Inheritance in Biblical History

Bible History

Schaff's Bible Dictionary

Definitions in Biblical History
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

What is an Inheritance?
INHER'ITANCE
In the O.T. we have no record of wills. The property-holder made a disposition of his property during his lifetime. There do not seem to have been very definite laws stipulating the exact proportion to be given to each heir. The sons had priority of right, and, in case there were no sons, the daughters became heirs. Num 27:8. As between the children of concubines and the children of legal wives, the latter seem to have received the whole inheritance, Gen 21:10; Gen 24:36, while gifts were bestowed upon the former. Gen 25:6. However, while these principles were acted upon by Abraham, we dare not make the sweeping assertion that they were of universal application. Jacob blessed both sons of his concubines and sons of his legal wives. Gen 49:1 ff. According to Deut 21:15-17, the first-born son received a double portion. Believers have for their inheritance salvation, Heb 1:14, and the kingdom of heaven. Jas 2:5. They are declared to be "joint-heirs" with Christ and heirs of God because of their sonship. Rom 8:17.

Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'inheritance' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
bible-history.com - Schaff's

Copyright Information
© Schaff's Bible Dictionary

Schaff's Bible Dictionary Home
Bible History Online Home

Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
Online Bible (KJV)
Naves Topical Bible
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Schaff's Bible Dictionary
Fausset's Bible Dictionary
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Hitchcock's Bible Dictionary

Schaff's Bible Dictionary

Popular in the New Testament

Popular in the
New Testament