Tithing: A Lesson To Be Learned Part 2

When we left off in this series of lessons, we talked about what a tithe is as compared with offerings and alms. Now I wanted to take you back to the beginning. Let's talk about history of the tithe and then look at the first mentioning of Tithe in the bible. tithe did not start with the Law being given to Moses. Which leads me to believe that it would not stop with the law but it would transcend.

History of  the Tithe

The predominant concept of tithing today involves the giving of money to one's local church. It is often mistaken to be the same as the Old Testament Jewish practice of giving first fruits. Briefly expounding upon first fruits will offer some help in clarifying exactly what the difference between tithing and first fruit. While it is not within the scope of this work to comment on every Scripture pertaining to either first fruits or tithing, it is important to note that an examination of God's Word reveals that first fruits and tithes were not the same thing.

First fruits were primarily agricultural (with a noted exception below) and included produce "in the raw state (grain and fruit); those prepared for use as food (wine, oil, flour, and dough), including wool" (Ex. 22:29; 23:19; 34:26; Deut. 18:4). Offerings of first fruits were to be the choicest portions (Num. 18:12) and the amount of the offering was apparently left to the discretion of the giver. According to Nelson's Quick Reference Bible Dictionary: The law ordered in general that the first of all ripe fruits should be offered in God's house. It was an act of allegiance to God as the giver of all. No exact quantity was commanded, but it was left to the spiritual and moral sense of each individual.

First fruit offerings were the "perquisite of the priests" (Num. 18:11; Deut. 18:4). In other words, the Temple priests received part of their wages in the form of edible provisions or commodities, e.g., wool; first fruit offerings were one means of this support. Tithing, on the other hand, while eventually serving some of the same purposes as first fruits, e.g., the support and provision for priests, was different from the giving of first fruits. The portion of an individual's first fruits was at the discretion of the giver--the amount could vary--while the amount of a tithe could not.

The Antiquity of Tithing Many Christians are unaware that tithing was not first practiced by the ancient Jews. It was an ancient practice to be sure, but it was exercised in many cultures. Even prior to the earliest biblical record of tithing (Gen. 14:18-20), it was a custom practiced by several people groups as noted by Christopher Hill in his Economics of the Early Church:

The system of appropriating 10 per cent. [sic] of the produce of the community to the maintenance of a priest is of great antiquity. It existed not only among the Jews, but also in many pagan tribes. 

And, according to Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible:

the institution of offering tithes of the fruits of the field and of the flocks is one which dates back to a period greatly anterior to Israelite history. A tenth of the flocks, fruits, and possessions of all kinds, as well as of the spoils of war, was given to their gods [referring to pagan tithing] by many peoples. The widespread practice in the ancient world of tithing by giving a portion of one's profit or spoils of war extended from Greece to China. Donation of a tenth portion was common apparently because most people "counted in tens, based on ten fingers." 

The word "tithe," it should be noted, actually means "tenth." The word's history is tied to "the old ordinal numeral in English." Phonetic changes in the prehistory of the English language are responsible for the word looking very different from the word ten.

The Concise Evangelical Dictionary of Theology says that tithing is the "practice of giving one-tenth of one's property or produce to support religious institutions." This is quite an interesting definition since it allows two ways to understand the word "produce."

Further Definition

In Elwell's definition above, the word "produce" could easily be understood to mean fruits and vegetables or that which has been produced for the expressed purpose of exchange, e.g., wages or money. The definition allows both an ancient and modern understanding of tithing. It is appropriate to say that whatever your increase, profit, income is this is what you should give a tenth of to God. As stated in my last lesson, if one receives clothes, shoes, food, or money, then that person should give in kind. Plainly stated, if you are given ten suits, one should be given to God. likewise if you make 100.00 then 10.00 should be given to God.

Tithing, Before the Law

Now let's move on to Abraham,

Genesis 14:18-20

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

Abraham had just defeated Chedorlaomer (Kedorlaomer) king of Elam and three kings, with only his 318 trained servants and his allies Aner, Eshcol and Mamre. The purpose of the attack had been to rescue Lot who had been taken captive by Chedorlaomer. God had given Abraham the victory so it was

appropriate to express gratitude. From the spoils of victory Abraham gave a tenth of all to Melchizedek.

Then we have Jacob:

Genesis 28:20-22

Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the LORD will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.

This promise was made at Bethel following a vision Jacob had experienced while sleeping. Jacob's promise to tithe was conditional upon the message of the vision being personally applicable; ie keeping him in his travels,

giving him bread to eat and clothes to wear until he returned to his fathers house. Later in Genesis just prior to Jacob returning to his home land we read of him,

Genesis 30:43

In this way the man grew exceedingly prosperous and came to own large flocks, and female and male servants, and camels and donkeys.

