A Biblical Theology of the Testament of Asher
1. The Testament of Asher in Context
The Testament of Asher, part of the larger Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, presents the final words of Asher, the tenth son of Jacob and Zilpah. Like the other testaments, it blends biographical memory, moral exhortation, and prophetic vision. Its central theme is the contrast between duplicity and integrity, often expressed as “two faces” or “two inclinations.”
The Testament of Asher provides some of the earliest Jewish references to the dual impulses within the human heart, later known as the yetzer hara (evil inclination) and the yetzer hatov (good inclination). This dualistic framework shaped later Jewish thought and resonates with biblical descriptions of the choice between life and death, blessing and curse (Deuteronomy 30:15–20; Jeremiah 21:8).
For Christians, a biblical theology of the Testament of Asher shows how the patriarchs’ exhortations anticipate the Gospel’s call to walk in the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16–17).
2. Structure and Genre of the Testament of Asher
The Testament of Asher follows the general pattern of the patriarchal testaments:
Introduction – Asher calls his sons to hear his last words.
Biographical and Ethical Instruction – He recounts the tension between duplicity and uprightness.
Exhortation – His descendants are urged to choose truth and avoid hypocrisy.
Prophetic Outlook – Predictions of Israel’s disobedience, scattering, and ultimate restoration.
Conclusion – Asher’s death and burial.
The genre is a farewell discourse, modeled after Jacob’s blessing in Genesis 49 and Moses’ song in Deuteronomy 33. By weaving exhortation with eschatology, the Testament of Asher is both moral instruction and apocalyptic prophecy.
3. The Theme of Two Ways
The most striking feature of the Testament of Asher is the emphasis on “two ways.” This phrase appears here earlier than in most Jewish writings and later influenced works like the Didache in early Christianity.
Two Faces – Asher warns against duplicity, teaching that some appear righteous but hide wickedness (Asher 1:3–4).
Two Inclinations – He introduces the idea of competing impulses in the human heart: one oriented toward God, the other swayed by Beliar (Satan).
Two Outcomes – The soul that chooses the good inclination walks in life, while the one ruled by Beliar falls into death (cf. Romans 6:23).
This dualistic presentation reflects the biblical witness: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19). The Testament of Asher applies this choice not only to Israel’s covenant but also to daily conduct in family, community, and worship.
4. Ethical Exhortations
The ethical vision of the Testament of Asher complements the other patriarchal testaments by focusing on sincerity and moral clarity.
Key teachings include:
Rejecting Hypocrisy – Those who pretend to righteousness while practicing evil will be judged (Asher 3:2).
Pursuing Singleness of Heart – Asher insists that good works must flow from inward sincerity, not external show (Matthew 6:1–4).
Avoiding Fornication and Greed – Echoing his brothers’ warnings, Asher links impurity and covetousness with the sway of Beliar (Asher 5:1–2).
Practicing Mercy and Justice – Uprightness includes compassion toward others, in harmony with the biblical command to love neighbor (Leviticus 19:18).
In many ways, Asher’s exhortation anticipates Jesus’ teaching that “the eye is the lamp of the body” (Matthew 6:22–23). Integrity means undivided loyalty to God, free from hypocrisy.
5. Dualism and Spiritual Conflict
Like other testaments, the Testament of Asher frames life in terms of spiritual warfare.
Good and Evil Spirits – The good inclination admits no evil desire, while the evil inclination is stirred by Beliar, the adversary (Asher 1:7–9).
Light and Darkness – Uprightness is described as walking in light, while duplicity belongs to darkness (Asher 6:4–6).
Angels and Demons – At death, angels of peace welcome the righteous, while the wicked are claimed by evil spirits (Asher 6:4).
This dualism is not equal in power. God’s sovereignty ensures that those who choose uprightness will be vindicated. The imagery echoes New Testament teaching: “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
6. Prophecy and Eschatology
Asher also foretells the future of Israel in apocalyptic imagery. He predicts that Israel will sin, be delivered to its enemies, and see the destruction of holy places (Asher 7:2). Yet he also envisions God’s intervention, the destruction of the dragon (cf. Psalm 74:13–14), and the gathering of the nations to worship the Lord (Asher 7:3–4).
This pattern—sin, exile, judgment, and ultimate restoration—reflects the prophetic tradition (cf. Isaiah 2:2–4; Jeremiah 31:31–34). The eschatological hope includes:
A Theophany – God himself appears to deliver his people.
Victory Over the Dragon – Evil is decisively defeated, paralleling Revelation 12:9.
Inclusion of the Nations – Gentiles will also worship the Lord, echoing Psalm 22:27 and Isaiah 66:18–23.
These eschatological promises align with the broader expectation of a Messiah who embodies both priestly and kingly roles. For Christians, this finds fulfillment in Christ, who conquers Satan, inaugurates God’s kingdom, and unites Jew and Gentile in one people.
7. The Testament of Asher and the Gospel
A biblical theology of the Testament of Asher leads naturally to the Gospel. Its call to sincerity, integrity, and loyalty to God resonates with Jesus’ kingdom teaching.
Integrity of Heart – Jesus warned against being “double-minded” (James 1:8) and condemned hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27).
Victory Over Satan – Christ’s death and resurrection disarmed the rulers and authorities (Colossians 2:15), fulfilling the prophecy of Asher 7:3.
Two Ways Fulfilled in Christ – The “two ways” tradition ultimately points to Christ’s narrow way of life and the broad road of destruction (Matthew 7:13–14).
Hope of Eternal Life – Asher affirms that those who walk in uprightness will inherit eternal life (Asher 5:2), a promise fulfilled through Christ’s resurrection (John 11:25–26).
In this way, the Testament of Asher functions typologically: it both reflects Jewish ethical thought of the Second Temple period and points forward to the Gospel’s fulfillment in Jesus.
Conclusion: The Theological Contribution of the Testament of Asher
The Testament of Asher enriches biblical theology by highlighting the duality of human life—duplicity or integrity, light or darkness, God or Beliar. It urges a choice that resonates with both Old Testament covenantal faith and New Testament Gospel proclamation.
Through its emphasis on two ways, spiritual conflict, and eschatological hope, the Testament of Asher provides a moral and prophetic bridge between the patriarchal narratives and the coming of Christ. For today’s readers, it offers a sober reminder: God desires undivided hearts, sincere obedience, and hope rooted in his final victory.
Bible Verses Related to the Testament of Asher
Deuteronomy 30:19 – “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life.”
Jeremiah 21:8 – “Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.”
Psalm 34:12 – “What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?”
Proverbs 4:18–19 – “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn … the way of the wicked is like deep darkness.”
Isaiah 2:2–4 – “All the nations shall flow to it … they shall beat their swords into plowshares.”
Daniel 12:2 – “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life.”
Matthew 7:13–14 – “The gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction … the gate is narrow that leads to life.”
Matthew 23:27 – “You are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones.”
Galatians 5:16–17 – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Revelation 12:9 – “The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan.”
