Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionLiberality, often understood as generosity or open-handedness, is a virtue highly esteemed in the biblical narrative. It reflects the character of God and is encouraged among His people. The life of Samuel, a pivotal figure in the history of Israel, provides insights into the practice and significance of liberality. Samuel, a prophet, judge, and leader, exemplified liberality through his dedication to God and service to the people of Israel. Samuel's Early Life and Dedication Samuel's life began with an act of liberality from his mother, Hannah. In 1 Samuel 1:11, Hannah made a vow to the Lord, saying, "O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head." Hannah's willingness to dedicate her long-awaited son to the Lord's service is a profound example of liberality, as she gave back to God what was most precious to her. Samuel's Ministry and Leadership Samuel's liberality is further demonstrated in his ministry as a judge and prophet. He was committed to serving the people of Israel and leading them in righteousness. In 1 Samuel 7:3, Samuel urged the Israelites, "If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve Him only, and He will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines." Samuel's leadership was marked by a generous spirit, as he continually sought the welfare of the nation and guided them back to faithfulness to God. Intercession and Sacrifice Samuel's liberality is also evident in his role as an intercessor. In 1 Samuel 7:9, Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on Israel's behalf, and the LORD answered him. Samuel's willingness to intercede for the people and offer sacrifices on their behalf highlights his generous spirit and dedication to their spiritual well-being. Samuel's Integrity and Justice Throughout his life, Samuel maintained a reputation for integrity and justice, which are closely linked to liberality. In 1 Samuel 12:3-4, Samuel addressed the people, saying, "Here I am; testify against me before the LORD and His anointed. Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I accepted a bribe to blind my eyes? Testify against me, and I will restore it to you." The people responded, "You have not defrauded us or oppressed us, nor have you taken anything from the hand of anyone." Samuel's fair and generous dealings with the people underscored his commitment to justice and righteousness. Conclusion Samuel's life and ministry provide a rich tapestry of liberality in action. From his mother's initial act of dedication to his own lifelong service to God and Israel, Samuel exemplified the virtues of generosity, integrity, and selflessness. His account encourages believers to practice liberality in their own lives, reflecting the character of God and serving others with an open heart. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 26:27,28Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD. Nave's Topical Index Library Whether the Prayers which the Saints Pour Forth to God for us are ... Spirit --A Term Expressive of an Operation of the Soul, not of Its ... Christ's Sermon on the Mount in Manner and Contents it So ... Of a Private Fast. At the Front or the Base Some History of Tiberias. The Jerusalem Talmud was Written There ... What Doest Thou Here? Of Love to God The Sixth Commandment After the War. 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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