The laws of inheritance among the Hebrews were very simple. Land might be mortgaged, but could not be alienated, Numbers 36:6-9 . See Numbers 27:8-11 . The Law of Moses rendered wills unnecessary; they were introduced, however, at a later period, Galatians 3:15 Hebrews 9:17 . Property was sometimes distributed among children during the lifetime of the father: thus, in the parable of the prodigal son, the father divided his property between the two sons, Luke 15:12 .