In Jubilees
Jubilees calls Mastêmâ the chief of the spirits and records his request to the Lord, Creator. He asks that some spirits stay with him, listen to his voice, and do everything he tells them. The text also describes Prince Mastêmâ sending ravens and birds to eat planted seeds and ruin the land.
In the account of Abraham, Mastêmâ asks God to command a sacrifice of Isaac as a test of loyalty. The text later describes Mastêmâ as embarrassed, while Abraham looks up and sees a ram caught. In the account involving Egypt, Prince Mastêmâ urges the Egyptians to pursue with their chariots, horses, and armies.
Where Mastema appears
What the texts say, in their own words
“The chief of the spirits, Mastêmâ, came and said: ‘Lord, Creator, let some of them stay with me, and let them listen to my voice and do everything I tell them.”
“And the leader Mastêmâ came and said to God, ‘Look, Abraham loves his son Isaac, and he enjoys him more than anything else; tell him to offer Isaac as a burnt sacrifice on the altar, and You will see if he will follow this order, and You will know if he is loyal in everything You test him with.”
“And even with all these signs and miracles, Prince Mastêmâ was not ashamed because he got brave and told the Egyptians to chase you with all the power of the Egyptians, with their chariots, and with their horses, and with all the armies of the people of Egypt.”
Questions
Who is Prince Mastema?
Prince Mastêmâ is the chief of the spirits in Jubilees, commanding spirits who carry out his orders.
What does Mastema ask God about Abraham?
Mastêmâ asks God to order Abraham to offer Isaac as a burnt sacrifice, testing whether Abraham obeys.
What does Mastema do in the account of Egypt?
Prince Mastêmâ tells the Egyptians to pursue with their power, chariots, horses, and armies.
Where is Mastema mentioned in the lost texts?
Mastema appears in Jubilees, in The Complete 88-Book Ethiopian Bible.
