Definition and Nature
Willing-offerings, also known as freewill offerings, are voluntary contributions made by individuals to God, distinct from obligatory tithes and sacrifices. These offerings are characterized by the giver's voluntary decision to offer them, motivated by gratitude, devotion, or a desire to support the work of God. They are expressions of personal commitment and worship, reflecting the heart's willingness to give beyond what is required by law.

Biblical Foundation
The concept of willing-offerings is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. In Exodus 35:29 , the Israelites are described as bringing freewill offerings to the LORD: "So all the men and women of the Israelites whose hearts moved them brought a freewill offering to the LORD for all the work that the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do." This passage highlights the voluntary nature of these offerings, as they were given by those whose hearts were stirred.

In Leviticus 22:18-21 , the LORD instructs Moses regarding the 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." This underscores the importance of the offering being without defect, symbolizing the purity and sincerity of the giver's heart.

Purpose and Significance
Willing-offerings serve multiple purposes in the biblical narrative. They are acts of worship, expressions of thanksgiving, and means of supporting the religious and communal life of Israel. In Deuteronomy 16:10 , the Israelites are instructed to "celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God with a freewill offering that you give in proportion to how the LORD your God has blessed you." This indicates that willing-offerings are a response to God's blessings, given in proportion to what one has received.

Moreover, willing-offerings play a crucial role in the construction and maintenance of the tabernacle and temple. In 1 Chronicles 29:9 , the people rejoiced at the willing offerings they gave for the building of the temple: "Then the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly." This demonstrates the communal aspect of willing-offerings, as they contribute to the collective worship and service of 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 continues. 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 reflects the spirit of willing-offerings, emphasizing the importance of giving from the heart, not under compulsion.

Theological Implications
Willing-offerings highlight the relationship between the giver and God, emphasizing the importance of the heart's attitude in worship. They remind believers that true worship involves more than mere obligation; it is a heartfelt response to God's grace and provision. The practice of willing-offerings encourages believers to reflect on their blessings and respond with generosity, fostering a spirit of gratitude and community within the body of Christ.

Smitten in Vain
... Again, the purity of willing offerings is marred when they are given in response
to a loud call, or, when given, are proclaimed with acclamations. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/smitten in vain.htm

Soldier Priests
... 'Thy people shall be willing offerings in the day of Thy power.'. Still further,
another remarkable idea may be connected with this word. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/soldier priests.htm

Another Royal Procession
... The willing offerings of the people carpeted the road for the Son of David
when he went through his metropolis to his cathedral. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/another royal procession.htm

The Pastor's Parting Blessing
... rendered. To the God of Providence, who supplies our needs through the willing
offerings of his people, we look confidently. There ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the pastors parting blessing.htm

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

Willing-offering (6 Occurrences)
Willing-offering. Willingness, Willing-offering. Willing-offerings . ... Willingness,
Willing-offering. Willing-offerings . Reference Bible.
/w/willing-offering.htm - 8k

Gatekeeper (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 31:14 And Kore son of Imnah the Levite, the gatekeeper at the east,
'is' over the willing-offerings of God, to give the heave-offering of Jehovah ...
/g/gatekeeper.htm - 8k

Will-offering (1 Occurrence)
Will-offering. Willing-offerings, Will-offering. Willow . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (Root in JPS ASV YLT). Willing-offerings, Will-offering. Willow . ...
/w/will-offering.htm - 6k

Willing (152 Occurrences)
... Any man of the house of Israel, or of the sojourners in Israel, who bringeth near
his offering, of all his vows, or of all his willingofferings which they ...
/w/willing.htm - 35k

Ordinances (119 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV). Psalms 119:108 Accept, I beg you, the willingofferings of
my mouth. Yahweh, teach me your ordinances. (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV). ...
/o/ordinances.htm - 37k

Apart (228 Occurrences)
... 23:38 apart from the sabbaths of Jehovah, and apart from your gifts, and apart from
all your vows, and apart from all your willing-offerings, which ye give to ...
/a/apart.htm - 36k

Accept (106 Occurrences)
... Selah. (KJV DBY WBS). Psalms 119:108 Accept, I beg you, the willingofferings
of my mouth. Yahweh, teach me your ordinances. (WEB ...
/a/accept.htm - 38k

Beg (77 Occurrences)
... Yahweh, we beg you, send prosperity now. (WEB). Psalms 119:108 Accept, I beg you,
the willingofferings of my mouth. Yahweh, teach me your ordinances. (WEB). ...
/b/beg.htm - 37k

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