Topical Bible: Children: Could Demand Their Portion During Father's Life

◄ Children: Could Demand Their Portion During Father's Life ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the concept of inheritance and the rights of children to claim their portion during their father's lifetime is illustrated in the parable of the Prodigal Son, found in the Gospel of Luke. This parable provides insight into the cultural and familial dynamics of inheritance during the period.

Biblical Reference:

The primary scriptural reference for this topic is found in Luke 15:11-32. In this passage, Jesus tells the account of a man with two sons. The younger son, desiring to live independently, requests his share of the estate from his father. The father complies, dividing his property between the two sons. The Berean Standard Bible records this request and the father's response as follows:

"The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them." (Luke 15:12)

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the request of the younger son was unusual and could be seen as disrespectful. Traditionally, inheritance was distributed after the father's death. However, the father's willingness to grant the request reflects a level of grace and generosity, allowing the son to exercise his free will, even at the risk of familial discord and personal loss.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the parable highlights themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the boundless grace of the father, who represents God. The younger son's demand for his inheritance and subsequent squandering of it in a distant land symbolizes humanity's tendency to stray from divine guidance. Yet, the father's readiness to welcome the repentant son back with open arms underscores the message of redemption and unconditional love.

Legal and Social Considerations:

While the parable is primarily a teaching tool rather than a legal precedent, it reflects the flexibility within family structures regarding inheritance. The father's decision to grant the request may have been influenced by social customs or personal discretion. It also illustrates the potential consequences of such decisions, as the younger son's actions lead to financial ruin and personal degradation.

Moral Lessons:

The narrative serves as a moral lesson on the dangers of greed and the pursuit of worldly pleasures. It warns of the potential pitfalls of demanding one's inheritance prematurely and the importance of wise stewardship. The elder son's reaction further explores themes of jealousy and self-righteousness, challenging believers to examine their own attitudes toward grace and forgiveness.

Conclusion:

The account of the Prodigal Son remains a powerful illustration of the complexities surrounding inheritance and familial relationships. It invites reflection on the nature of God's love and the human condition, encouraging believers to seek reconciliation and embrace the transformative power of grace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 15:12
And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me. And he divided to them his living.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

1869-1870. Emigration of Families --A visitor's Impressions --The ...
... around other boys were so much in demand, that we ... He considered that he could not
otherwise do justice ... the various Concessions in which our children had been ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter ii 1869-1870 emigration of.htm

The Prodigal Son.
... sometimes in human families that the children who have ... have refused to comply with
his son's demand: although a ... Although the father of his flesh could not see ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxiv the prodigal son.htm

Prolegomena. Section i. --The Life.
... As soon as the children's age permitted, Gregory and ... armed escort of considerable
strength to demand possession of ... where a simple village Bishop could dare to ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/prolegomena section i the life.htm

Fellowship with God
... found such good cheer therein, that we could say with ... often would I have gathered
thy children together as ... second head, which might very well demand an entire ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/fellowship with god.htm

Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times
... Thus he says,""Children, I must tell you in ... their danger of infection; but what could
a proclamation ... error of their doctrines, not to demand their extirpation ...
/.../introductory notice respecting taulers life.htm

The Three Parables of the Gospel: of the Recovery of the Lost - of ...
... The demand which he makes for the portion of property ... The father could not have
disinherited the younger son, although ... that such or such of the children were to ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvii the three parables.htm

Chapter xlv
... the head of the family, his children and grandchildren ... So fruitless anger and
ill-will could result ... this, claiming that our ethical feeling would demand that the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlv.htm

A Christmas Question
... If ye are not children, then this child is not born ... He calls upon him and says,
"I demand my money." But ... No; but yet you could see that no creditor would think ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/a christmas question.htm

Book ii. Believers have Always Found their Satisfaction in that ...
... I ask is:"How do you give them to your children? ... all things were made [598] , and,
indeed, He could not be ... If any man demand what meaning we attach to this ...
/.../book ii believers have always.htm

The Ministry in Galilee --The New Lesson
... Then he was met with the demand that he ... foreigners, he refused to "take the children's
bread and ... brighter prospect, asserting that his forebodings could not be ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/iv the ministry in galileethe.htm