now at the very point of death."
3
And Assia, his daughter, answered and said: "Woe is me, O my brothers, this is certainly the same disease that my beloved mother died of." She lamented and shed tears; and all Yosef's other children mourned along with her. I also, and My mother Miryam, wept along with them.
Chapter 21 The Approach of Gehenna
1
And turning My eyes toward the region of the south, I saw Death already approaching, and all Gehenna with him, closely attended by his army and his satellites.
2
Their clothes, their faces, and their mouths poured forth flames. And when My father Yosef saw them coming straight to him, his eyes dissolved in tears, and he groaned after a strange manner.
3
When I saw the vehemence of his sighs, I drove back Death and all the host of servants which accompanied him.
Chapter 22 The Savior's Intercession
1
And I called upon My good Father, saying: "O Father of all mercy, Eye which seest and Ear which hearest, hearken to My prayers in behalf of the elder Yosef.
2
Send Mikha'el, the prince of Your malakim, and Gavri'el, the herald of light, and let their whole array walk with the soul of My father Yosef until they shall have conducted it to You.
3
This is the hour in which My father has need of compassion." And I say unto you, that all the saints, and as many as are born in the world, whether they be tzaddikim or whether they be perverse, must of necessity taste of death.
Chapter 23 The Delivery of the Soul
1
Therefore, Mikha'el and Gavri'el came to the soul of My father Yosef. They took it and wrapped it in a shining wrapper of light.
2
Thus did the soul of the righteous guardian go forth from the body in peace, as the messengers of the Malkut HaShamayim (Kingdom of Heaven) received him into their care.
3
Thus he committed his spirit into the hands of My good Father, and He bestowed upon him Shalom (peace). But as yet, none of his children knew that he had fallen asleep.
4
And the malakim (angels) preserved his soul from the demons of darkness which were in the way, and praised Elohim even until they conducted it into the dwelling-place of the tzaddikim (the pious).
Chapter 24 The Prostrate Vessel
1
Now his body was lying prostrate and bloodless; wherefore I reached forth My hand, and put right his eyes and shut his mouth.
2
I said to the Betulah Miryam: "O My mother, where is the skill which he showed in all the time that he lived in this world? Lo! it has perished, as if it had never existed."
3
And when his children heard Me speaking with My mother, they knew that he had already breathed his last, and they shed tears and lamented.
4
But I said to them: "Assuredly the death of your father is not death, but life everlasting; for he has been freed from the troubles of this life and has passed to perpetual and everlasting rest." When they heard these words, they rent their clothes and wept.
Chapter 25 The Lamentation in the Galil
1
And indeed, the inhabitants of Netzaret and of the Galil (Galilee), having heard of their lamentation, flocked to them and wept from the third hour even to the ninth.
2
And at the ninth hour, they all went together to Yosef's bed. They lifted his body after they had anointed it with costly unguents.
3
But I entreated My Father in the prayer of the celestials—that same prayer which with My own hand I made before I was carried in the womb of My mother Miryam.
4
As soon as I had finished it and pronounced the Amen, a great multitude of malakim came up; and I ordered two of them to stretch out their shining garments and to wrap in them the body of Yosef, the blessed elder.
Chapter 26 The Promise of the Thousand Years
1
And I spoke to Yosef, and said: "The smell or corruption of death shall not have dominion over thee, nor shall a worm ever come forth from thy body. Not a single limb of it shall be broken, nor shall any hair on thy head be changed.
2
Nothing of thy body shall perish, O My father Yosef, but it will remain entire and uncorrupted even until the Seudah (banquet) of the thousand years.
3
And whosoever shall make an offering on the day of thy remembrance, him will I bless and recompense in the congregation of the pure; and whosoever shall give food to the wretched, the poor, the widows, and orphans from the work of his hands in thy name, shall not be in want of good things all the days of his life.
4
Whosoever shall have given a cup of water or of wine to the widow or orphan in thy name, I will give him to thee, that thou mayst go in with him to the banquet of the thousand years.
5
And whosoever shall write the history of thy life, of thy labor, and thy departure from this world, and this narrative that has issued from My mouth, him shall I commit to thy keeping as long as he shall have to do with this life.
6
When his soul departs and he must leave this world, I will blot out the book of his sins; he shall cross the sea of flames and shall go through it without trouble or pain.
7
And upon every poor man who can give none of these things, let this be incumbent: if a son is born to him, he shall call his name Yosef. So there shall not take place in that house either poverty or sudden death for ever."
Chapter 27 The Adhering Shroud
1
Thereafter, the chief men of the city came together to the place where the body of the blessed elder Yosef had been laid, bringing with them burial-clothes; and they wished to wrap it up after the manner in which the Yehudim (Jews) are wont to arrange their dead.
2
And they perceived that he kept his shroud fast; for it adhered to the body in such a way that it was found to be like iron—impossible to be moved or loosened. Nor could they find any ends in that piece of linen, which struck them with the greatest astonishment.
3
At length, they carried him out to a place where there was a cave, and opened the gate, that they might bury his body beside the bodies of his fathers.
4
Then there came into My mind the day on which he walked with Me into Mitsrayim (Egypt), and that extreme trouble which he endured on My account. Accordingly, I bewailed his death for a long time; and lying upon his body, I said:
5
"O Death! who makest all knowledge to vanish away, and raisest so many tears and lamentations, surely it is Elohim My Father Himself who hath granted thee this power. For men die for the transgression of Adam and his wife Chawah (Eve), and Death spares not so much as one.
6
Nevertheless, nothing happens to anyone without the command of My Father. There have certainly been men who have prolonged their life even to nine hundred years; but they died. Nor has any one of them ever said: 'I have not tasted death.'
7
For Yahuah never sends the same punishment more than once. Because Adam did not the will of My Father, but transgressed His mitzvah (commandment), the wrath of My Father was kindled against him, and He doomed him to death; and thus it was that death came into the world.
8
Think you that I cannot ask My good Father to send Me a chariot of fire to take up the body of My father Yosef? But on account of the transgression of Adam, this violence of death has descended upon all. And it is for this cause that I must die according to the flesh, for My work which I have created, that they may obtain grace."
Chapter 29 The Entombment of the Guardian
1
Having thus spoken, I embraced the body of My father Yosef and wept over it. They opened the door of the tomb and placed his body in it, near the body of his father Ya'akov.
2
At the time when he fell asleep, he had fulfilled a hundred and eleven years. Never did a tooth in his mouth hurt him, nor was his eyesight rendered less sharp, nor his body bent; but he worked at his trade of a Naggar (carpenter) to the very last day of his life, which was the twenty-sixth of the month Abib.
Chapter 30 The Inquiry of the Shlichim
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And we Shlichim (Apostles), when we heard these things from our Savior, rose up joyfully and prostrated ourselves in honor of Him, and said: "O our Savior, show us Your grace.
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We have heard the word of life; nevertheless we wonder at the fate of Chanokh (Enoch) and Eliyahu (Elias), inasmuch as they had not to undergo death. For truly they dwell in the habitation of the tzaddikim even to the present day, nor have their bodies seen corruption.
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Yet that elder Yosef HaNaggar was, nevertheless, Your father after the flesh. And You have ordered us to go into all the world and preach the holy Besorah, and to relate the death of My father Yosef and celebrate a festival in his name.
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We wonder especially that Yosef called You his Son after the flesh from the day You were born in Beit-Lechem. Wherefore, then, did You not make him immortal as well as them, seeing that he was righteous and chosen?"
Chapter 31 The Decree of the Father
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And our Savior answered and said: "Indeed, the prophecy of My Father upon Adam for his disobedience has now been fulfilled. All things are arranged according to the will and pleasure of My Father.
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For if a man rejects the mitzvot of Elohim and follows the works of Hasatan (the devil) by committing sin, his life is sometimes prolonged; for he is preserved in order that he may perhaps perform Teshuvah (repentance), and reflect that he must eventually be delivered into the hands of death."
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"But if anyone has been zealous of good works, his life also is prolonged, that as the fame of his old age increases, upright men may imitate him. But when you see a man whose mind is prone to anger, assuredly his days are shortened; for it is these that are taken away in the flower of their age.
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Every prophecy, therefore, which My Father has pronounced concerning the sons of men must be fulfilled in every particular.
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But with reference to Chanokh (Enoch) and Eliyahu (Elias), and how they remain alive to this day, keeping the same bodies with which they were born; and as to what concerns My father Yosef, who was not allowed as well as they to remain in the body:
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Indeed, though a man live in the world many myriads of years, nevertheless at some time or other he is compelled to exchange life for death.
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And I say to you, O My brethren, that they also—Chanokh and Eliyahu—must towards the end of time return into the world and die.
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This shall be in the day of commotion, of terror, of perplexity, and affliction. For the Anti-Mashiach (Antichrist) will slay four bodies and will pour out their blood like water, because of the reproach to which they shall expose him and the ignominy with which they shall brand him when they reveal his impiety."
Chapter 32 The Four Witnesses and the Doxology
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And we said: "O our Adonai, our Elohim, and Savior, who are those four whom You have said the Anti-Mashiach will cut off because of the reproach they bring upon him?"
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Adonai answered: "They are Chanokh, Eliyahu, Schila, and Tabitha."
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When we heard this from our Savior, we rejoiced and exulted; and we offered all glory and thanksgiving to Yahuah Elohim and our Savior Yeshua HaMashiach.
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He it is to whom is due glory, honor, dignity, dominion, power, and praise, as well as to the good Father with Him, and to the Ruach HaKodesh that giveth life, henceforth and in all time for evermore.