Topical Bible: Property in Real Estate: Entail of

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The concept of property and its entailment in biblical times is deeply rooted in the cultural, legal, and theological frameworks of ancient Israel. The Bible provides various insights into the ownership, inheritance, and management of land, which was considered a divine gift and a crucial aspect of God's covenant with His people.

Biblical Foundation of Land Ownership

The land of Canaan was promised to the descendants of Abraham as an everlasting possession (Genesis 17:8). This promise was reiterated to Isaac and Jacob, establishing a divine mandate for the Israelites' claim to the land. The distribution of land among the tribes of Israel, as described in the Book of Joshua, was conducted by lot, signifying divine will in the allocation of property (Joshua 18:10).

Inheritance Laws and Entailment

The Mosaic Law provided specific guidelines for the inheritance of property, ensuring that land remained within the family lineage. The principle of entailment is evident in the laws of inheritance, where land was to be passed down to male heirs, preserving the family’s estate within the tribe (Numbers 27:8-11). In the absence of a male heir, daughters could inherit, but they were required to marry within their tribe to prevent the transfer of land to another tribe (Numbers 36:6-9).

The Year of Jubilee, occurring every fifty years, was a significant event that reinforced the entailment of property. During the Jubilee, land that had been sold was to be returned to the original family, ensuring that the ancestral inheritance was preserved (Leviticus 25:10, 13). This practice underscored the belief that the land ultimately belonged to God, and the Israelites were merely stewards of His gift (Leviticus 25:23).

Redemption of Property

The right of redemption was another aspect of property entailment, allowing a family member to redeem land that had been sold due to economic hardship. This provision aimed to prevent permanent loss of family property and maintain the integrity of tribal inheritance (Leviticus 25:25-28). The account of Boaz and Ruth illustrates this principle, where Boaz acts as a kinsman-redeemer to preserve the property and lineage of Elimelech (Ruth 4:4-10).

Spiritual Significance

The entailment of property in biblical times was not merely a legal or economic matter but held profound spiritual significance. The land was a tangible sign of God's covenant and faithfulness. The Israelites' relationship with the land was a reflection of their relationship with God, and their obedience to His commandments was directly linked to their prosperity and security in the land (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not focus extensively on land ownership, it emphasizes the spiritual inheritance of believers. Jesus' teachings often used land and property as metaphors for spiritual truths, such as the parable of the tenants (Matthew 21:33-41) and the parable of the hidden treasure (Matthew 13:44). The early Christian community practiced a form of communal living, where believers shared their possessions, reflecting a shift from physical inheritance to spiritual unity and generosity (Acts 4:32-35).

In summary, the entailment of property in biblical times was a complex interplay of legal, familial, and spiritual elements, deeply embedded in the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The biblical principles of land ownership and inheritance continue to offer valuable insights into stewardship, justice, and faithfulness.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 27:1-11
Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 36:1-9
And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spoke before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel:
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Library

The First victory for Dissent
... how well the colonial division of property had worked ... under the English division,
where all real estate went to ... attempt to enforce the English law of entail. ...
/.../chapter viii the first victory.htm

To-Morrow
... of others, nor does it improve the real estate either of ... or the coming-in of some
property from chancery ... that they shall live, they not only entail great sorrow ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/to-morrow.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... They were not satisfied with their first estate. ... pray that God would teach you" the
real evil of sin ... The man who hurts your person, your property, your character ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm