Inheritances in the biblical context refer to the transfer of property, blessings, or rights from one generation to another, often within a family. The concept of inheritance is deeply rooted in the cultural, legal, and spiritual traditions of the Israelites and is extensively addressed in both the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, inheritances primarily involved the transfer of land and property. The land of Canaan, promised to Abraham and his descendants, is a central theme. God’s covenant with Abraham included the promise of land as an everlasting possession (Genesis 17:8). The division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, as described in the Book of Joshua, was a fulfillment of this promise. Each tribe, except the Levites, received a portion of land as their inheritance (Joshua 13-21). The Levites, set apart for priestly duties, were given cities and pasturelands instead (Numbers 18:20-24).

The laws governing inheritance were detailed in the Mosaic Law. The firstborn son traditionally received a double portion of the inheritance, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:17: "But he must acknowledge the son of the unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double portion of all he has, for that son is the first sign of his strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him." Daughters could inherit if there were no sons, as demonstrated in the case of Zelophehad’s daughters (Numbers 27:1-11).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of inheritance takes on a more spiritual dimension. Believers in Christ are described as heirs of God’s promises. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:17, "And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him." This inheritance is not material but spiritual, encompassing eternal life and the kingdom of God.

The New Testament also emphasizes the idea of inheritance as a gift of grace, not earned by works but received through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:13-14 states, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory."

Spiritual Significance

Inheritances in the Bible symbolize the continuity of God’s promises and the faithfulness of His covenant. They serve as a reminder of God’s provision and the importance of faithfulness to His commands. The spiritual inheritance promised to believers underscores the hope of eternal life and the assurance of God’s unchanging promise.

Practical Implications

The biblical principles of inheritance have influenced Christian views on family, stewardship, and the transmission of faith. The responsibility to pass on not only material wealth but also spiritual values and teachings is a significant aspect of Christian discipleship. The biblical model encourages believers to view their earthly possessions as temporary and to focus on the eternal inheritance promised by God.5159. nachalah -- possession, property, inheritance
... property, inheritance NASB Word Usage gift (1), give (1), hereditary (1), heritage
(14), heritages (1), inheritance (197), inheritances (1), portion (1 ...
/hebrew/5159.htm - 6k

Of the Inheritance of the Property of Martyrs and Confessors, Also ...
... their faith; lastly, if any who have escaped the sentence of death have yet been
despoiled of their worldly goods; we ordain that the inheritances of all such ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xxxv of the inheritance of.htm

Concerning Things Performed Over those Fallen Asleep.
... the man fallen asleep, in the place of the same rank; for it shews reverently, that,
in the regeneration, all will be in those chosen inheritances, for which ...
/.../dionysius/ecclesiastical hierarchy/caput vii i concerning things.htm

Potter -- Memorial Discourse on Phillips Brooks
... I shall not undertake to analyze, nor, save incidentally, even to refer to, the
influences and inheritances that wrought in the mind and upon the life of your ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/potter memorial discourse on.htm

Praying Charlie.
... tells him of possessions that must fall to his portion; "And what are they?" said
he, "I had rather have the kingdom of heaven than a thousand such inheritances ...
/.../wesley/stories of boys and girls who loved the saviour/praying charlie.htm

The Place of the Old Testament in Divine Revelation
... with contemporary Semitic nations, and especially the highly civilized Babylonians,
the Hebrews were fortunate in their immediate inheritances through Arabian ...
/.../the origin and permanent value of the old testament/iv the place of the.htm

The Cloud of Witnesses
... us all, there is the still larger fellowship of the past, the historic traditions
of the university, the men who have adorned it, the inheritances into which ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/i the cloud of witnesses.htm

Commendation of those who came to Hear after Taking a Meal. ...
... assembled there, are concerning merchandize, or taxes, or the sumptuous table, or
the sale of lands, or other contracts, or wills, or inheritances, or some ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily x commendation of those.htm

Psalm XLIX.
... Who are the "earthborn"? The children of the earth. Who are the children of the
earth? They who desire earthly inheritances. Who are the "sons of men"? ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlix.htm

You Say that There are Good Men in the Human Race...
... qualities; who, that it may be impossible for them to be led into wickedness at
the suggestion of some opportunity, shun riches and inheritances, that they may ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/50 you say that there.htm

Cheating and Dishonest Ways of Making Money are Utterly Unfit for ...
... praise. 58. Hence rise inheritances sought by cunning words and gained
under pretence of being self-restrained and serious. But ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ix cheating and dishonest.htm

Inheritances (7 Occurrences)
...Inheritances (7 Occurrences). Joshua 13:32 These are the inheritances which Moses
distributed in the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan at Jericho, eastward. ...
/i/inheritances.htm - 8k

Distributed (30 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Joshua 13:32 These are the inheritances which Moses distributed in the
plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan at Jericho, eastward. (WEB JPS ASV WBS RSV). ...
/d/distributed.htm - 16k

Territories (12 Occurrences)
... (DBY NAS RSV). Joshua 13:32 These are the inheritances which Moses distributed in
the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan at Jericho, eastward. (See NAS). ...
/t/territories.htm - 10k

Apportioned (24 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:32 These are the inheritances which Moses distributed in the plains
of Moab, beyond the Jordan at Jericho, eastward. (See NAS). ...
/a/apportioned.htm - 13k

Tribal (25 Occurrences)
... Joshua 14:1 And these are the inheritances which the children of Israel took in
the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and ...
/t/tribal.htm - 13k

Nun (31 Occurrences)
... Joshua 14:1 These are the inheritances which the children of Israel took in the
land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads ...
/n/nun.htm - 18k

Inherit (98 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:32 These are the inheritances which Moses distributed in the plains
of Moab, beyond the Jordan at Jericho, eastward. (Root ...
/i/inherit.htm - 38k

Shiloh (34 Occurrences)
... A commission was sent out to "describe the land into seven portions"; this
having been done, the inheritances were assigned by lot. ...
/s/shiloh.htm - 27k

Elea'zar (72 Occurrences)
... Joshua 14:1 And these are the inheritances which the children of Israel took in
the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and ...
/e/elea'zar.htm - 27k

Inherited (23 Occurrences)

/i/inherited.htm - 13k

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