Chapter 9: Joseph Protects Mary

1Joseph threw down his axe and went to their gathering. When they had all assembled, they went to the priest with their staffs. After taking all their staffs, the priest went into the Temple and prayed. When he had finished the prayer, he took the staffs, went out, and returned them. But there was no sign among them. Joseph received his staff last, and look! A dove came out of the staff and flew onto Joseph’s head. The priest said to Joseph, “You have been chosen to receive the virgin of the Lord into your care.”

2But Joseph refused, saying, “I have sons and am an old man, while she is young. I will become a laughingstock among the people of Israel.”

3The priest said, “Joseph, fear the Lord your God, and remember what God did to Dathan, Abiron, and Kore—how the earth opened and swallowed them all because of their rebellion. Now fear, Joseph, so that these things do not happen in your house.”

4Because he was afraid, Joseph received her into his care and said to her, “Mary, I have taken you from the Temple of the Lord, and now I am bringing you to my house. I am going away to build houses, but I will come back to you. The Lord will protect you.”