Voluntary-offerings, also known as freewill offerings, are contributions made by individuals out of their own volition, without any obligation or compulsion. These offerings are distinct from mandatory sacrifices and tithes prescribed by the Mosaic Law. Voluntary-offerings are expressions of gratitude, devotion, and worship towards God, reflecting the giver's heart and willingness to honor the Lord.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, voluntary-offerings are prominently featured in the sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites. The Hebrew term for voluntary-offering is "nedabah," which signifies a gift given freely. These offerings were often presented alongside other sacrifices, such as burnt offerings, peace offerings, and grain offerings.

Leviticus 22:18-19 provides instructions regarding voluntary-offerings: "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 an unblemished male from the cattle, sheep, or goats in order for it to be accepted on your behalf."

Voluntary-offerings were not limited to animals; they could also include grain, oil, and wine. These offerings were a means for individuals to express their personal devotion and thanksgiving to God, beyond the obligatory sacrifices.

Examples of Voluntary-offerings

1. The Tabernacle Construction: In Exodus 35, the Israelites brought voluntary-offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle. Exodus 35:29 states, "So all the men and women of Israel 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."

2. King David's Offerings: In 1 Chronicles 29, King David and the leaders of Israel gave generously for the building of the Temple. David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:14 reflects the spirit of voluntary-offerings: "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand."

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention voluntary-offerings in the same sacrificial context as the Old Testament, the principle of giving freely and willingly is emphasized. The early Christian community practiced generous giving to support the needs of fellow believers and the work of the church.

2 Corinthians 9:7 highlights the attitude of giving: "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." This verse underscores the importance of the heart's disposition in giving, aligning with the spirit of voluntary-offerings.

Theological Significance

Voluntary-offerings hold significant theological importance as they reflect the heart of worship and devotion to God. They demonstrate the principle that true worship is not merely about fulfilling obligations but about willingly offering oneself and one's resources to God. The act of giving voluntarily is an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and provision, recognizing that all blessings ultimately come from Him.

In summary, voluntary-offerings in the biblical context serve as a powerful expression of faith, gratitude, and love towards God, transcending mere duty and reflecting a heart fully devoted to the Creator.

A Warning against Hypocrisy
... Voluntary offerings and the tithe constitute the revenue of the Lord's work. Of
the means entrusted to man, God claims a certain portion,"the tenth. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 7 a warning against.htm

Apollonius.
... thither people from all parts; who set up exactors of money; who craftily contrives
the taking of gifts under the name of voluntary offerings; who grants ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/apollonius.htm

The Desire of all Nations
... The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of Hosts." The desirable
things of all nations are to be brought in as voluntary offerings to this ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/the desire of all nations.htm

The Return of the Exiles
... hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious
things." And to these and many other voluntary offerings were added ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

part i
My Life in Christ. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

Voluntary-offerings (4 Occurrences)
Voluntary-offerings. Voluntary-offering, Voluntary-offerings. Volunteer .
Multi-Version Concordance Voluntary-offerings (4 Occurrences). ...
/v/voluntary-offerings.htm - 7k

Voluntary (17 Occurrences)
... of the sanctuary, to make it. And they still brought him voluntaryofferings
morning by morning. (DBY). Leviticus 1:3 If his offering ...
/v/voluntary.htm - 14k

Volunteer (2 Occurrences)

/v/volunteer.htm - 8k

Heave-offering (55 Occurrences)
... of the sanctuary, to make it. And they still brought him voluntaryofferings
morning by morning. (DBY YLT). Exodus 36:6 Then Moses ...
/h/heave-offering.htm - 26k

Voluntary-offering (2 Occurrences)
Voluntary-offering. Voluntary, Voluntary-offering. Voluntary-offerings . ... (DBY).
Voluntary, Voluntary-offering. Voluntary-offerings . Reference Bible.
/v/voluntary-offering.htm - 7k

Kine (24 Occurrences)
... or of thy new wine, or of thine oil, or the firstlings of thy kine or of thy sheep,
nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy voluntary-offerings, nor the ...
/k/kine.htm - 16k

Oblations (24 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Numbers 29:39 These shall ye offer to Jehovah in your set feasts, besides
your vows, and your voluntary-offerings, for your burnt-offerings, and for your ...
/o/oblations.htm - 15k

Jimnah (4 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 2 Chronicles 31:14 And Kore the son of Jimnah the Levite, the doorkeeper
toward the east, was over the voluntary-offerings of God, to distribute the heave ...
/j/jimnah.htm - 8k

Joash (49 Occurrences)
... 24:7). To meet the expense of its restoration, the king gave orders that all moneys
coming into the temple, whether dues or voluntaryofferings, should be ...
/j/joash.htm - 41k

Thank-offering (5 Occurrences)
... Amos 4:5 and burn a thank-offering with leaven, and proclaim, publish, voluntary
offerings: for this pleaseth you, children of Israel, saith the Lord Jehovah. ...
/t/thank-offering.htm - 8k

What were the various sacrifices in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

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

What is an offertory? | GotQuestions.org

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