Topical Bible: Offerings: Required to Be: Brought Without Delay

◄ Offerings: Required to Be: Brought Without Delay ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, offerings hold a significant place in the worship and devotion of God's people. The requirement for offerings to be brought without delay underscores the importance of promptness and obedience in the act of giving to God. This principle is rooted in the understanding that offerings are not merely ritualistic obligations but expressions of faith, gratitude, and reverence towards the Almighty.

Biblical Mandate for Prompt Offerings

The Scriptures emphasize the necessity of bringing offerings promptly as a demonstration of one's commitment and sincerity in worship. In Exodus 22:29, the Israelites are instructed, "You must not hold back offerings from your granaries or vats. You are to give Me the firstborn of your sons." . This command highlights the immediacy with which offerings should be presented, reflecting a heart that prioritizes God above all else.

The Principle of Firstfruits

The concept of firstfruits is integral to understanding the requirement for timely offerings. By offering the first and best of their produce, the Israelites acknowledged God's provision and sovereignty. Proverbs 3:9-10 states, "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." . This passage illustrates the blessing associated with honoring God through prompt and prioritized giving.

Consequences of Delay

Delaying offerings can signify a lack of trust or reverence for God. Malachi 1:8-9 addresses the issue of offering blemished sacrifices, which can be seen as a form of delay in giving what is due to God: "When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present the lame and sick, is it not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?" . This rebuke serves as a reminder that God deserves the best and that delaying or withholding offerings is unacceptable.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the principle of prompt offerings is echoed in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus instructs, "Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." . This passage emphasizes the importance of resolving relational issues promptly to ensure that offerings are made with a pure heart.

Spiritual Implications

The requirement for offerings to be brought without delay is not merely a matter of ritual compliance but reflects a deeper spiritual truth. It signifies a heart fully devoted to God, willing to prioritize Him above personal convenience or gain. The act of bringing offerings promptly is an expression of faith, acknowledging God's rightful place as the provider and sustainer of all things.

In summary, the biblical mandate for offerings to be brought without delay is a call to prioritize God in all aspects of life, demonstrating faithfulness and obedience through timely and wholehearted giving.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 22:29,30
You shall not delay to offer the first of your ripe fruits, and of your liquors: the firstborn of your sons shall you give to me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Acts XXI
... [520] Nothing but the annual feasts brought together in ... join with them in the service,
though it required them to offer sacrifices, and even sin-offerings. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxi.htm

Epistle Lxiv. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
... live with their clergy: And concerning the offerings of the ... iniquities, and in sin
my mother brought me forth ... creature, purity of body was required with such ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle lxiv to augustine bishop.htm

Glad Givers and Faithful Workers
... said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the ... And they offered burnt offerings
in the house of the ... low, was glad when the new arrangement brought a clear ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/glad givers and faithful workers.htm

The Oracles.
... and when they had made the offerings, and performed ... The verse which the messenger
brought back from the ... instructed to perform the ceremonies required, to offer ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter vi the oracles.htm

Luther's Separation from Rome.
... from which the monastic life had brought no release. ... and monks, and performed all
the ceremonies required. ... been deprived of worshipers and offerings, but their ...
/.../7 luthers separation from rome.htm

Luther's Separation from Rome
... from which the monastic life had brought no release. ... and monks, and performed all
the ceremonies required. ... been deprived of worshipers and offerings, but their ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 7 luthers separation from.htm

How St. Augustine, Being Made a Bishop, Sent to Acquaint Pope ...
... or into how many portions the offerings of the faithful at ... in iniquity, and in sin
my mother brought me forth ... of body was there so carefully required, where God ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxvii how st augustine.htm

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ...
... that day come wherein thou must be brought forth to ... in them." (Ecclesiastes 12:1.)
God ever required in his ... God accepteth none but free-will offerings, and the ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations on the hindrances which.htm

Chapter xxxv
... sacking of Shechem may have brought additional "foreign ... retained so firmly that it
required no repetition? ... was always used in conjunction with other offerings. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxv.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... chair, a cup for the royal offerings, and his ... to be floating on a lake, without either
bridges ... means of which the besiegers might have brought their machines ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm