Topical Bible: Offerings: Thank: Ordinances Concerning

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, thank offerings, also known as thanksgiving offerings, are a subset of peace offerings presented to God as an expression of gratitude. These offerings are deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people, serving as a tangible acknowledgment of His provision, protection, and blessings.

Old Testament Ordinances

The ordinances concerning thank offerings are primarily found in the Pentateuch, particularly in the book of Leviticus. Leviticus 7:11-15 outlines the regulations for peace offerings, which include thank offerings:

"This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings that one may present to the LORD: If he offers it in thanksgiving, then along with the sacrifice of thanksgiving he shall offer unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers coated with oil, and well-kneaded cakes of fine flour mixed with oil. Along with his peace offering of thanksgiving, he is to present an offering with cakes of leavened bread. From the cakes he must present one portion as a contribution to the LORD. It belongs to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace offering. The meat of the sacrifice of his peace offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day he offers it; none of it may be left until morning." (Leviticus 7:11-15)

These offerings were voluntary and were to be consumed on the same day they were offered, emphasizing the immediacy and sincerity of the worshiper's gratitude. The inclusion of both unleavened and leavened bread signifies the completeness and abundance of the offering.

Purpose and Significance

Thank offerings were a means for the Israelites to express their gratitude to God for His mercies and blessings. They were often given in response to specific acts of divine intervention or provision, such as deliverance from danger, recovery from illness, or the receipt of a bountiful harvest. The act of offering was not merely a ritualistic duty but a heartfelt expression of thanksgiving, acknowledging God's sovereignty and goodness.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not prescribe specific ordinances for thank offerings, the principle of thanksgiving remains central to Christian worship and life. The Apostle Paul frequently exhorts believers to give thanks in all circumstances, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

The New Testament broadens the concept of thank offerings to encompass a lifestyle of gratitude, where believers are encouraged to offer their lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). This spiritual offering of thanksgiving is reflected in the believer's attitude, prayers, and acts of service.

Theological Implications

Thank offerings underscore the importance of gratitude in the believer's relationship with God. They remind the faithful of their dependence on divine grace and the necessity of acknowledging God's hand in all aspects of life. The practice of giving thanks, both in the Old and New Testaments, fosters a spirit of humility and worship, drawing believers closer to their Creator.

In summary, thank offerings in the biblical tradition serve as a vital expression of gratitude, rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people. They highlight the importance of acknowledging God's blessings and encourage a lifestyle of thanksgiving and worship.

Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 7:11-15
And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer to the LORD.
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Leviticus 22:29
And when you will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the LORD, offer it at your own will.
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Deuteronomy 12:11,12
Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall you bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which you vow to the LORD:
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Library

The Testament of Levi Concerning the Priesthood and Arrogance.
... whole burnt-offerings, first-fruits, free-will offerings, thank-offerings. ... And I
saw concerning him that he would ... commandments contrary to the ordinances of God ...
/.../iii the testament of levi concerning.htm

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ...
... If the conclusion concerning them, which we shall by ... was no room in their system
for such ordinances. They sent, indeed, thank offerings to the Temple, but what ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the deputation from.htm

"The House of Israel"
... covenanted to keep all the commandments and ordinances of Jehovah. ... by returning Him
a portion in tithes and offerings"in thank offerings, in freewill ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 59 the house of.htm

The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of ...
... the prophecy of Zechariah, [5366] concerning the mourning ... modified or condensed series
of ordinances (at most ... all the sacrifices only thank-offerings would be ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi the evening of.htm

What a Sacrifice Is, and what are the Species of Sacrifice.
... oblation, the drink-offering, thank-offerings, first-fruits ... the Gentiles might be
offerings acceptable to ... preach mostly of human ordinances, whereby consciences ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 30 what a sacrifice.htm

Panegyric on the Splendor of Affairs.
... to dance, and to present her thank-offerings unto God ... and which were anciently recorded
concerning us in ... kind of matter and rubbish of impious ordinances. 61. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iv panegyric on the splendor.htm

A Miracle of Grace
... hope that it may be also concerning yourself true ... the services of God and the ordinances
of the ... smother his gratitude, but he presented thank-offerings to God. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/a miracle of grace.htm

The Sermon of the Seasons
... and of every clean fowl and offered burnt offerings on the ... The heavens and their
ordinances know no presence and power ... I do not know for which I thank God most ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the sermon of the seasons.htm

Scriptural Types.
... the New Testament of the "carnal ordinances" of the ... in all its different
subdivisions"thank-offering, votive ... represented as paying his peace-offerings to ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

The New Covenant.
... He also teaches them through the ordinances of the ... and the child might bring their
thank-offering to ... prepare for Me: In whole burnt offerings and sacrifices ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm