A willing-offering, also known as a freewill offering, is a voluntary gift presented to God, distinct from obligatory sacrifices or tithes. This type of offering is characterized by the giver's voluntary and joyful spirit, reflecting a heart of gratitude and devotion to God. The concept of willing-offerings is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and is a significant aspect of Israelite worship and community life.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of willing-offerings is first introduced in the context of the construction of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 35:5, Moses instructs the Israelites: "Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze." This passage highlights the voluntary nature of the offering, emphasizing that it should come from those whose hearts are stirred to give.

In Leviticus, the freewill offering is further defined as part of the peace offerings. Leviticus 22:18-19 states, "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."

Purpose and Significance

Willing-offerings serve multiple purposes in the biblical narrative. They are expressions of thanksgiving, acts of worship, and means of supporting the work of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. These offerings are not mandated by law but are given out of a heart of gratitude and love for God. They reflect the giver's acknowledgment of God's provision and blessings.

The significance of willing-offerings is also seen in their role in community building and support. In Exodus 36:3-7, the Israelites bring so many offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle that Moses has to restrain them from bringing more. This overwhelming response demonstrates the collective commitment and unity of the people in their devotion to God.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention willing-offerings in the same manner as the Old Testament, the principle of voluntary giving is evident. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, "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 echoes the spirit of the willing-offering, emphasizing the importance of the giver's attitude and the voluntary nature of the gift.

Theological Implications

Willing-offerings underscore the importance of the heart's posture in worship and giving. They remind believers that God values the intention and willingness behind the gift more than the gift itself. This principle encourages Christians to give generously and joyfully, recognizing that all they have is from God and that giving is an act of worship and trust in His provision.

In summary, willing-offerings are a profound expression of faith and devotion, rooted in the biblical tradition of voluntary and joyful giving. They serve as a reminder of the importance of the heart's attitude in worship and the communal aspect of supporting God's work.

Amasiah
... II. This willing offering hallows all life. No syllable is left to tell us what
Amasiah did to win this praise. ... III. This willing offering is accepted by God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/amasiah.htm

July the Twenty-First Purifying the Sanctuary
... We enter the realm of music when we enter the realm of self-surrender. A willing
offering, on a clean altar, introduces the soul into "the joy of the Lord.". ...
/.../july the twenty-first purifying the.htm

Willing-offering (6 Occurrences)
Willing-offering. Willingness, Willing-offering. Willing-offerings .
Multi-Version Concordance Willing-offering (6 Occurrences). ...
/w/willing-offering.htm - 8k

Willing-offerings (2 Occurrences)
Willing-offerings. Willing-offering, Willing-offerings. Will-offering .
Multi-Version Concordance ... (YLT). Willing-offering, Willing-offerings. Will-offering ...
/w/willing-offerings.htm - 7k

Willingness (3 Occurrences)

/w/willingness.htm - 7k

Freely (101 Occurrences)
... things that are freely given," the American Standard Revised Version has "were"
for "are." (2) Willingly, spontaneously: nedhabhah, "willingoffering" (Psalm 54 ...
/f/freely.htm - 39k

Enlarged (21 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 22:23 As to an ox or a sheep enlarged or dwarfed -- a willing-offering
ye do make it, but for a vow it is not pleasing. (YLT). ...
/e/enlarged.htm - 12k

Dwarfed (3 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 22:23 As to an ox or a sheep enlarged or dwarfed -- a willing-offering
ye do make it, but for a vow it is not pleasing. (YLT). ...
/d/dwarfed.htm - 7k

Pleasing (185 Occurrences)
... (BBE YLT). Leviticus 22:23 As to an ox or a sheep enlarged or dwarfed -- a
willing-offering ye do make it, but for a vow it is not pleasing. (YLT). ...
/p/pleasing.htm - 37k

Sanctified (105 Occurrences)
... and for new moons, and for all appointed seasons of Jehovah that are sanctified;
and for every one who is willingly offering a willing-offering to Jehovah. ...
/s/sanctified.htm - 40k

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