heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession
Concise Bible Dictionary:
The land of promise is constantly spoken of as the inheritance of Israel: the land flowing with milk and honey was given to them by God (Deut. 4:2121Furthermore the Lord was angry with me for your sakes, and sware that I should not go over Jordan, and that I should not go in unto that good land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance: (Deuteronomy 4:21); Psa. 105:11,11Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance: (Psalm 105:11) and more). So when Israel returns to take possession of the land in a future day, it is still called their inheritance (Ezek. 45:1,1Moreover, when ye shall divide by lot the land for inheritance, ye shall offer an oblation unto the Lord, an holy portion of the land: the length shall be the length of five and twenty thousand reeds, and the breadth shall be ten thousand. This shall be holy in all the borders thereof round about. (Ezekiel 45:1) and more). This all shows that they were and will be an earthly people, but God blessed them on earth in relationship with Himself as Jehovah, and will again bless them on earth when they own the Lord Jesus as their Messiah. In connection with this God calls Israel His inheritance: He hath chosen them for His own inheritance (Psa. 33:1212Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. (Psalm 33:12); Psa. 78:62,62He gave his people over also unto the sword; and was wroth with his inheritance. (Psalm 78:62) and more).
The Christian has no inheritance on earth; his inheritance is with the saints in light (Col. 1:1212Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: (Colossians 1:12)): an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven (1 Pet. 1:44To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:4)). In the meanwhile the Holy Spirit is given as the earnest of the inheritance (Eph. 1:1414Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:14)). It is in Christ Himself the inheritance is obtained, for the Lord Jesus will possess all things in heaven and in earth (Eph. 1:1818The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:18)).
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Transliteration:
nachalah
Meaning:
from 5157 (in its usual sense); properly, something inherited, i.e. (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
KJV Usage:
heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare 5158