Bible Dictionary
Wills
A will is a testamentary arrangement for disposing of property after death. Israelite inheritance law limited the transfer of family land, especially because of redemption rights and restoration in the Jubilee year.
Definition
A will is a testamentary arrangement for disposing of property after death. Under Israelite inheritance law, bequests of land were limited by redemption rights and restoration in the Jubilee year, while houses in walled towns could be bequeathed more freely.
Biblical Usage
The material records Ahithophel’s testamentary disposition and Hezekiah’s case, in which a will was recommended. It also connects wills with the biblical law of inheritance.
Historical Background
Close inheritance rules restricted permanent transfer of family land. The right of redemption and re-entry at the Jubilee limited what could be bequeathed, while houses in walled towns were treated differently.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Under a system of close inheritance like that of the Jews, the scope forbid bequest in respect of land was limited by the right of redemption and general re-entry in the jubilee year; but the law does not forbid bequests by will of such limited interest in land as was consistent with those rights. The case of houses in walled towns was different, and there can be no doubt that they must, in fact, have frequently been bequeathed by will, (Leviticus 25:30) Two instances are recorded in the Old Testament under the law of the testamentary disposition, (1) effected in the case of Ahithophel, (2 Samuel 17:23) (2) recommended in the case of Hezekiah. (2 Kings 20:1; Isaiah 38:1) [Heir]