While recently reading through the Pentateuch—the first five books of the Bible—I was struck by how many principles found in our modern legal system reflect laws established thousands of years ago in Scripture.
One particularly interesting example appears in Numbers 27:8–11, where God instructs Moses concerning the inheritance of property when someone dies without a son:
“If a man dies and has no son, then you shall transfer his inheritance to his daughter.” — Numbers 27:8 (ESV)
The passage continues by establishing an order of inheritance: first to children, then to brothers, then to paternal uncles, and finally to the nearest relative within the family.
Sound familiar?
Arizona has a remarkably similar legal framework known as intestate succession, which governs the distribution of property when someone dies without a valid will.
Under A.R.S. §§ 14-2102 and 14-2103, Arizona law establishes a priority among surviving family members. Depending on the circumstances, property passes to a surviving spouse, descendants, parents, siblings, and then more distant relatives.
Although the specific rules differ—particularly regarding the rights of spouses, daughters, and parents—the underlying principle is strikingly similar: when someone dies without leaving instructions, the law provides an orderly system for keeping property within the family.
The biblical account is especially meaningful because the inheritance law arose from the daughters of Zelophehad, who approached Moses seeking justice after their father died without sons (Numbers 27:1–7). God affirmed their claim, protecting their inheritance and establishing a legal principle for future generations.
We should be careful not to claim that Arizona’s intestacy statutes were copied directly from Numbers. Modern American inheritance law developed through multiple legal traditions, including English common law and statutory reforms. Nevertheless, the parallels illustrate how enduring principles found in Judeo-Christian Scripture continue to resonate within our legal system.
As a Christian attorney, I find it encouraging that Scripture addresses not only matters of personal faith but also practical questions of justice, property, family, and the orderly administration of society.
At Keist Thurston Law Firm, we help Arizona families navigate estate planning, probate, and inheritance disputes. While Arizona law provides a default inheritance plan, that plan may not reflect your wishes. A carefully prepared estate plan allows you to make those decisions for yourself and provide clarity for those you leave behind.
The law provides a plan when we fail to make one. Wisdom encourages us to plan ahead.
Contact Keist Thurston Law Firm to discuss how we can help protect your family and preserve your legacy.