Topical Encyclopedia The concept of disinheritance in the Bible refers to the act of depriving someone of their rightful inheritance or position, often as a result of disobedience or unfaithfulness. This theme is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the consequences of turning away from God's commands and the loss of blessings that were once promised.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, disinheritance is often associated with the covenant relationship between God and the people of Israel. The land of Canaan was promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as an inheritance (Genesis 12:7; 15:18-21). However, this inheritance was conditional upon their obedience to God's laws and commands. One of the most notable examples of disinheritance is found in the account of Esau, who sold his birthright to his brother Jacob for a meal (Genesis 25:29-34). Hebrews 12:16-17 reflects on this event, warning against godlessness and the forfeiture of spiritual inheritance. The Israelites themselves faced the threat of disinheritance due to their repeated disobedience. In Numbers 14:12, God expresses His intention to disinherit the Israelites after their lack of faith in entering the Promised Land: "I will strike them with a plague and destroy them, and I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they." Although Moses intercedes, the generation that doubted God's promise was ultimately barred from entering the land (Numbers 14:22-23). New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of disinheritance is expanded to include spiritual inheritance through faith in Jesus Christ. Believers are described as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). However, this inheritance is also contingent upon faithfulness and perseverance. The parable of the tenants in Matthew 21:33-46 illustrates the idea of disinheritance in the context of the Kingdom of God. The tenants, representing the religious leaders of Israel, fail to produce fruit and reject the son of the landowner. As a result, the kingdom is taken away from them and given to a people who will produce its fruit (Matthew 21:43). Paul warns the Corinthians about the danger of disinheritance due to unrighteous behavior. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, he writes, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." Theological Implications The theme of disinheritance serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience in the life of a believer. It underscores the conditional nature of God's promises, which require a response of faith and adherence to His commands. The loss of inheritance is not merely a loss of material or earthly blessings but signifies a deeper spiritual consequence, affecting one's relationship with God and standing in His kingdom. Disinheritance also highlights the justice and holiness of God, who cannot tolerate sin and rebellion. It serves as a call to repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness, ensuring that believers remain in the grace and favor of God, securing their eternal inheritance through Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To cut off from an inheritance or from hereditary succession; to prevent, as an heir, from coming into possession of any property or right, which, by law or custom, would devolve on him in the course of descent.2. (v. t.) To deprive of heritage; to dispossess. Strong's Hebrew 3423. yarash -- to take possession of, inherit, dispossess... cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, driving out, enjoy, expel,. Or yaresh {yaw-raysh'}; a primitive root; to occupy ... /hebrew/3423.htm - 7k Library The Ideal Man "Behold Your God!" How Human Actions are Without Worth when they are done Without ... It is Very Desirable that Parents Should Encourage the Desire for ... Entrance into Rest. Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book. How Love Makes Use of Natural, Servile and Mercenary Fear. The Wicked Heart Set to do Evil. Match-Making. Of Good Angels Thesaurus Disinherit (1 Occurrence)... of descent. 2. (vt) To deprive of heritage; to dispossess. Multi-Version Concordance Disinherit (1 Occurrence). Numbers 14:12 I will ... /d/disinherit.htm - 7k Disillusionment (1 Occurrence) Disjointed (1 Occurrence) Mightier (21 Occurrences) Pestilence (57 Occurrences) Smite (230 Occurrences) Strike (168 Occurrences) Nation (192 Occurrences) Plague (142 Occurrences) Resources What can we learn from the tribe of Reuben? | GotQuestions.orgDisinherit: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Disinherit (1 Occurrence)Numbers 14:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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