The concept of liberality, particularly in its extraordinary form, is vividly exemplified in the actions and attitudes of the Israelites as recorded in the Scriptures. Liberality, in this context, refers to the generous and willing giving of resources, time, and effort for the benefit of others and the glory of God. The Israelites, at various points in their history, demonstrated remarkable acts of generosity that serve as enduring examples of this virtue.

The Construction of the Tabernacle

One of the most notable instances of extraordinary liberality among the Israelites is seen during the construction of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 35:4-29, Moses called upon the people to bring offerings for the building of the Tabernacle. The response was overwhelming. The Israelites gave so generously that Moses had to restrain them from bringing more. As recorded in Exodus 36:5-7 , "The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD has commanded to be done." This outpouring of generosity was a testament to their devotion and willingness to contribute to the work of God.

The Dedication of the Temple

Another significant example is found in the dedication of Solomon's Temple. In 1 Chronicles 29, King David called upon the leaders and the people to contribute to the building of the Temple. The response was again marked by extraordinary liberality. David himself set the example by giving from his personal treasures, and the leaders followed suit. The people rejoiced at the willingness of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. As stated in 1 Chronicles 29:9 , "The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD."

The Return from Exile

Upon their return from Babylonian exile, the Israelites once again demonstrated extraordinary liberality. In the book of Ezra, we read about the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Despite their limited resources, the people gave willingly to support the work. Ezra 2:68-69 notes, "When they arrived at the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, some of the heads of the families gave freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the house of God on its site. According to their ability, they gave to the treasury for this work."

Support for the Needy

The Israelites also exemplified liberality in their care for the needy. The Law of Moses included provisions for the poor, such as leaving the gleanings of the harvest for them (Leviticus 19:9-10) and the Year of Jubilee, which ensured the restoration of property and freedom for those who had fallen into debt (Leviticus 25). These laws encouraged a spirit of generosity and care for the less fortunate, reflecting God's heart for justice and mercy.

Throughout their history, the Israelites' acts of extraordinary liberality were not merely acts of human kindness but were deeply rooted in their covenant relationship with God. Their willingness to give generously was a reflection of their understanding of God's provision and their desire to honor Him with their resources. These examples continue to inspire and challenge believers to practice liberality in their own lives, recognizing that all they have is ultimately from God and for His purposes.Exodus 36:5
And they spoke to Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... suppose him to refer to an extraordinary appointment of ... degree of active benevolence,
rarely exemplified, and I ... replenish the source of his liberality, that it ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... unfavorably with the Macedonians, [371]387; to provoke them so to liberality,
[372]387 ... doubted by some, [546]124; shown from history of the Israelites, [547]133 ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... that nothing of the kind was exemplified in what ... any other pledges of the divine
liberality towards them ... privileges, the faithful set an extraordinary value on ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... the Law and Grace, and in his extraordinary development of ... father"'Whether we were
of the Israelites or no ... He pointedly exemplified the character set forth by ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

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