Freewill-offerings hold a significant place in the biblical narrative, representing voluntary acts of worship and devotion to God. Unlike obligatory sacrifices and tithes, freewill-offerings are given out of an individual's own volition, reflecting a heart of gratitude and love towards the Creator.

Old Testament Context

The concept of freewill-offerings is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where it is first introduced in the context of the Mosaic Law. In Leviticus 22:18, the Lord instructs Moses, "Speak to Aaron and his sons and to all the Israelites and say to them: ‘If any of you—whether an Israelite or a foreigner residing in Israel—presents a gift for a burnt offering to the LORD, either to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, you must present a male without defect from the cattle, sheep, or goats in order that it may be accepted on your behalf.'" . This passage highlights the voluntary nature of the offering, as well as the requirement for it to be without blemish, symbolizing the purity and sincerity of the giver's heart.

Freewill-offerings were not limited to animal sacrifices. They also included grain offerings and other contributions, as seen in Exodus 35:29: "So all the men and women of Israel whose hearts were willing brought a freewill offering to the LORD for all the work that the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do." . This verse illustrates the communal aspect of freewill-offerings, as the Israelites collectively contributed to the construction of the Tabernacle.

Purpose and Significance

The primary purpose of freewill-offerings was to express devotion and thanksgiving to God. They were acts of worship that went beyond the requirements of the Law, demonstrating a personal commitment to the Lord. In Deuteronomy 16:10, the Israelites are instructed, "And you shall celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God with a freewill offering that you give in proportion to how the LORD your God has blessed you." . This underscores the principle that freewill-offerings were to be given in accordance with one's blessings, reflecting the giver's acknowledgment of God's provision.

New Testament Reflection

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention freewill-offerings in the same manner as the Old Testament, the spirit of voluntary giving is evident in the early Christian community. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." . This echoes the essence of freewill-offerings, emphasizing the importance of giving from the heart rather than out of obligation.

Theological Implications

Freewill-offerings serve as a profound reminder of the relationship between God and His people. They highlight the importance of a willing heart in worship and the joy that comes from giving freely. These offerings are a testament to the believer's recognition of God's sovereignty and goodness, and they encourage a lifestyle of generosity and gratitude.

In summary, freewill-offerings are a vital aspect of biblical worship, reflecting a heart that willingly responds to God's grace and blessings. They serve as an enduring example of how believers are called to give, not out of compulsion, but from a place of love and devotion.5071. nedabah -- voluntariness, freewill offering
... Word Origin from nadab Definition voluntariness, freewill offering NASB Word Usage
freely (1), freewill offering (12), freewill offerings (9), plentiful (1 ...
/hebrew/5071.htm - 6k

Nun.
... [5291] ... 107. "Make the freewill offerings of my mouth well pleasing, O Lord"
(ver.108): that is, let them please Thee; do not reject, but approve them. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/nun.htm

Smitten in Vain
... every three days' (Revised Version), and that the use of leaven in burnt offerings
was prohibited by it, and also that to call for freewill offerings was to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/smitten in vain.htm

"The House of Israel"
... He desires men and women to show their gratitude by returning Him a portion in tithes
and offerings"in thank offerings, in freewill offerings, in trespass ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 59 the house of.htm

A Warning against Hypocrisy
... He would have men and women show their gratitude by returning Him a portion in tithes
and offerings"in thank offerings, in freewill offerings, in trespass ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 7 a warning against.htm

A Liberal Church
... and in supplying the wants of the needy. For special occasions there were
freewill offerings. At the harvest and the vintage, the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 32 a liberal church.htm

Paul a Prisoner
... These freewill offerings betokened the loyalty of the Gentile converts to the organized
work of God throughout the world and should have been received by all ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 38 paul a prisoner.htm

Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"?
... shall ye bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices and your tithes and heave
offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the ...
/.../iii was moses a literary.htm

Soldier Priests
... The word here rendered 'willing' is employed throughout the Levitical law for 'freewill
offerings.' And if we may venture to bring that reference in here, it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/soldier priests.htm

Results of Transgression
... and extensive preparations were necessary; a large amount of the most precious and
costly material was required, but the Lord accepted only freewill offerings. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

In his Temple
... temple. Ex.30:12-16. Besides this, large sums were brought as freewill
offerings, to be deposited in the temple treasury. And it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 16 in his temple.htm

Freewill-offerings (8 Occurrences)
Freewill-offerings. Free-will-offering, Freewill-offerings. Free-will-offerings .
Multi-Version Concordance Freewill-offerings (8 Occurrences). ...
/f/freewill-offerings.htm - 9k

Freewill (27 Occurrences)
... with which to make it. They brought yet to him freewillofferings every
morning. (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV NIV). Leviticus 7:16 "'But ...
/f/freewill.htm - 16k

Votive (13 Occurrences)
... the house of Israel, or of the foreigners in Israel, who offers his offering, whether
it be any of their vows, or any of their freewillofferings, which they ...
/v/votive.htm - 10k

Vows (38 Occurrences)
... the house of Israel, or of the foreigners in Israel, who offers his offering, whether
it be any of their vows, or any of their freewillofferings, which they ...
/v/vows.htm - 19k

Vowed (34 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 23:38 beside the sabbaths of the LORD, and beside your gifts, and beside
all your vows, and beside all your freewill-offerings, which ye give unto ...
/v/vowed.htm - 17k

Free-will-offerings (6 Occurrences)
Free-will-offerings. Freewill-offerings, Free-will-offerings. Freewoman . ... (WBS
YLT). Freewill-offerings, Free-will-offerings. Freewoman . Reference Bible
/f/free-will-offerings.htm - 8k

Kore (4 Occurrences)
... (2) "The son of Imnah the Levite, the porter at the east gate," who "was over the
freewill-offerings," in the time of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 31:14). ...
/k/kore.htm - 10k

Vow (49 Occurrences)
... the house of Israel, or of the foreigners in Israel, who offers his offering, whether
it be any of their vows, or any of their freewillofferings, which they ...
/v/vow.htm - 27k

Free-will-offering (9 Occurrences)
Free-will-offering. Freewill-offering, Free-will-offering. Freewill-offerings . ...
(WBS). Freewill-offering, Free-will-offering. Freewill-offerings . ...
/f/free-will-offering.htm - 9k

Special (89 Occurrences)
... shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and the
wave offering of your hand, and your vows, and your freewillofferings, and the ...
/s/special.htm - 34k

What is a free will offering / freewill offering? | GotQuestions.org

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What is the difference between tithes and offerings? | GotQuestions.org

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