Topical Encyclopedia Introduction to Liberality in the BibleLiberality, often synonymous with generosity, is a virtue highly esteemed in the biblical narrative. It reflects the heart of God, who is the ultimate giver, and is a characteristic that His people are encouraged to emulate. The account of Joash and his people provides a compelling example of liberality in action, as seen in the restoration of the temple during Joash's reign. Background of Joash Joash, also known as Jehoash, was the king of Judah who began his reign at the tender age of seven, following the tumultuous period of Athaliah's usurpation. Under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, Joash sought to restore the worship of Yahweh and repair the temple, which had fallen into disrepair during the reigns of his predecessors. The Call for Liberality In 2 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 24, we find the account of Joash's initiative to repair the temple. Recognizing the need for resources, Joash called upon the people of Judah to contribute to the temple's restoration. This call to action was not merely a request for funds but an invitation to participate in a holy endeavor, reflecting their commitment to God. The Response of the People The response of the people of Judah was marked by remarkable liberality. In 2 Chronicles 24:10, it is recorded, "All the leaders and all the people rejoiced and brought their contributions, and they dropped them in the chest until it was full." This enthusiastic response highlights the willingness of the people to give generously for the cause of God's house. Their liberality was not coerced but flowed from a heart of devotion and gratitude. The Administration of the Contributions Joash and Jehoiada ensured that the contributions were handled with integrity. Skilled workers were hired, and the funds were used judiciously to restore the temple to its former glory. The careful administration of these resources underscores the importance of stewardship in the context of liberality. As recorded in 2 Kings 12:15, "They did not require an accounting from the men who received the money to pay the workers, because they acted with integrity." The Impact of Liberality The liberality of Joash and his people had a profound impact on the spiritual life of Judah. The restoration of the temple facilitated the proper worship of Yahweh, reinforcing the centrality of God in the life of the nation. This act of generosity not only repaired a physical structure but also revitalized the spiritual fervor of the people. Conclusion The account of Joash and his people serves as a timeless example of liberality in the service of God. Their willingness to give generously for the restoration of the temple reflects a heart aligned with God's purposes. This narrative encourages believers to embrace liberality, recognizing it as a reflection of God's own generous nature and a means to further His kingdom on earth. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 12:4-14And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passes the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that comes into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD, Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 24:4-14 Library Methodical Liberality Glad Givers and Faithful Workers The Historical Books. 1 the New Testament... The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources Liberality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Liberality in Antioch (Of Syria) Liberality: Araunah for Sacrifice Liberality: Barzillai and Others to David Liberality: Blessings Connected With Liberality: Characteristic of Saints Liberality: Christ Set an Example of Liberality: Elisha Toward Elijah Liberality: Exercise of, Provokes Others To Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Churches of Macedonia Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Israelites Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Poor Widow Liberality: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: Israelites at the Erection of the Tabernacle Liberality: Israelites' offerings for the Temple Liberality: Jews After the Captivity Liberality: Joash and his People Liberality: King of Sodom to Abraham Liberality: Labour to be Enabled to Exercise Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Having Faith Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Loving God Liberality: Lack of Brings Many a Curse Liberality: People of Melita (Malta) to Paul Liberality: Pharaoh to Joseph's People Liberality: Queen of Sheba to Solomon Liberality: should be Exercised in Forwarding Missions Liberality: should be Exercised in Giving Alms Liberality: should be Exercised in Leading to Those in Want Liberality: should be Exercised in Relieving the Destitute Liberality: should be Exercised in Rendering Personal Services Liberality: should be Exercised in the Service of God Liberality: should be Exercised with Simplicity Liberality: should be Exercised without Ostentation Liberality: should be Exercised: Abundantly Liberality: should be Exercised: According to Ability Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward all Men Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Enemies Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Saints Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Servants Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Strangers Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward the Poor Liberality: should be Exercised: Willingly Liberality: The Good Samaritan Liberality: The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Liberality: Unprofitable, Without Love Related Terms Instrumentality (5 Occurrences) |
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