Free-offerings, also known as freewill offerings, are voluntary gifts presented to God by the Israelites, distinct from obligatory sacrifices and tithes. These offerings are characterized by their spontaneous and voluntary nature, reflecting the giver's devotion and gratitude to God. The concept of free-offerings is rooted in the broader biblical principle of giving from the heart, as seen in various passages throughout the Old Testament.

Biblical Foundation

The practice of free-offerings is first introduced in the context of the construction of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 35:29 , it is recorded, "So all the men and women 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 passage highlights the voluntary nature of these offerings, emphasizing that they were given by those whose hearts were stirred to contribute to the work of the Lord.

Leviticus 22:18-21 further outlines the regulations concerning freewill offerings, stating, "Speak to Aaron and his sons and 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 underscores the importance of offering only unblemished animals, signifying the purity and sincerity required in approaching God.

Purpose and Significance

Free-offerings served multiple purposes within the Israelite community. They were expressions of personal devotion and gratitude, allowing individuals to demonstrate their love and reverence for God beyond the mandated sacrifices. These offerings also played a crucial role in supporting the religious and communal life of Israel, contributing to the maintenance of the Tabernacle and later the Temple.

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 directive illustrates the connection between free-offerings and the acknowledgment of God's blessings, encouraging the people to give according to their means and the abundance they have received.

Spiritual Implications

The spiritual significance of free-offerings lies in their representation of a willing heart and a generous spirit. They are a tangible expression of faith and trust in God's provision, as well as a reflection of the giver's relationship with the Creator. The voluntary nature of these offerings highlights the importance of sincerity and willingness in worship, as echoed in 2 Corinthians 9:7 , "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."

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention free-offerings in the same context as the Old Testament, the principle of voluntary giving continues to be emphasized. The early Christian community practiced generous giving to support one another and the work of the apostles, as seen in Acts 4:32-35 . This communal sharing reflects the spirit of free-offerings, where believers gave according to their ability and the needs of the community.

In summary, free-offerings in the Bible represent a heartfelt response to God's goodness and a voluntary act of worship. They underscore the importance of giving willingly and joyfully, rooted in a deep sense of gratitude and devotion to the Lord.

Smitten in Vain
... every morning, and your tithes after three years: 5. And offer a sacrifice of
thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish the free offerings; for this ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/smitten in vain.htm

Free-offerings (2 Occurrences)
Free-offerings. Freemen, Free-offerings. Frees . Multi-Version
Concordance Free-offerings (2 Occurrences). Exodus 36 ...
/f/free-offerings.htm - 7k

Freemen (17 Occurrences)

/f/freemen.htm - 12k

Addition (112 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 23:38 In addition to the Sabbaths of the Lord, and in addition to the
things you give and the oaths you make and the freeofferings to the Lord. ...
/a/addition.htm - 37k

Oaths (49 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 23:38 In addition to the Sabbaths of the Lord, and in addition to the
things you give and the oaths you make and the freeofferings to the Lord. ...
/o/oaths.htm - 21k

Liketh (3 Occurrences)
... Amos 4:5 And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish
the freeofferings: for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith ...
/l/liketh.htm - 7k

Withal (38 Occurrences)
... of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free
offerings every morning. (KJV). Exodus 37:16 And he made ...
/w/withal.htm - 18k

Frees (1 Occurrence)

/f/frees.htm - 6k

Praise-offering (5 Occurrences)
... Amos 4:5 Let that which is leavened be burned as a praise-offering, let the news
of your freeofferings be given out publicly; for this is pleasing to you, O ...
/p/praise-offering.htm - 7k

Publish (22 Occurrences)
... Amos 4:5 And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish
the freeofferings: for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith ...
/p/publish.htm - 13k

Publicly (31 Occurrences)
... Amos 4:5 Let that which is leavened be burned as a praise-offering, let the news
of your freeofferings be given out publicly; for this is pleasing to you, O ...
/p/publicly.htm - 16k

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

What is a church supposed to do with the offerings it receives? | GotQuestions.org

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

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