THEOSISJerome of Stridon
Thus declares the Sovereign Lord: If a ruler bestows a gift upon one of his sons, that gift shall become an inheritance for his descendants; they shall hold it as their rightful possession. However, if he designates a gift through a will to one of his servants, that servant shall have it until the year of his freedom, and then it shall return to the ruler's lineage, confirming that the inheritance remains with his son. A ruler must not seize from the people's inheritance or their possessions through force; rather, he should distribute from his own holdings to his children, ensuring that none of My people are deprived of their rightful inheritance.
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Up to this point, we have discussed the ruler, but now we turn to the provisions concerning his heirs and the distribution of gifts and legacies. If he grants a gift or inheritance to his sons, they shall rightfully claim it, as ownership cannot be transferred arbitrarily. Conversely, if he offers an inheritance to one of his servants under the guise of bequest, that servant shall benefit from it only until the jubilee year, which occurs every fiftieth year, restoring sold properties to their original owners; thus, the servant has temporary use while the true ownership remains with the ruler's son.
Moreover, it is stated that a ruler must not forcibly take from the people's inheritance or, as one translation suggests, oppress them, but instead, he is exhorted to give from his own wealth. This message applies not only to rulers of antiquity but also to those of our time, who may exploit their priestly offices to unjustly enrich themselves at the expense of the less fortunate, taking more than is due to them according to divine guidance, even exploiting the wealthy under questionable pretenses. Such actions lead to a barren inheritance for their children, who should receive what rightfully belongs to them. Therefore, if a priest grows wealthier after assuming his office, it is commanded that he should not bequeath all his gains to his offspring, but rather to the needy and righteous among his spiritual family, emphasizing that their well-being is of greater significance than mere familial lineage. This aligns with the teaching of our Lord, who stated, "Whatever you do to one of these, you do to Me" (Matthew 25:40). In serving those in need, visiting the imprisoned, clothing the naked, and providing for the thirsty and hungry, the faithful fulfill their duty, preventing the dispersion of His people and ensuring they are not stripped of their inheritance.
If the ruler chooses to take what is not rightfully his or withholds possessions under the guise of explanation, the assembly dedicated to God will face ruin and disarray. Additionally, the risk is that rightful inheritances will be lost as they transfer from one person to another, erasing the established paths by which ownership is passed. Those who unjustly claim property, whether through deception, flattery, or false piety, ultimately deprive the people of God and rob them of the eternal legacy of faith.