Given by: the angel of the presence to Moses on Sinai, retelling how Abraham gathered his sons and grandsons — Ishmael, Isaac, and the sons of Keturah — to command them before he died. Given to: all Abraham's descendants, and through the book's telling, to every generation after them.

Written for Jews under Hellenistic pressure to assimilate, the book answers by rooting Israel's laws in the lives of the patriarchs; here Abraham's first command is a moral one — righteousness and neighbour-love — set above every ritual that follows.

And he commanded them that they should observe the way of the Lord; that they should work righteousness, and love each his neighbour, and act on this manner amongst all men; that they should each so walk with regard to them as to do judgment and righteousness on the earth.

Abraham's opening charge to all his descendants: keep the way of the Lord by working righteousness, loving your neighbour, and dealing justly — and not only with your own, but among all men.

Jubilees 20:2

Your Spirit

Loves God

Loves Neighbor

Your Body

Moral Behaviour