How does Joshua 6:19 connect with Malachi 3:10 on tithing and offerings? Joshua’s Firstfruits at Jericho • Joshua 6:19 — “But all the silver and gold and every article of bronze and iron are holy to the LORD; they must go into His treasury.” • Jericho was Israel’s first conquest in Canaan. By dedicating everything of value to the Lord’s treasury, Israel treated the entire city as a firstfruits offering. • The principle: the very first increase belongs wholly to God (cf. Exodus 23:19; Proverbs 3:9–10). • Result: when the “devoted things” were withheld in the next chapter (Joshua 7), Israel experienced defeat, underscoring God’s claim on the first and best. Malachi’s Call to Restore the Tithe • Malachi 3:10 — “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. ‘Test Me in this,’ says the LORD of Hosts. ‘See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.’” • Centuries after Joshua, Israel had grown careless about giving. The prophet calls the nation back to covenant faithfulness by bringing the “full tithe” into God’s storehouse. • Promise: when the people honor God with the whole tithe, heaven’s blessings overflow (cf. Deuteronomy 28:12). Shared Threads between the Two Texts • God’s Ownership: “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). Both passages remind Israel that materially and militarily, success comes from God, and what He claims must be surrendered. • Holiness of the Offering: Joshua labels the valuables “holy to the LORD.” Malachi calls the withheld tithe “robbery” of God (Malachi 3:8). Holy things are set apart for Him alone. • The Treasury/Storehouse: In Joshua, the plunder goes into “His treasury.” In Malachi, the tithe is placed in “My house.” Both phrases point to a centralized repository maintained for God’s service and worship. • Firstfruits Pattern: Jericho, the first city, parallels the first tenth (tithe) of produce. Giving God the first portion acknowledges His provision and authority over all that follows. • Blessing or Loss: – Obedience (Joshua 6; Malachi 3:10) ⇒ victory and overflowing blessing. – Disobedience (Joshua 7; Malachi 3:9) ⇒ defeat and curse. The pattern reinforces that withholding what is holy invites discipline. Implications for Tithing and Offerings Today • God still claims the first and best of our increase (Leviticus 27:30; Matthew 23:23). • The local church functions as the “storehouse” where tithes support worship, ministry, and benevolence (Acts 4:34–35; 1 Corinthians 9:13–14). • Honoring God with our resources positions us to experience His promised provision (2 Corinthians 9:6–8; Philippians 4:19). • The historical examples of Jericho and post-exilic Judah illustrate both sides of the covenant: surrender invites blessing; withholding invites loss. Practical Takeaways • Give the first portion, not the leftovers. • Treat every paycheck, harvest, or gain as “holy to the LORD.” • Bring your tithe to the church promptly and joyfully. • Expect God to meet needs and advance His kingdom through your obedience. |
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