Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
Under the patriarchs the property of a father was divided among the sons of his legitimate wives (Gen. 21:10, 24:36, 25:5), the eldest son getting a larger portion than the rest. The Mosaic law made specific regulations regarding the transmission of real property, which are given in detail in Dt. 21:17; Num. 27:8, 36:6, 27:9-11. Succession to property was a matter of right and not of favour. Christ is the "heir of all things" (Heb. 1:2; Col. 1:15). Believers are heirs of the "promise," "of righteousness," "of the kingdom," "of the world," "of God," "joint heirs" with Christ (Gal 3:29; Heb. 6:17, 11:7; Jas. 2:5; Rom. 4:13, 8:17).