An offering that in some ways resembled the thank-offering or peace offering. It was completely voluntary, prompted by an occasion of celebration or spiritual significance. The animal offered was eaten at a festive banquet.

Leviticus 22:17-22,23

Instructions for presenting a freewill offering

The animal to be offered

Leviticus 7:16

Some slightly deformed animals were perhaps acceptable because the freewill offering was voluntary.

Eating the offering

Psalms 54:6-7

Freewill offerings were associated with joy and celebration

See also

Deuteronomy 16:9-12

during the Feast of Weeks

Exodus 35:20-29

Occasions for making freewill offerings

In maintaining public worship and at times of religious renewal

See also

2 Chronicles 31:14

Building the temple.

Ezra 1:4-6; 2:68; 7:16; 8:28

Hezekiah's reformation

Nehemiah 7:70-72

The return from exile:

Ezekiel 46:11-12
Numbers 29:39

Ezekiel's visionary ideal temple

As an additonal offering at certain festivals

Deuteronomy 12:5-6,17-18

The offering had to be made at the sanctuary to be acceptable:

Amos 4:5

Prophetic criticism of bragging over freewill offerings

See also

A sarcastic attack on the offering of freewill gifts as a way to gain prestige.

4612 birds
7364 fellowship offering
7402 offerings
7435 sacrifice, in OT
7476 thank-offering
8488 tithing
8676 thanksgiving