What is the biblical perspective regarding the nature and purpose of freedom?

You have to distinguish between physical freedom and intellectual freedom. During biblical times freedom was viewed more from the perspective of physical freedoms, not the intellectual freedoms politicians rely on to rally their supporters today. Slavery and involuntary servitude were common practices. Today, physical freedom has become a given in most parts of the world and it's purpose is obviously based on the natural desire we all have to want to control our own lives and enjoy the fruits of our own labor.

Intellectual freedom is a different story. In the lands that were covered in the Bible, free elections, freedom of the press and freedom of speech have been very slow to take hold. Although the distance is fairly short, it has taken a very long time for the ideas of intellectual freedom to make it from Athens to the Middle East.