Thus God had prospered Jacob and gave him more than he could otherwise have earned. the same is true if we make the vow to God that we will give a tithe to him, he will make sure that you have all that you need to render the tithe but to be completely taken care of. this is what Malachi meant about a blessing you will not have room enough to receive. the old adage you cannot out give God is true when it come to the principle of tithing. Yes, tithing is a principle, a principle (doctrine, fact, law) that has been around long before the Law of Moses.

Should a Christian Tithe?

Well, let's put it this way, we will talk more about the New Testament in our last lesson of the series. However, based on all my research and studying the Bible for myself I believe God has given me a clear understanding of a principle he established for his church.

A Christian that is actively seeking to please God, should not just tithe but they should give more. Israel under the weak and beggarly Old Testament gave more than 10% in tithes and offerings, so we under the blessings of the New Testament should give more than they, and the Spirit-filled examples agree (Gal 4:9; Heb 7:19,22; 8:6; Acts 2:44-47; 4:32-37). Remember, the Lord requires based on what He has given you (Luke 12:48).

Tithing, originated long before the Law, but the Law systematized its practice (Gen 9:6). The New Testament  does not mention tithing by name, except for Jesus correcting the Jews (Matt 23:23; Luke 11:42) and Paul’s historical description of Abraham giving Melchizedek a tithe (Heb 7:1-4). But there are many useful and Godly principles of the Old Testament that are not repeated specifically in the New Testament.

However, the new Testament does require giving by doctrine and precept for the very same things as the Old Testament – the ministry and the poor (Acts 20:35; I Cor 9:1-18; 16:1-3; II Cor 8:1-24; 9:1-15; Gal 6:6; I Tim 5:3,17; 6:17-19; I John 3:17-18).  The New Testament saints gave with cheerful liberality and obvious personal sacrifice both in public and private, for their position or assets in this world meant little to them (Acts 2:44-47; 4:32-37; 6:1; Phil 4:10-18; Philemon 1:4-7; Heb 10:34; III John 1:5-8). They give to ministers who labor full time in the ministry and to poor saints, including widows indeed, in their own church and in other churches (Acts 6:1; 11:28-30; Rom 15:25-27; I Cor 9:7-14; 16:1-3; Gal 2:10; 6:6; I Tim 5:17-18; II Tim 2:4).

Many will say that since tithing is not specifically named in the new Testament that we should not tithes, however, the New Testament does not mention corporal punishment, but the same ones who say don't tithe will use the O.T. principle to train your children (Pr 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15). It does not mention saving money, but you do so from Solomon (Pr 6:8; 30:25). It does not mention many Godly rules or principles, which may be assumed from the O.T. The tithe was not abolished, as was the Sabbath. The Sabbath was not pre-Moses, was for Israel only, and was clearly abolished according to Paul. Tithing was pre-Moses and not rejected by Paul, thus remaining as a guide. That is right, Paul did appeal to the Law of Moses for principles of financial giving, which shows the remaining validity of the principles pertaining to giving (I Cor 9:8-9; II Cor 9:9; I Tim 5:18).

Some may ask, what if it becomes a mere ritual? Worship becoming a dead ritual depends on your heart, for systematic giving can be done cheerfully, as Moses required of the Jews, and Paul required of the Gentiles (I Cor 16:1-3). Does attending assemblies every Lord’s Day or daily reading of the Bible become a dead ritual merely by its discipline or habit? No!

Some may ask, What if I am in debt and cannot afford to give? I say this, Because you are in financial trouble, you cannot afford NOT to give! Joseph and Mary, though poor, brought two turtledoves for our Lord’s dedication (Luke 2:22-24; Lev 12:8). Jesus took note of a widow giving two mites over rich men giving much (Lev 12:1-4). Moses required a soul offering of every citizen without regard for ability to give (Ex 30:5). The Philippians gave generously, though they were comparatively poor (II Cor 8:1-5).

Some may ask, What about the Tele-Evangelist and others that want me to give to their ministries? Some should be rejected as false prophets, for they are not sent by God, do not preach God’s words, steal widows’ houses through fake prayers, promise lies about getting rich, and sell trinkets without shame (Matt 23:14). But their heresies, lies, and scams do not negate the need to generously support God’s ministers (I Tim 5:17-18). 

My personal thoughts are to pray about giving to other ministries. You cannot go wrong if God is prompting you to give. God is aware of his true ministers, and He will guide you in the way you should go. Trust the Spirit of God in you when it comes to supporting other ministries. DO NOT give to others if you are not faithfully giving to your local church (pastor). You should give because you are receiving spiritual food and substance to live your life according to God's will. I am sure if you are going to a local church every week, that man or woman of God is feeding you spiritual food, I mean really, would you go to a church where you were not getting what you needed to survive spiritually? NO! However, there are other places where you can get fed also, so again give as the Lord directs.