Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 7000 God's people » 7300 Institutions and culture of OT » 7366 freewill offering 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. Instructions for presenting a freewill offering The animal to be offered Leviticus 22:17-22,23 Some slightly deformed animals were perhaps acceptable because the freewill offering was voluntary. Eating the offering Freewill offerings were associated with joy and celebration Psalm 54:6-7 See also Deuteronomy 16:9-12 during the Feast of Weeks Occasions for making freewill offerings In maintaining public worship and at times of religious renewal Exodus 35:20-29 Building the temple. See also 2 Chronicles 31:14 Hezekiah's reformation The return from exile: Ezra 1:4-6; Ezra 2:68; Ezra 7:16; Ezra 8:28; Nehemiah 7:70-72 Ezekiel 46:11-12 Ezekiel's visionary ideal temple As an additonal offering at certain festivals The offering had to be made at the sanctuary to be acceptable: Deuteronomy 12:5-6,17-18 Prophetic criticism of bragging over freewill offerings Amos 4:5 A sarcastic attack on the offering of freewill gifts as a way to gain prestige. See also
4605 animals, religious role |
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